shotfakes

Shot fakes are feints used to deceive defenders about whether a shot will be attempted, with the goal of creating space, drawing a foul, or setting up a subsequent move. They are a common element in basketball and also appear in other sports such as football in the form of pump fakes or feints.

To execute, the shooter begins a shooting motion but pauses or shortens the action to sell the fake, keeping the shooting hand near the ball and maintaining balance on the pivot foot. The defender's reaction—jumping, close-out, or shifting weight—is exploited to create an open shot, a drive, or a pass. Eyes, head and shoulders should hint at a shot while the feet and pivot foot position helps maintain readiness.

In basketball, shot fakes are used to force a defender to leave the ground too early, opening space for a real shot or a drive to the basket, and to draw fouls in the act of shooting. Mastery relies on timing, body control, and keeping the ball under control.

In football, quarterbacks use pump or shot fakes to freeze defenders and buy time for a longer throw. In soccer and other sports, similar decoy moves exist to mislead opponents before a shot or dribble.

Defenders counter by staying balanced, reading cues rather than overreacting, and contesting without committing early; disciplined rotations reduce the effectiveness of fakes.

See also pump fake, feint, decoy move.