The Pivot Foot – Which Foot to Use – Permanent vs. Switching

There is a common debate among basketball coaches about the best way to establish a pivot foot.  Some coaches are extremely set on one method being better than the other.  We are a little more flexible in our belief, but I’d like to tell you about the two methods and when each of them make sense.

The two methods:

1. Permanent pivot: This means that the player always uses the same foot to pivot on, regardless of where they catch the ball.
2. Varying / Switching / Inside Foot pivot (often taught as inside foot pivot): This means that a player changes the which foot they pivot based on where they catch the ball.

Before we get into more detail about the benefits of each, I’d like to break this down a little further. When people talk about these two methods they are usually talking only about how players pivot on the perimeter, but I think about perimeter as well as post pivoting. So there are two items to discuss regarding pivoting.

There are two main positions for pivoting:

1. Pivot foot on the perimeter
2. Pivot foot in the post

Perimeter pivot foot

Let’s first discuss pivoting on the perimeter. There is no right answer to the question of which method to use. Many players have used either method and have had a lot of success. In my mind it is beneficial to be able to use the varying/inside pivot foot method and I think every ADVANCED player should be able to use either foot as pivot.

That said, I think it is often easier to teach and to learn the permanent pivot foot. As a player gets more advanced and develops good footwork, it becomes easier for them to be able to switch pivot feet based on what feels more comfortable or what works for them. Overall, I recommend players that catch the ball while facing the hoop establish a permanent pivot foot…and adjust to either method as their footwork becomes strong.

Post pivot foot

Pivoting in the post is a different item. Post players should are far more dangerous catching the ball on two feet and being able to select a pivot foot. Players should learn to catch the ball with both feet at the same time so they can select a pivot foot. So, post players (and any player that will play with their back to the basket.) should learn the varying pivot foot.

Our Opinion

In summary, on the perimeter, players should start by learning permanent pivot and work to enable themselves to use either foot… in back to the basket situations, players should catch the ball on two feet and be able to use either foot to pivot

photo credit: Jolian Troffaes