Helena Frye
The rules around steps in basketball can be confusing, especially when it comes to the gather step. In the NBA, players are allowed to take two steps after they gather the ball before they must pass, shoot, or dribble. However, the gather step doesn't count as one of these two steps, so it can seem like players are taking three steps. This extra third step is what makes moves like the Euro Step so effective. While the gather step is allowed in the NBA, it is considered a travel at the high school and college levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of steps allowed in basketball | 2 |
| Name of the first step | "Zero" step, "gather step" |
| Number of steps allowed after the "zero" step | 2 |
| Consequence of taking more than two steps | Traveling violation |
| Consequence of traveling violation | Turnover, ball awarded to the opposing team |
| Pivot foot | The first foot to touch the floor after the dribble has been picked up |
| Rules regarding pivot foot | Cannot be lifted and returned to the floor before releasing the ball to dribble or shoot |
| Exception to the pivot foot rule | Two-foot jump stop |
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The gather step rule
The "gather step" rule in basketball, also known as the "zero-step" rule, refers to an extra third step that a player can make after picking up their dribble. This first step is not counted as a step, and two additional steps are allowed afterward. This means that the pivot foot can technically hit the ground before the ball is shot or passed without a travel being called. The gather step is legal in the NBA and FIBA but is considered a travel in high school and college-level basketball.
The gather step can be tricky to teach to young players as it is not allowed at lower levels of basketball. It is important for coaches to emphasize strong, legal footwork and teach players the fundamentals of pivoting, jumping off the correct foot, and making legal passes. The gather step can be confusing for players and fans, as it often looks like a travel violation, leading to complaints about unfair enforcement.
The implementation of the gather step rule has made certain moves legal that previously would have been considered traveling violations. This has resulted in increased offensive efficiency and a more entertaining brand of basketball. However, some argue that the NBA and FIBA need to model good play for younger players, and by allowing sloppy play, they lose some of their "role model" credibility.
The gather step is particularly effective for players with long strides, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, who can cover a lot of ground quickly, making it difficult for opposing teams to defend. James Harden is also known for using the gather step to create space and gain an advantage over his opponents.
In conclusion, the gather step rule in basketball allows players an extra third step after picking up their dribble, providing them with more opportunities to shoot, pass, or pivot. While it has been embraced by the NBA and FIBA, it is still considered a travel violation in high school and college-level basketball, causing some confusion and debate among players, coaches, and fans.
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The Euro step
To perform the Euro step effectively, players should start with the ball outside the three-point arc and use an initial setup move to disorient the defender. This can be done by feigning a drive in one direction with a hard jab step or a low crossover dribble. When driving towards the basket, players should pick up their dribble and plant hard with their left foot. This will often be perceived as the beginning of a layup attempt, prompting the defender to adjust their position accordingly. The player then sweeps the basketball across their body and takes a second step with their left foot in the opposite direction, creating space for an open layup or dunk.
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Pivot foot rules
The pivot foot rule in basketball can be a tricky one to get your head around. It is important to note that the rules vary depending on the league, with some nuances between the NBA, WNBA, NCAA, G-League, EuroLeague, and FIBA.
Firstly, the pivot foot is the first foot to touch the floor after the dribble has been picked up. This foot can then only come off the ground to release the ball and will be called a travel if it touches the ground again while the player still has possession. The pivot foot cannot slide and must remain in place until the ball is released. If the pivot foot moves before the dribble starts, this is also considered a travel.
If a player lands with both feet simultaneously, they can pivot with either foot. They can then step around with the other foot multiple times, and this is perfectly legal. However, if a player jumps off their right foot (the pivot foot) and lands on their left foot, they cannot then land back on their right foot without being called for travelling. Once a pivot foot is established, a player cannot choose a new pivot foot unless they lose possession.
If a player lands on one foot, then the other, the first foot to land is the pivot foot. However, if a player lands with both feet at the same time, they can choose which foot they want to be the pivot foot.
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Jump stops
In basketball, players are allowed two steps upon completing a dribble. However, the gather step rule in the NBA allows players to take an extra third step after picking up their dribble. This first step is often referred to as the "'zero' step", with two additional steps allowed afterward. This is why it may appear that players are taking three steps without being called for travelling.
Teaching the jump stop to young players should begin without a ball, so that they can focus on their footwork. The player should jog slowly and then jump stop when a whistle is blown. Once they understand the technique, a ball can be added, and they can practice dribbling while jogging and then jump stopping.
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Travelling violations
Travelling is a violation in basketball, which occurs when a player takes more than a predefined number of steps while holding the ball. The rules regarding travelling vary slightly between different basketball leagues and levels of play.
NBA and FIBA Rules
In the NBA and FIBA, a travelling violation is called when a player takes more than two steps without dribbling. However, the rules also incorporate a ""gather step", which allows players to take an extra third step after picking up their dribble. This first step after ending the dribble is often referred to as the ""zero" step, with two additional steps being allowed afterward. This means that players are allowed to take a total of three steps, including the gather step, before shooting or passing the ball.
NCAA and NFHS (High School) Rules
The NCAA and NFHS have stricter rules regarding travelling and do not allow players to take two steps without dribbling. In high school basketball, falling to the floor while holding the ball, even if it was caught while airborne, is also considered a travelling violation.
Common Travelling Violations
Regardless of the specific league or level of play, there are several common ways for a player to be called for travelling:
- Taking more than two steps without dribbling (in leagues that do not allow the gather step)
- Incorrect use of the pivot foot, such as lifting and returning it to the floor, shuffling or dragging it along the floor, or changing the established pivot foot
- Jumping with the ball and returning to the floor without releasing it
- Rolling over with the ball
- Standing up with the ball after falling to the floor without dribbling
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Frequently asked questions
In the NBA, players are allowed to take two steps after they gather the ball before they must either pass, shoot, or dribble. However, the ""gather step" doesn't count as one of the two steps, which can seem like three steps to those watching. Therefore, a player can take what appears to be three steps without committing a travelling violation.
The gather step refers to an extra third step that a player can make after picking up their dribble. The count begins with the first step taken after a player has stopped dribbling. This first step is often referred to as the "zero step", with two additional steps being allowed afterward.
A travelling violation occurs when a player holding the ball moves one or both of their feet illegally. This can happen by taking more than two steps without dribbling or by lifting the pivot foot before passing or shooting.
