Taiga Kagami is an talented player and ace on the Seirin team. He possesses exceptional abilities as a basketball player. His strength is even considered on par with the members of the Generation of Miracles.
In Kuroko no Basket, Kagami displays various impressive abilities and techniques. What are they? Check out the full discussion below!
1. High Jump
One of Kagami's most prominent abilities is his incredibly high jump, surpassing other players. Kagami's jump height consistently increases with the challenges he faces in matches.
Kagami's jumping ability gives him an advantage in capturing the ball in the air. With his high jump, Kagami is even able to block shots from the notoriously unstoppable Midorima.
2. Kuroko-Kagami Alley-Oop
Kuroko and Kagami are teammates who support each other. They often use combination attacks during matches. One example is the Kuroko-Kagami Alley-Oop.
During this attack, Kuroko would steal the ball from his opponent and direct it toward the basket. At the same time, Kagami would receive the ball and dunk it.
3. Pressure Defense
In the match against Shinkyo Academy, Kagami faced a foreign player named Papa Mbaye Siki, who was taller than him. He learned how to defend against such a player under the guidance of Riko and Mitobe.
Kagami also mastered the Pressure Defense technique, which focuses on applying pressure to the opponent. The continuous pressure puts pressure on the opponent, disrupting their game rhythm.
4. Self Alley-Oop
In basketball, an alley-oop normally requires two players to work together. The first player would throw the ball toward the basket, while the second would catch and score.
Uniquely, Kagami can do this alone, as he demonstrated against the Shutoku team. He would shoot the basketball and then chase it down at full speed. After that, he would dunk the ball.
5. Tactical Battle
In his match against Aomine in the Winter Cup, Kagami demonstrated a truly remarkable feat: a high level of tactical skill. He simulated what might happen in a one-on-one match against Aomine.
In the simulation, Kagami concluded that he would lose and that Aomine would steal the ball. Therefore, he made the quick decision to pass the ball to his teammate.
6. Lane Up/Air Walk
The Lane Up is a highly advanced technique that is extremely difficult to master in basketball. It allows players to dunk from the free-throw line. This technique is also known as the "Airwalk," popularized by legendary player Michael Jordan.
Kagami can perform this technique because he can jump extremely high. He demonstrated this technique when facing Murasakibara. His performance stunned everyone.
7. Meteor Jam
Kagami's next strongest technique is Meteor Jam. He learned this technique directly under Alexandra's guidance. When using this technique, Kagami jumps as high as possible.
After reaching his highest point, Kagami shoots the ball from the air into the basket with full force. His shot shoots like a meteor falling to earth. He often uses this technique when he enters the Zone.
8. Animal Instinct
Kagami is a player with animal instincts. He is described as a fierce and aggressive tiger. These instincts can be fully awakened when he enters the Zone.
Thanks to this instinct, Kagami's five senses are heightened, allowing him to possess both speed and high-level reflexes. He is also capable of displaying a high level of play that only players of Aomine's caliber can match.
9. Zone
Zone is a state of intense focus that elevates a player's performance to its maximum potential. However, this state can only be achieved by talented players like the Generation of Miracles who truly love basketball.
Kagami first achieved this state when he was under pressure against Aomine in the Winter Cup. However, the primary trigger for this state was Kagami's desire to win the match for his teammates.
10. Direct Drive Zone
The Zone apparently has a deeper level: the second gate. This gate can only be opened by players who have strong trust in their teammates. Kagami successfully opened this gate in the final match against Rakuzan.
Kagami was able to synchronize his playing rhythm with all his teammates. They were able to unleash full-speed attacks that put the Raizen team under pressure.