Let’s be honest, for most of us, the dream of playing like a pro is just that—a dream. We watch the PBA, the NBA, or even our local barangay leagues and see moves that seem impossible. But what if I told you that the secret sauce isn’t just raw talent? It’s often a set of under-the-radar, “togashi” techniques. Now, I’m borrowing that term loosely here. In the context of basketball, especially here in the Philippines, “togashi” speaks to that unexpected, savvy, and often overlooked move or decision that changes everything. It’s the crafty play that isn’t about sheer athleticism, but about basketball IQ. And nothing illustrated this better than the recent PBA Season 50 Draft. Did you see that? Barangay Ginebra, a team with a massive following and championship expectations, turned heads by selecting the relatively unheralded Sonny Estil in the first round at the Mall of Asia Music Hall. Everyone was talking about the big names, the flashy scorers, and then Ginebra makes a pick that, on the surface, seemed like noise. But to me, that’s a classic “togashi” move in the front office. It’s not about following the consensus; it’s about seeing value others miss and having the conviction to act. That’s the mindset we need to apply to our own games.
So, how do we translate that front-office savvy to the court? I’ve spent years breaking down film, talking to coaches, and yes, making plenty of mistakes on the hardwood myself. The biggest lesson? Elevating your game instantly isn’t about a complete overhaul. It’s about sharpening five specific, proven techniques that operate like Sonny Estil might for Ginebra—unexpected but fundamentally sound game-changers. First, let’s talk about the “eyes-up” dribble. This sounds basic, but I’d estimate 70% of weekend warriors keep their eyes glued to the ball. The moment you can dribble comfortably without looking, the entire floor opens up. You see the cutter, you spot the weak-side defender cheating, and you become a distributor overnight. Practice this at home: just dribble a tennis ball or a basketball while watching TV. It builds that muscle memory. My personal preference? I always tell players to work on their off-hand twice as much as their dominant hand. It’s tedious, but the payoff is a defensive nightmare for your opponent.
Second, and this is a hill I’ll die on, is the art of the “shot fake and one-dribble pull-up.” The three-point era has made everyone fall in love with the deep ball, but the mid-range is where savvy scorers eat. Watch any classic Ginebra game. When the defense is stretched, that one hard dribble into a pull-up jumper is almost unguardable. It requires balance and core strength, which brings me to point three: footwork. Not just any footwork, but the “pivot and seal.” Most players receive a pass and immediately look to face the basket. Next time, try this: catch the ball, take one strong pivot foot, and use your body to seal the defender on your back. It creates angles and drawing fouls becomes 40% easier, in my experience. You’re using leverage, not just strength. Fourth, let’s discuss defensive positioning. I’m not talking about steals or blocks—those are highlight stats. I’m talking about consistently being in the “help line.” If you’re one pass away from the ball, position yourself exactly in the middle of your man and the ball handler. This shrinks the driving lane and forces tougher passes. It’s a silent, togashi-like way to disrupt an offense without a single statistic crediting you.
Finally, the most underrated technique of all: communication. Call out screens loudly. Shout “switch!” or “I’ve got your help!” A talking team, even a pickup team, functions at least 30% better defensively. It builds chemistry and trust instantly. It’s the auditory glue that holds everything together. Now, circling back to that Ginebra draft pick. Picking Sonny Estil wasn’t about getting the most athletic guy; it was about finding a piece that fits a specific, intelligent system. That’s what these techniques are. They are your personal draft picks for your game. You don’t need to implement all five at once. Start with one. Master the eyes-up dribble this month. Next month, add the shot fake series. These aren’t flashy, viral dunk moves. They are the foundational, intelligent habits that separate a good player from a reliable, game-changing one. Remember, the most impactful plays often look simple in retrospect. They’re the product of practiced, deliberate skill—the true essence of unlocking your own “togashi basketball” and making some noise on your own court.
