Inside the Move: Retreat Dribble

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Apr 5, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) dribbles the ball as Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. San Antonio won 88-86. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

An in-depth look at the Society’s Move of the Week

This week’s move is a move that can be used in various situations. Whether you’re looking to freeze your defender or avoid an upcoming trap, the retreat dribble can be used to the ball-handlers benefit. The retreat dribble acts as an hesitation in most situations. When a ball-handler retreats in his dribble, it’s almost a natural reflex for the defender to relax and come up out of their stance which is when the player with the ball attacks. It’s also a great move for the offensive player to scope what’s going on behind his defender and base his next move off of their reactions. The retreat dribble is a very valuable and underrated move that’s practiced at all levels of the game.

Keys to the Move

  • Use your body and off hand to shield the ball. As a ball-handler, you want to protect the ball at all times. In a retreat dribble, using your body to protect the ball can keep the defender away in the case that they press you as you retreat.
  • Perform an effective move after your retreat. There are numerous amounts of moves that you can perform when coming out of your retreat dribble. Whether its a crossover, in-an-out crossover, behind the back dribble, or between the legs the field is yours. So remember to be creative but be effective.
  • A change of speed and explosion is your best friend. Whatever move you decide to do, explode out of it and blow past your defender. The retreat dribble is the set-up for the blow-by so to effectively utilize this move, you must explode out of it with a quick change of speed and direction.

Whether you’re sizing up your defender or backing your way out of trouble, these keys remain valuable. Luring a defender to sleep is always a helpful way to getting a bucket. And if you want a move outside of your typical hesitation then the retreat dribble is just what you’re looking for.

Check out Tony Parker, Russell Westbrook and Kobe Bryant display various retreat cycles to lead to a bucket. 

 

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