“The spin is the key” – Hakeem Olajuwon explains why the spin move is the most lethal low post trick
Hakeem Olajuwon, the legendary center who redefined the art of post play, once said, “The spin is the key.” And he was right. The spin move, executed with precision and power, is arguably the most devastating weapon in the low post arsenal.
In the NBA’s golden age of centers, Hakeem Olajuwon stood as a titan, terrorizing opponents with his mesmerizing footwork and unstoppable arsenal of moves. While his sky hook might have garnered headlines, the spin move, mastered by Olajuwon to a level few have ever replicated, was truly the heart of his offensive brilliance.
So what makes the spin move so lethal? The answer lies in its deceptive nature. As a post player faces up against his defender, the mere threat of a spin move creates a dilemma. The defender is forced to anticipate, to guess whether the player will drive to the basket or unleash the spin. And the moment the defender makes a move, Olajuwon explains, is the perfect moment to counter with a devastating spin, leaving the defender helplessly off balance.
But the spin move isn’t just about deceiving the defender; it’s about controlling the space and generating an explosive shot. With the spin, the player creates an angle for themselves, maximizing their range of motion and drawing the defender in for an easier basket. This allows for various offensive options – a power layup, a jump hook, or even a jump shot, all while keeping the defender on their toes.
Olajuwon, however, understood that the spin move wasn’t just about pure physical prowess; it was a game of mental chess. He emphasized the importance of deception and finesse in manipulating the defender. “You need to make them think one way, but move in the other,” he stressed, highlighting how the ability to deceive opponents became his secret weapon.
“It’s not just about spinning,” Olajuwon clarifies, “It’s about controlling your body, making them think you’re going one way, and then moving the opposite way.” The subtle adjustments in shoulder level, the deceptive feint with the left foot while going right, the subtle dip of the shoulder—these nuances were all part of Olajuwon’s arsenal.
However, mastering the spin move requires dedicated practice and a deep understanding of angles and balance. The player must first cultivate the footwork needed to execute the move effectively, learning to shift weight and generate power seamlessly. Equally important is the ability to control the pace and the rhythm of the spin, ensuring a controlled and balanced transition that throws off the defender’s equilibrium.
Furthermore, understanding the psychological aspect of the spin is paramount. The player needs to study the opponent, read their reactions, and exploit their weaknesses. “You need to know when they’re going to jump, and when they’re going to stay back,” Olajuwon notes. “The better you know the opponent, the easier it is to anticipate their moves, and the easier it is to spin them.”
Ultimately, the spin move transcends a mere technicality in basketball. It becomes a tool for expression, a dance on the court. With perfect execution, the player becomes a master illusionist, pulling the defender off balance and creating an advantage out of seemingly thin air.
For Hakeem Olajuwon, the spin was more than just a move; it was his signature, his statement. In the hands of a master like Olajuwon, the spin move transformed into an art form, a breathtaking combination of power, agility, and cunning that forever changed the game of basketball.
Today, Olajuwon’s spin continues to inspire players around the globe. The legacy of this legendary move lives on in the footwork of young talents like Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan, and even modern NBA players who are bringing this old school magic back to the modern game.
As long as basketball exists, the spin move, mastered with dedication and infused with finesse, will forever remain one of the most captivating and potent offensive maneuvers in the game.
