The KEYS To Beating Your Defender 1 on 1 (Steph Curry Film Breakdown)

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Steph Curry is the best shooter ever. But he's also an extremely good driver and finisher, which often gets overlooked. In this video, we breakdown exactly why Steph is able to beat his defender so regularly and some keys you can take away
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[@picassojulien899]

I think Steph is also a “ freak athlete” dude has eye coordination that’s unbelievable. His stamina is unprecedented and handles that’s unbelievable and top 10 all time. On top of him also being one of quicker players in the league

[@VisionDrivenBasketball]

Good points. I think the two things to consider is that number one, the majority of players, especially at his height, in the NBA are freak athletes by some measure, many of them probably more so than Steph. To make it to that level you are at least a good athlete, probably a great or extremely great athlete. Steph is probably on the great athlete level. The second thing is that I’m referring to freak athleticism in more of the traditional sense, i.e playing above the rim, 42+ inch vert, extreme top end speed, etc. So I’m not factoring in skills such as ball handling. But yes, he certainly has physical qualities that are elite, i.e his strength, stamina, and then other things like hand eye coordination and proprioception. My ultimate point is, the league is full of guys who are elite in numerous physical qualities, many of whom are elite in more physical qualities than Steph is, yet Steph is still able to dominate. I think it all depends on how you define things.

[@lucidstudious750]

I wouldn't say "freak athlete" bc that term is reserved usually for athletic freaks

[@chiboz3483]

He is sayin compared to everyone in the NBA. To average Joes he seems like a freak athlete. Ja Morant or Giannis are freak stylets for the NBA

[@Restorix0Tension]

The reason why Steph isn't considered a freak athlete is that he doesn't do crazy dunks at insane speeds like De'Aaron Fox, Damian Lillard, Derrick Rose (before ACL tear), Ja Morant, John Wall, Russell Westbrook, or Anthony Edwards. These players slash to the rim and throw down ferocious dunks.

[@lucidstudious750]

@@Restorix0Tension yeah totally that but I think we need to start acknowledging that he's not. A freak athlete physically but that his coordination and stamina are through the roof

[@Kiwidona]

This is basically the reason why shooting is the most important skill.

[@fernandosalas4634]

by this logic, would westbrook be considered not a good basketball player since he can't shoot that well?

[@joshdorrance8821]

​@@fernandosalas4634 when he is inefficient, turning the ball over and defenders can sag off him he ruins the flow of a team.

[@WARMANX23]

Wrong, getting the best from your teammates is, soul reason why MJ is better the LeBron.

[@flyoffline8808]

Steph's most underrated quality is his ability to remain calm against any competition. He always has this certainty in his eyes... this assuredness in his own abilities. He never looks frantic, he never looks nervous... he's just, existing on the court.

[@xavier02m]

Umm that’s a quote from Kobe Bryant about Steph 😂

[@RyanMrTsunamiBishop]

​@@xavier02mDefinitely. Damn near verbatim 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@erikcouvret]

Great analysis! He always knows where the ring is! What I also like about his layups: they are so beautiful executed. As if the esthetics matter to him. Like he is a dancer! Like his shots, many times nothing but net too! Or one (optimal) hit against the glass!

[@VisionDrivenBasketball]

Very true!

[@philwilson609]

The drive to the cup is almost a relief to the defender. They are in terror of an explosion to the basket that morphs into a stepback behind the line, and a clean look for three. Many of these defenders appear surprised and unprepared when Curry takes it into the paint.

[@roybradley853]

His shooting ability helps him a looot to gets past by his defender. His defender usually play him very close because shooting is still his primary threat and that make it easier for him to blow them by. Even when he looks like he is about the drive with full speed, his defender usually look like they ain’t buying it cause we all know that double stepback is one of his signature move.

[@cameronrutten6483]

I noticed on the majority of his drives he takes off really early or really late, a lot of players take off a step to a step and a half away from the big/ help defender, which is most natural, this however means that they end up peaking and releasing next to or just in front of the defender allowing them to easily contest or block the layup. Steph taking off early makes sense as its common for less athletic guards to use a short midrange pullup or floater when the big doesn't step up to help and obviously his floater game is immaculate. The thing that surprised me was his ability to get open while taking off late. him taking off within a step meant a lot of the time the defender jumped early and were no at their peak at the same time as Steph leading to a more open shot. The second thing this did is allowed Steph to jump past the defender as they could not turn fast enough as they jumped to continue to track the ball. there's a really good example of this at 1:41 against al horford. jumps right in front of him and jumps past him

[@jamesrobinson1557]

The media won't admit it but Steph is the best player in the league...

[@RyanMrTsunamiBishop]

Facts! 💯

[@brysoncrockett7524]

Great breakdown. I’ve been really trying to mimic his play style while still being myself. Nice video man

[@bluechipsrecruitingindex9671]

Amazing work. Was the perfect video as I was looking to send this to Jordan Walker for adjustments to make this coming season

[@user-gf4gu8yt2t]

Another thing that I noticed about his shots when he drives to the basket is his touch. He got an insanely soft touch and finger roll floaters which is really amazing to watch. Another thing is the way he uses his body, the timing when he bumps the defender before the shot. Perfect!

[@kjubotushi]

These are some nice tips thank you bro

[@nuketurnal2]

3:40 probably the most difficult. high off the glass, got bumped, against the outstretched arms of timelord

[@kelleyeidem667]

Those were some great insights! Thank you.

[@sesquipedalian6278]

this is a great video breakdown, it's both well-researched and well-paced. I particularly enjoyed the review of curved driving lanes to defeat athleticism and generally how the video give time in between narration to watch and absorb. I wouldn't say it necessarily belongs in this video, but an addendum could be how much Steph's conditioning sets up his actions late in games and especially series. Other guys are 3-level scorers, but steph threat is constantly in motion, which wears down his defenders over time. In some sense, video replays don't do him justice, because a lot of skeptics see his actions as "simple" and see the defense as "failing" to defend to the level they otherwise appear capable. These snapshots hide that Steph isn't getting away with lazy defense or lucky. He's running defenders down relentlessly and can break out the techniques described here when his opponents are out of gas. Puts some perspective on those series where the Rockets missed 27 consecutive 3s in 2017 and Steph exploding for 33 in the 2nd half in 2018. edit: woops! 2018 & 2019

[@ArmandTheBlackRevolutionary]

Never ina rush. He sees the game 2-3 plays ahead, and knows how he will respond to derivative scenarios. A magician!

[@petarpetrov4535]

Cool analysis, gave me some nice ideas to try out.

[@darchelesmith4501]

His release is incredibly quick too! I think this gives him an advantage on drives as well as his shots since he can get the ball out of his hands quickly, making his floaters, layups and finger-rolls difficult to defend.

[@MadOfLove]

THX I AM COME FROM TAIWAN, still found this nice one, good for you

[@barriobabes]

one of the main reasons why he is so effective at finishing at the rim or driving to the basket is his ball handling skills that is not being emphasized or recognized...he is an elite player when it comes to driving to the basket even if guarded by multiple players...he can easily break you with his patented cross over dribble done at his back (not in front)...steph is really a complete basketball player, offensive wise, that we will never see a player like him for a long, long, long time! glad to be a witnesss to his greatness!👏👏👏

[@xavier02m]

Definitely true ..he is a complete offensive weapon

[@Salsainglesa]

Loved the analysis. He's elite in every aspect in the offensive end. Under rated in everything but shooting.

[@jgoogle4256]

Great video, I think the first thing to consider is how his shooting ability supports his ability to drive. Defenders have to respect him and are prone to bite every time he does a move where he pretends he's getting ready to shoot. Also I've heard fewer dribbles is better, I like what you said bout more dribbles for stability, however I think it's probably best to emphasize to players that they be as economical about their dribbles as possible, use as few as possible and be explosive. If they work on their handles, things like an extra dribble or 2 when necessary to stabilize themselves will come naturally; the teaching emphasis is probably better placed on telling them to use as few as possible. My 2 cents, thanks again

[@jeverettrulz]

great video. as you can see in many of the clips steph likes to use his dribble laterally until his defender commits one of his feet to a forward position, blading his body and attempting to force curry in a particular direction (towards help). Steph is elite in his attack on that lead foot making it even more difficult for the defender to get his hips turned and catch up from behind.

[@notevenalittlebitinterested]

So true.

[@on-the-DL]

I loved this breakdown! Something I'd add thats very similar to the point on taking many dribbles on his drives, is the footwork that goes hand-in-hand with that. Compared to other PG's who may take 2 steps from the 3-point on their downhill drives, more steps (esp when taking into account gathers) allows for craftier movement, more control (like you said), and whats debatably most important- longevity. There's rarely overextension of his hip/hamstrings which leads to greater risk of strains, sprains, falls etc. Almost all of stephs landings after finishes are very controlled where he just jogs out of them. and the ones which can't be safely landed on foot, he's quick to stabilize and roll out of it on the ground.

[@VisionDrivenBasketball]

Great point! Something to definitely consider as well!

[@vincentdatu9921]

Great video thanks

[@acepiston5552]

Great video! Steph is such an incredible offensive player, just revolutionary. But he’s also an elite defender (his added strength helps with that). He always knows where is help is, how to pick up on tendencies, how to beat players to the spot, and closeout really really well. Everyone knows about him on offense flying around the court without the ball and never getting tired, but it’s in defense too. Time to give this man some props for his elite level D. Video from By Any Means Basketball on his D: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6Opn2VsmtuaY9k

[@VisionDrivenBasketball]

He is definitely an underrated defender!

[@theumbrellaofknowledge5199]

not an elite defender but a good one

[@elise7485]

@@theumbrellaofknowledge5199 I’d say elite I’m not thinking ab the ranking for hus position but I’d say he’s fs top 10 maybe around 7-5

[@sydneylawas4142]

Elite level D 👀

[@revivalord9391]

@@elise7485 you dont know what the fuck your talking about hes a average defender

[@dakshhoops612]

Thanks for the video just earned a sub

[@mikeydeff]

great video mayne

[@curtiefoo39]

On that smart drive, he did a little look at the rim before he drove which froze smart just enough to explode past him...he does that head fake to crossover dribbling move a lot and he's pretty good at it...

[@willhooke]

I thought you covered Steph Curry and all his driving techniques in a very accessible way Thank you 👍

[@louiswilliams984]

Steph is extremely athletic. Athleticism isn’t limited to jumping ability. His lateral movement, change of direction and deceleration is masterful

[@jtballin1863]

Thank you for continuing to post even though your channel hasn’t had leaps of growth all your viewers will always love your content

[@VisionDrivenBasketball]

I appreciate you and everyone else who’s here for it!

[@xavier02m]

I’m subscribing due to this comment 👍

[@splashbroth3rz]

Great breakdown 🔥

[@VisionDrivenBasketball]

Thanks for watching!!

[@mr.screenshot9452]

Yo thank you for this 💪🏻

[@VisionDrivenBasketball]

Thanks for watching man💪🏽

[@7_k265]

This is perfect timing. I’m a very quick player but even though im quick I can’t always get pass people. Im also a pretty good shooter but that dosent always help as I’ll just crowded. Had to play a few games carrying my teammates who were all very under confident because it was some varsity guys. I was the only one who scored so if I can add a driving package I can really carry a team correctly and open up passes

[@MrWackydoodles]

I love you how you made this video about you lol

[@7_k265]

@@MrWackydoodles k.

[@bakedmacaroni7078]

He is so good at utilizing his tight handles and not getting caught up in an early gather, he could just bail out and not take the layup. We see this often on his relocation three in the corner where he passes it to a teammate. I kinda see why he dribbles so much when he is getting to the basket but still use hang hesitations outside or his signature Curry slide. Oh also he takes a lot of steps on his drive.

[@juliantperez]

Great work! I'm subbing!!!

[@VisionDrivenBasketball]

Thank you!!

[@awedee.0]

another thing ive noticed is his stride when he's driving. before the ankle injuries, it was longer and after they appear way more flintstone-y. and im positive that has reduced his foot injuries tremendously. as it allows him to have a strong foundation under him to stop and go and get his shot off quicker. 🕵🏽‍♂

[@realjoshb]

3:19 that look out towards Poole; simple yet effective

[@davidfong7848]

Great breakdown. I’ve been watching a lot of Steph and noticed the same things about driving angles. It’s hard to bump a guy off a curved angle. One thing people miss is that he closes his hips and shoulders while driving which prevents him from getting jammed.

[@ilikekoolaid-1341]

how do u close ur hips and shoulders while driving

[@davidfong7848]

@@ilikekoolaid-1341 it’s kinda like positioning your body the same way you do when you’re guarding the ball with your off arm and learning to drive in that position. Instead of squaring your hips and shoulders toward the rim, slightly close them while driving. Drew Hanlen has some good videos teaching it

[@ilikekoolaid-1341]

@@davidfong7848 kinda like turning ur body away from the defender?

[@davidfong7848]

@@ilikekoolaid-1341 exactly. Just enough so you can still drive hard but the defender can’t jam you off your driving angle

[@MrArdytube]

What I notice is how fearless Steph is. So many times he will get by his on ball defender… but there will be two players standing under the basket. Thai would certainly worry lots of players… but some how steph just comes up with some way to leave them indecisive and just watching as he scores in a ridiculously unexpected way. Or he does a scoop shot before he gets to the defenders. All this is so unexpected since he is so often shooting against multiple players who are taller and more athletic. And, although this all seems improvised in the moment… you can see him rigorously practicing these shots.

[@VisionDrivenBasketball]

Great point!

[@adamjameson4505]

Great vid! Need to show this to Tyrese Haliburton...

[@k39gihgachad35]

Good vid and can you make Jordan Poole workout pls

[@Dapper_Dean]

He's short and not the most athletic player out there. But his IQ and eye coordination is on another level. But his skills also came with many hours of practice and hard work. His work ethics is said to be up there, with MJ's and Kobe's. That unrelentless pursue for perfection.

[@jmgonzales7701]

He is athletic but more on endurance and agility

[@utubekebs]

Another factual video that SC > KD. I back tihs!

[@QuicksandMindset]

📝 great insight bro

[@VisionDrivenBasketball]

Appreciate you bro💪🏽

[@dunker6359]

Can u do Cade Cunningham film breakdown? It really helps for big guards

[@Keviekev115]

Have to master that shoulder dip. That’s a major key

[@VisionDrivenBasketball]

🙌🏽

[@Telopead]

The key to Steph dribble is that: 1. He kept his upper body upright for almost all time 2. He kept the ball at waist height to the side when dribbling. 3. He has exceptional balance. Combine the these, you got a dribbler who needs minimal transition from dribbling to shooting, and he’s very good at keeping the dribble alive. But with high center of gravity by stay upright, he doesn’t have good acceleration. But his shooting is more than enough to make up for it.

[@realjoshb]

Man! Look at all the finishes at the rim! Edit: I wrote this before the last point made in this video.

[@jameslane2402]

The threat of the outside shot is his most effective weapon during his drives. It constantly keeps defender off balance.

[@yunan9610]

He's a long distance athlethe. His endurance is crazy

[@topstorekorea]

Bar none, the best "hand-eye" coordinated player in the history of NBA. It is this gift that enables him to shoot second to none, dribble extremely well and finish flawlessly.

[@darbyheavey406]

Pete Maravich was better. Not close…no defense in todays NBA.

[@andrewrios1689]

🔥

[@ikuzo5611]

Make part 2 pls

[@joshuap9580]

the NBA court is a big place, and with that spacing, and people guarding him at the 3 point line, unless you leave a dedicated rim protector and give up the drive and kick, he's going to burn you. teams did this a couple years ago and dared draymond to beat them, but then stopped for some reason in this years playoffs. i think he also gets a rot of respect too though at this point, if it was jordan poole doing these drives he'd get fouled hard in an attempt to slow him down or make him reconsider it, in the replays you can see the defenders dont try to hurt steph, when they certainly could.

[@basiclyric]

I think he's balance and his weight workout are complimenting it back in the day when they bump steph he literally stop and now he can go on while dribbling because of his strength

[@malkurnegus9fothadon980]

No he didn't. He's just better at that at that aspect now because of his strength.

[@notsocooldude7720]

I feel like you missed probably the most important part. His shooting is what unlocks his drives to the basket. The defender knows he can pull up at any moment from deep range so they have to defend him a lot tighter which makes driving past them much easier

[@sivaramsubramaniam6639]

His ability to finish off the rim is so great he had to worry only about separation rest he can manage

[@ZedWiaki]

change pace is the key.

[@davonbenson4361]

What’s the name of the instrumental?

[@ljbjr.9747]

Curry has his lightning trigger and the GS system always sending ball screeners keeps defenders off balance. His SHOT MAKING is God given, like Shaq’s 7,2’ athleticism. I don’t think any amount of training made him better at finishing, only that his new strength can hold off defenders better when they’re on his hip.

[@michaeljansz4346]

I actually think you miss the aspect of steph as a player that ties everything he does together - he is the BEST in the world at reading and reacting to his opposition. His entire game is centred around making movements (off ball or on ball), reading how the defence reacts, and then taking advantage by using what you've said in this video (change of speed, direction, strength, etc.)

[@benndarayta9156]

I think that's what you call IQ

[@nopain3455]

Steph is the unicorn of all unicorns tbh

[@Thatwhiteblackkid]

The reason Steph can get by his defender so easily is because he can shoot from anywhere so the defense always has to worry about the shot and play up on him. Leaves a lot of space open behind them. It’s especially hard when a big man has to switch on to steph cus they can’t keep up with his feet. If steph couldn’t shoot as well as he can, he wouldn’t be able to beat people off the dribble very well.

[@Kappah.]

Cuz he has a great handle and since he’s the best shooter they are forced to play him extremely high up and that breaks the defense down so he has room to beat them to the basket bros gravity is insane plus his speed is pretty good

[@shanelee2254]

And the most important is that his shooting needs others to pay attention, so defenders always try to get closer to him than other player

[@TheWildMeowsers]

U know what I realized this is pretty much a video version of essays we had to write in middle school like basic argumentative essay. Shit pays of huh

[@gfor3]

Simple wins sometimes !

[@tellthetruthg]

finishing with either hand # 1 . He's got a pace /rhythm that gets defenders off balance. Chris Mullin had it too, not as good with his off hand as Curry .

[@VisionDrivenBasketball]

Let me know what other videos you guys want to see!

[@acepiston5552]

Steph Curry’s Elite defense would be great.

[@theivantang]

Jaylen Brown

[@SergeySpeaks]

How Curry creates open shots

[@nuketurnal2]

crazy thing is, he doesnt get enough calls around the rim

[@DennisSchroder10]

useful tip for me: 3:00

[@sunking2001]

Obviously...Steph is "very, very gifted...born that way." So many people are born that way.

[@mohamadzeidan1985]

first and also, good vid

[@OAde-nq9vo]

Steph is easily top 3 ball handler in the league right now. I have him at #1 but some of you love Kyrie so much that I won't argue. Is his offensive package complete? What more could he do?

[@Effectivebasketball]

You miss one and also crucial point, none of it would be possible if he would not be the best shooter. Everything else is just complimentraty yet on an elite skill level.

[@DennisSchroder10]

4:00

[@leroyharper4513]

He's use lack of height to his advantage his 1st step/ move takes even/ past the defender if defender closes in it would mean making contact with sc with their waist to thigh area that would all but stop them and on the next step they are trailing him that's a certain foul situation if they rush to get in front of him then it's a step back or pull up jumper lastly there's the pass Close to unstoppable pray for a miss

[@ergerg6080]

1:59

[@DennisSchroder10]

2:45

[@yw3178]

Those who don’t watch curry games think he only shoots 3s but he attack the basket down a lot as well.

[@achmadmarendes]

His opponents are so scare of his three point shots, so they defend him closely on top. That allows him to drive for a lay up.

[@benndarayta9156]

Steph's iq is underrated af I think that what's makes him look so effortless

[@vangcruz4442]

You forgot that Steph is listed at 6'3" but he is closer to 6'1". This help him out accelerated most big players and able to get away from their defense against him.

[@Fromthelogo702]

He’s actually one of the few players that remained the same height after the nba started listing everyone’s height without shoes. He’s 6’2.75.

[@vangcruz4442]

@@Fromthelogo702 I don't know....I have not taken out the measuring tape and measured but my daughter played with him during a fund raising celebrity golf tournament. I stood next to him. I know for a fact that he is not 6'2.75".......

[@Fromthelogo702]

@@vangcruz4442 ya. Who knows.

[@vangcruz4442]

@@Fromthelogo702 Steph Curry knows.....

[@krisharkleroad8]

He is very similar to Nash.

[@awedee.0]

1:42 nah its more like 30% effort then shift to 70% effort

[@alfonstabz9741]

I think steph ability to predict the body movement of his defender is phenomenal.

[@HCaulfield115]

Called peeps have to respect his shot

[@TheG010]

He's the best shooter of all time. They need to play up on him for his jump shot so of course he can get by his defenders :/

[@osordeppedroso1753]

one dimensional be like . IMAO. Mike James is crazy.

[@xiangyiyan3103]

Steph curry is a guard that can go in front of the defender so the defender cannot steal the ball.

[@mitchbires4105]

Good video but it’s not super complicated. He’s the best shooter ever. So everybody guards him much further out then you would your average player. Secondly - everybody is terrified of him shooting the 3. So to start they’re playing him in a way that almost welcomes him to drive. He’s super quick and has one of the best handles ever. All of those things compounded together make him impossible to guard.

[@roybradley853]

Exactly what i’ve been saying. People are not gonna defend like a slasher as Ja, Russ, giannis etc. His shooting ability makes it waaay easier

[@leonpse]

Tim Hardaway said he could run past anyone because they are running backwards guarding him.

[@edclee1997]

The NBA is full of freakish athletes, tall, strong, and can jump off the gym. The less celebrated skill but no less important is the sixth sense rarely seen. Magic Johnson had it, so did Larry Bird and to lesser extent, Steve Nash. They could pass like no one else could, as if they had a sixth sense of where people around them were at all times. Similarly Adrian Dantley and Mark Aquirre, both around 6'6", yet played the small forward position and dominated with scoring. Dantley had an outside shot, but Aquirre rarely scored outside the low post, and I think it's because they had a sixth sense of where the opponents expected the shot to come from and just released the ball where they least expected it. Certainly Steph had great shooting touch, tremendous strength, and limitless endurance, but I think it's his sixth sense that sets him apart. It's why his shot is rarely blocked even when he went inside and had to release the ball among multiple defenders.

[@realmarjenkins7971]

Why can’t 2k figure out how to add a real stop and go badge

[@theoneandonlyjack1221]

CHANGE. OF. SPEED.

[@jv5tv515]

idk about this video... most players just defend him super close because he is the goat shooter and might launch it at any time.... no one else gets those easy lanes to the basket because of his shooting abilities. Not that he is a bad finisher but definitly nothing amazing since his shooting gets the defender so close all the time. ( not to take anything away from him, but a good defender will give you less room for drives since you cant shoot like steph )

[@bansheeofinisheerin]

Bruh there’s tons of good shooters in the league that can’t drive to the basket like Steph does. Have you ever watched an NBA game?

[@malkurnegus9fothadon980]

​@@bansheeofinisheerinIgnore these haters. Steph is an super elite finisher.

[@richardbrandino]

Curry moves is a simple,but very past.unlike irving it so harder move.thats like he is prone injury

[@shlokgaur4030]

Average athleticism.. 😂😂 Just showed u listen to these sports shows and don't think much. Athleticism is not just jumping which he has already shown he can do, but athleticism also means stamina speed and strength. Nobody can run as long as Steph in almost any sport😂 and very few can run faster and he benches more than anybody on the warriors team as many of his teammates have said and the last few seasons have shown how strong he has become. Steph is one of the greatest players of all time. He is elite at everything and after that he is also the greatest shooter from anywhere on the court.

[@RyanMrTsunamiBishop]

Wait hold up. I know you did not just say Steph was Average 😂 😂 😂. He's above average height for a man, he's an exceptional ball handler, one of the best in the game. His shooting is self explanatory. And he can drive to the basket with the best of them. What makes him so effective is his constant movement with and without the ball.

[@VisionDrivenBasketball]

So you heard the word “average” and then tuned out every single other word said before and after. Makes sense.