VISUAL DEMONSTRATION: TWO HANDS ON THE BALL
TECHNIQUE OVERVIEW
The Vice Claw is Kiyoshi's rebound grip. He uses his large hands to grab the ball with only one hand, meaning he can reach the ball from even the most awkward of angles. Against Yōsen it is how he takes boards from Liu. Against Murasakibara it is also the move that gets copied back at him.
CORE MECHANICS
- Timing over Height: He leaves early and meets the ball at the top, then locks it before the bigger body arrives.
- Outlet: The Claw is the start of the break. He is already looking downcourt while the other center is still coming down.
LIMITATIONS & RISKS
- Copied: Murasakibara uses the same clamp against him in the quarterfinals. The technique is not patented.
- Landing: Winning the ball in the air still means landing on a bad knee. Kirisaki targets that landing.
KEY MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
- Seirin vs. Yōsen, second quarter: Outrebounds Liu and starts the counter that leads into Kuroko's Phantom Shot stretch.
- Seirin vs. Yōsen, third quarter: Murasakibara turns the Claw around on him. The Iron Heart still gets up for the next one.