Stemming to Get Open
- Prescription
- 5 × stems / side · 60 s restabout 10 min
- Players
- 2 minimum
- Equipment
- None
The stem played against someone who really reacts. The defender follows you without trying to touch you: you move him to one side with your stem to take the other. Without an opponent, the stem is just a shape; here it becomes an intention again, and you see right away whether he moved or not. Ten reps, five to each side.
Key points
- Aim for his feet, not his torso: it’s the foot he plants off-beat that creates space for you.
- Attack close enough to force him to open up his hips; otherwise, he’ll just follow you without moving.
- The defender really plays; otherwise you’re rehearsing a choreography for two.
- In a group, with a ball: your partner throws to you as you come out of the break. Same movement, plus the catch.
Common mistakes
- A complacent defender who opens up before being threatened.
- Too much movement in the stem: two steps are enough to move him, four slow you down.
Demonstrations
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Related drills
LEVELS : Intermediate · Advanced
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