How to Use the Shoulder Fake to Beat Any Defender
Goal
Learn how to use the shoulder fake to manipulate defenders and create scoring opportunities from the perimeter, high post, and low post.
Setup
Basketball
Half court or full court
Cones (optional for guiding movement)
Step-by-Step Execution
1. Perimeter Shoulder Fake (Misdirection Drive)
Begin dribbling slowly along the perimeter.
Plant both feet and keep your dribble alive.
Turn your shoulders as if you’re going to spin or turn back.
Immediately explode forward in the opposite direction.
This creates hesitation in the defender and opens up a drive or pull-up opportunity.
2. High Post Shoulder Fake (Catch and Go)
Sprint up from the low post or wing to catch the ball at the high post.
With a defender on your hip, land on both feet.
Use a shoulder fake (usually back toward the top) to freeze the defender.
Explode forward in the opposite direction for a shot or drive.
3. Low Post Shoulder Fake (Face-Up or Back-to-Basket)
Catch the ball on the block or low post.
Use shoulder fakes as part of your back-down or face-up series.
Dip your shoulder left or right to get the defender leaning.
React to their movement: spin, drop step, or rise for a baby hook.
Coaching Tips
Keep your dribble alive if using the fake on the perimeter.
Timing and footwork are critical, sync the fake with your feet.
Eyes and shoulders sell the fake, don’t just turn your head.
Mix shoulder fakes with other moves (spins, drop steps, jab steps).
Practice slowly first, then build to game speed.
Full Breakdown
The shoulder fake is one of basketball’s most timeless weapons, effective across every level and position. Used well, it can disrupt a defender’s balance, create just enough space to score, and open up driving lanes or post moves. While many players think of it as a post move (thanks to legends like Hakeem Olajuwon), this video tutorial showcases how it can be just as deadly on the perimeter or in the high post.
Why It Works
The shoulder fake leverages human psychology and defensive principles. Defenders are trained to read the shoulders and chest to anticipate movement. A convincing shoulder fake triggers a reaction, often a step or weight shift, which can be exploited. Unlike flashy dribble combos, the shoulder fake is efficient, deceptive, and low-risk.
Shoulder Fake on the Perimeter
The perimeter shoulder fake functions as a misdirection move. It starts with a change in pace, slowing down or walking while dribbling. The player plants both feet, shoulder fakes as if turning back, and then accelerates forward.
Key points:
It can be used from a standstill or during movement.
The goal is to freeze or misdirect the defender.
The move works well when paired with a hesitation dribble or quick pull-up.
Timing is critical: the shoulder fake must flow into the explosive move.
This move is great for guards who want to get downhill without relying on excessive dribbling.
Shoulder Fake from the High Post
Receiving the ball in the high post with a defender trailing you sets up a perfect opportunity. You catch, land on two feet, shoulder fake back (toward the passer or top of the key), then spin or drive the opposite direction. It’s a quick read, if the defender bites, attack the rim or pull up. If they don’t, pivot or reset.
This move is especially useful for wings or forwards operating in horns sets, elbow entries, or pinch post actions. A well-executed shoulder fake here often leads to a clean look or drawing help.
Shoulder Fakes in the Low Post
In the low post, the shoulder fake becomes part of a broader back-to-basket arsenal. You can:
Catch with your back to the basket, shoulder fake one way, then drop step or spin the other.
Catch, face up, shoulder fake to freeze the defender, and then attack.
Combine multiple shoulder fakes to wear down the defender’s footwork and balance.
Moves like:
Dip shoulder right → spin left → hook shot
Dip shoulder left → step through
Double shoulder fake → baby hook
These work especially well if the defender is overly physical or jumpy.
Perimeter to Post Shoulder Fake Series
Another concept covered is how a big guard can post up from the perimeter using just a couple of dribbles. This is ideal in mismatch situations. Each back-down dribble is paired with a shoulder fake to bait the defender. Once they lean or bite, explode the opposite way.
This method:
Conserves dribbles (avoids offensive fouls)
Sets up clean looks without overcomplicating
Helps guards emulate power post play without brute strength
Advanced Shoulder Fake Combos
Toward the end of the video, a few layered combos are shown:
Shoulder fake → spin → baby hook
Double shoulder fake → turn → fadeaway
Shoulder fake into a rip-through or pump fake
These combos depend on feel and defender reaction. The best players don’t rush, each fake is calculated.
Final Thoughts
The shoulder fake may not go viral, but it wins games. It’s a pro-level detail that can elevate intermediate players to advanced status. By mastering the shoulder fake in multiple zones, perimeter, high post, and low post, you become less predictable, more dangerous, and more in control.
Train the fake, read the reaction, and make your move.
