HOW TO PLAY ONE-ONONE BASKETBALL

Chris Hernandez
TECM 2700
December 2, 2014

Table of Contents

iii

Table of Contents
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... iii
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... v
Manual Overview ........................................................................................................................ v
Equipment ................................................................................................................................... v
Choosing Your Opponent ............................................................................................................... 3
Deciding Who You Want to Play................................................................................................ 3
Setting the Rules for the Game ....................................................................................................... 7
Establishing the Rules ................................................................................................................. 7
Stretching Properly ....................................................................................................................... 11
Learning the Exercises .............................................................................................................. 11
Winning the Game ........................................................................................................................ 15
Using the Crossover .................................................................................................................. 15
Using the Jab Step ..................................................................................................................... 16
Using the Pump Fake ................................................................................................................ 16
Glossary ........................................................................................................................................ 19
Index ............................................................................................................................................. 21

Introduction

Introduction
As a basketball player on any level, many individuals will most likely challenge you on the
hardwood. Many will claim that they play the sport better than you, and as a competitor, you
will always disagree. You can best answer the question of who plays better by playing a game of
one-on-one. Countless players have challenged me on the court. Time after time, I have proven
to them that Im a force to be reckoned with when it comes to playing one-on-one basketball.
You can easily answer any questions people may have about you as a basketball player by
playing one-on-one.

Manual Overview
After reading this manual, you will know how to:

Decide who you want to play against

Play one-on-one with the proper rules
Stretch properly
Win the game

I will not explain the basic rules of basketball. I will also not include any cost estimate on
playing one on one because you should already have the necessary equipment to play basketball.

Equipment
Before you start, make sure you have the following equipment:

Basketball
Basketball court
Athletic clothing
Tennis shoes

The University of North Texas (UNT) Rec Center provides basketballs and basketball courts.
Once you have these items, you can answer any challengers on the hardwood in no time.
You can find the bolded and yellow colored words in the glossary on page 19.

CHOOSING YOUR OPPONENT

Choosing Your Opponent

Choosing Your Opponent

Before playing a game of one-on-one, you need someone to play against. You can easily find an
opponent by asking a friend or a random person at the Rec Center. However, you will have more
fun playing against someone who has challenged your abilities or someone who believes they
play better than you. You will have more fun playing these type of games because they will
make you compete the hardest. As a basketball player, you want to answer any challenge that
may come your way on the hardwood, and your best option to do so comes in the form of oneon-one basketball. The fact that you dont have to rely on anyone else but yourself, makes this
type of basketball beautiful.

Deciding Who You Want to Play

These options will help you quickly decide who you want to play:

Random basketball player at the Rec Center

Friend
Someone who has challenged you to a game of one-on-one
Someone who believes they play the game better than you
Someone who wants to bet money that they can beat you in a game of one-on-one

SETTING THE RULES FOR

THE GAME

Setting the Rules for the Game

Setting the Rules for the Game

Most basketball players tend to play one-on-one with varying rules. People come from different
areas and they all play by the rules they grew up with. However, one-on-one basketball does
have a standard set of rules that everyone should play by. You must establish the rules before
playing the game to avoid any confusion and/or arguing.

Establishing the Rules

The rules for a game of one-on-one include:

Standard basketball rules such as traveling, double-dribbling, carrying, etc.

Someone shoots from the three point line to see who gets ball first
The first to score twelve points wins
Make it Take it If you score a point, you get the ball back
Each player gets one shot per possession
Players call their own fouls
Respect opposing calls
No time limit
Typical out-of-bounds lines still in play (explanation below)
For one-on-one basketball, you either get one or two points, unlike the traditional rules
for 5-on-5 basketball (explanation below)

The base line and sideline

represent the out-of-bounds
lines.

How to Play One-On-One Basketball

Instead of two points in this area, you get

one point.

Instead of three points in this area, you get

two points.

I will not explain the standard rules of basketball such as traveling, double-dribbling, carrying
etc. because you should already have a firm grasp of them.

STRETCHING PROPERLY

Stretching Properly

11

Stretching Properly
You must stretch properly before playing a game of one-on-one. You will improve your
flexibility, strengthen your muscles, and increase your range of motion. Stretching will not only
protect you, but it will also help you perform at a higher level. You cant forgo stretching and
then expect to play well. Studies show that stretching vastly improves your ability to perform
intense, physical activities.

Learning the Exercises

The picture below displays exercises for stretching properly:

You must do these exercises to stretch your body and play a physical, competitive game.

WINNING THE GAME

Winning the Game

15

Winning the Game

You play to win the game. As a basketball player, or any type of athlete, you want to win every
game you play in. In order to do that, you must know many basketball moves that players like
Allen Iverson, Michael Jordan, Gary Payton, and other legendary basketball players used to do.
Knowing more moves than your opponent will help you win the game much easier. If you can
combine multiple basketball moves in one play, then you attack any weakness your opponent
may have on defense.

Using the Crossover

Instructions on how use the crossover move below along with a simple illustration:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Start by dribbling the ball in either your right or left hand

Hesitate
Stay low and wide
Cross the ball over to the opposite hand as quick as you can

You want your opponent to think you go one way, while you actually go the other way. You can
make a beautiful play with such a simple move like the crossover.

How to Play One-On-One Basketball

16

Using the Jab Step

Instructions on how to use the jab step along with a simple illustration:
1. Hold the ball in Triple Threat position
2. Jab with your non-pivot foot

After you jab, you can shoot the ball, pump fake, or dribble in the opposite direction. This move
tests your opponents defensive stance and makes them unbalanced. You can identify
weaknesses in your opponents defense by a simple jab. Once you make them unbalanced, you
can score in a variety of ways.

Using the Pump Fake

Instructions on how to use the pump fake along with an illustration:
1. Hold the ball in Triple Threat position
2. Fake a jump shot
3. Drive the basket for a shot

Winning the Game

17

The pump fake will make your opponent jump in the air, giving you an easy drive to the basket.
It works so well because your opponent knows you dont have a teammate, so you can shoot the
ball at any given moment. Using the pump fake correctly can give you three to four easy points
in a game.

Glossary

19

Glossary
Hardwood- a basketball court
Traveling- taking more than a step and a half without dribbling the ball or moving your pivot
foot once youve stopped dribbling.
Double-Dribbling-when a player stops and then resumes dribbling or dribbles using both hands.
Carrying- when a player has the ball under their hand while dribbling
Crossover- when a player switches the ball rapidly from one hand to the other, to make a change
in direction.
Jab Step- when a player in triple-threat jabs with their non-pivot foot
Pump Fake- when a player fakes a jump shot
Triple-Threat- when a player who has the ball is bent in position to either pass, shoot, or dribble

Index

Index
hardwood, V, 3
traveling, 7, 8
double-dribbling, 7, 8
carrying, 7, 8
crossover, 15
jab step, 16,
pump fake, 16, 17
triple-threat, 16

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