Stance and Balance

The most important stance in basketball is Triple Threat. Triple Threat is the position when a player facing a defender receives a pass but has not dribbled yet. The offensive player's feet are slightly wider than shoulder width and slightly on the balls of his feet, his knees flexed, with both hands on the basketball in front of him or almost resting on his thigh, presenting the defender with an opponent able to move in any direction. One foot is held as the pivot and the other slightly ahead. From this, the player can choose from three options: to jump-shoot, to dribble (drive) past the defender or to pass it to a teammate.

This position is also necessary in your shooting stance. The ideal stance for a shooter is: feet shoulder width apart (or comfortable feet length), hips dropped (gives the most lift), 10 toes to rim, and dominant foot in front of the other.

The basketball stance in its self, should give you balance, if in the correct position. Your feet being shoulder width apart allows your base to be wide enough having an explosive shot. Balance ensures power and explosiveness in getting off your shot quicker and also having a quick step if wanting to dribble out of the triple threat position. Dropping the hips makes it less easier for you to get knocked off balance. In women's basketball, women have a hard time getting low in any position but it is vital in the game and your hips and knees being dropped helped in giving you power. There are many different shot types, but regardless if you do a step back, three point shot, are set shot, your position/stance should be the same in every situation