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The Euro step is an offensive basketball move that can be used to create open space around the basket and fake out defenders. It involves picking up the dribble and taking a step in one direction, then quickly taking a second step in the other direction to evade a defender and attack the basket. While the term Euro step first appeared in media in 2007, the move has a long history in European basketball, with its modern era beginning in the mid-1980s. The Euro step is a dramatic and crafty move that has become popular in the NBA, with players like James Harden and Kyrie Irving known for their use of it.
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What You'll Learn
Footwork and misdirection
The footwork for the Eurostep involves taking long steps at an angle toward the basket while picking up the dribble or landing in a "jump stop" position. The offensive player picks up their dribble and takes a step in one direction, and then quickly takes a second step in the opposite direction. This change of direction is key to the misdirection element of the move, throwing off the defender and creating space.
To execute the move, the player starts by dribbling toward the right side of the basket. They then pick up their dribble and plant hard with their left foot, which looks like the beginning of a layup attempt. When the defender commits to blocking this path, the player takes their second step with their right foot at a slight angle to the left. This plants the right foot, allowing the player to propel themselves upward toward the basket.
The Eurostep is a tricky move to master, and players must be able to "sell" the fake when they take the first step. It requires a lot of practice to perfect the footwork and misdirection involved in the move.
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Mastering the dribble
To perform the Eurostep, start by dribbling towards the basket. It's important not to dribble the ball too far in front of you, as this could give the defender an opportunity to steal it. As you get closer to the defender, pick up the basketball while your left foot is on the floor. Sweep the basketball across your body and take a second step with your left foot in the opposite direction. You can sweep the ball at knee height, chest height, or above your head—just be careful not to make contact with the defender's forehead if you go for the latter option!
The key to an effective Eurostep is in the footwork and misdirection. By taking that first step, you shift the defender's position, and when they commit to blocking that direction, you can take your second step in the opposite direction, creating space between you and the defender. This move can be used anywhere on the court and with either hand, so practice it repeatedly to get comfortable with the footwork and angles.
Remember, you don't always have to finish with a shot after executing the Eurostep. Sometimes, it's the perfect opportunity to drop the ball off to a teammate for an assist or to pass it out for a three-pointer. The Eurostep is a powerful tool to improve your scoring and passing abilities, but it requires focused and consistent practice to master.
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Sweeping the basketball
To sweep the basketball, you must first dribble towards the basket. It doesn't matter which hand you're dribbling with or which side of the court you're on. However, make sure you aren't dribbling the ball too far in front of you, or the defender might steal it. As you're closing in on the basket and the defender, pick up the basketball while your left foot is on the floor.
Now, sweep the basketball across your body and take your second step with your left foot in the opposite direction. You can sweep the ball low (knee height), across the body (chest height), or high (above the head). Just be careful not to make contact with the defender's forehead if you sweep the ball high.
If you've executed the sweep correctly, you'll find yourself with an open path to the basket. Jump off your left foot, extend towards the basket with either hand, and shoot. Remember, you don't always have to finish with a shot. Sometimes, it's better to pass to a teammate for an easier scoring opportunity.
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The jump stop
To execute a jump stop, a player who is running takes one small step and then lands on both feet simultaneously, ensuring they are balanced and not leaning forward. It can be used when receiving a pass, to get into a triple-threat position, or by a post player catching the ball in the low post. When receiving a pass with a jump stop, either foot can be used as the pivot foot, which is especially helpful for a low post player.
There is some confusion about what constitutes travelling after a jump stop. Some sources suggest that a player can pivot after landing a jump stop, while others state that a player cannot move either foot and has no pivot foot after landing. This may depend on the exact moment the dribble is ended and the rules of the league. For example, in the NBA and FIBA, a player can land with one foot and then the other, and the first foot to land is the pivot foot. However, in USA High School NFHS rules, a player must land with both feet simultaneously for the move to be legal.
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Finishing with a shot
You can sweep the basketball across your body at different heights: low (knee height), across the body (chest height), or high (above the head). If you choose to sweep the ball high, be careful not to make contact with the defender's forehead with your elbows.
It is important to note that the Eurostep is a crafty move that can create space for an open layup or dunk, but it is also controversial due to its proximity to a traveling violation.
Additionally, when deciding whether to finish with a shot, be aware that a help defender may step in to contest the shot after you execute the Eurostep. In such cases, it might be better to pass the ball to a teammate for a layup or a three-pointer.
The Eurostep is an advanced move that requires practice and a good understanding of footwork and misdirection to master. It is a useful tool to create space and improve your scoring options.
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