Attacking the basket is one of the best assets of a good basketball player, who plays the guard and forward positions. Like in the NBA, almost all the superstars like Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo and Derrick Rose are all good slashers.

Attacking the basket is not done by merely running fast towards the basket because there are lots of techniques that should be perfected to be an effective slasher. Even if you are not a good slasher now, a lot of practice and dedication can transform you to one.

There are lots of drills that can be done to improve your driving skill, and one of them is the “Straight Line Driving Drill”.

In this drill, the first thing that you should do is to mark five spots beyond the three-point line, preferably in the two corners, the two wings, and on the center. These spots will be the area in which you’ll receive the ball before attacking the basket.

This drill should be done with a partner, who will serve as the passer and the close-put defender as well. When you receive the pass from your partner, he will immediately try to close out your path to the basket. To escape and have a successful drive, you should go either to the left or right of the defender.

Before slashing you should see to it that you’ll bend your knees (butt down) to get some force and then explode and drive to the basket on an imaginary straight line. You should bounce the ball near the close-out defender and as much as possible, bounce it halfway to the basket (halfway between the spot and the basket). Repeat this drill for 4-6 times per spot and you should explode on alternate direction. Meaning, if you drive on the left of your defender, on the next try you should explode to the right.

After 4-6 tries, transfer to the other spots and repeat the same procedure in all the four other spots,

This drill, if done regularly and properly, can help make a player a dreaded slasher and will be a threat on the offensive end of the floor.

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