
A jump stop is an important fundamental of basketball footwork that all players should learn. It is a technique that can be used at the end of a dribble, when receiving a pass, or by a post player catching the ball in the low post. When executed correctly, a jump stop allows a player to retain their right to pivot. To perform a jump stop, a player takes one small step and then lands on both feet simultaneously in balance, without leaning forward. This guide will explain how to teach players to perform a jump stop, including the correct footwork and stance, as well as drills to practice this skill.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Footwork | Taking one small step and landing on both feet simultaneously |
| Use | Ending a dribble, receiving a pass, getting into triple threat position |
| Drills | Lining up players, jogging, blowing a whistle, sprinting, dribbling, passing |
| Pivot Foot | Either foot can be used as the pivot foot when receiving a pass |
| Variations | Landing on one foot first, then the other; landing on both feet simultaneously |
| Purpose | Preventing traveling, maintaining balance, improving footwork |
Explore related products
$21.99
What You'll Learn

The jump stop is a fundamental footwork skill
The jump stop can be used in several situations during a basketball game. It can be performed at the end of a dribble, when receiving a pass, or by a post player catching the ball in the low post. When receiving a pass, either foot can be used as the pivot foot, and the player can then pivot into a triple-threat position. This position involves having bent knees to maintain balance and keeping the head up to see the floor.
Teaching the jump stop to players often begins with demonstrating the technique and having players line up on the baseline without a basketball, focusing on their footwork. Players then practice jogging and performing jump stops on the coach's signal. As they improve, they can increase their speed and add dribbling to the drill.
The jump stop is a crucial skill for basketball players to master, as it provides a foundation for developing more advanced footwork and ball-handling techniques. It is an essential tool for players to have in their arsenal, allowing them to navigate the court with agility and control.
The Evolution of Blazers: Basketball Shoe Icons
You may want to see also
Explore related products

How to teach the jump stop
The jump stop is an important fundamental of basketball footwork that all players must learn. It is a technique that can be used at the end of a dribble to prevent the player from falling forward from their momentum and getting a travelling call. It can also be used when receiving a pass, to get into the triple-threat position.
To teach the jump stop, it is recommended that you first demonstrate the technique to your players. Start by lining up your players along the baseline without a basketball. If you have a large group, you may want to ask them to partner up or divide them into two groups. The players should then be instructed to get into the triple-threat position, which is the position they will be in when they land on the jump stop. The keys to this position are having bent knees to maintain balance and keeping the head up to see the floor.
Once the players have mastered the triple-threat position, you can explain that when performing a jump stop, they will be jumping off one foot and landing in that position. It is important to teach the jump stop without a ball first, so that players can focus on their footwork.
To begin the drill, have your players jog slowly down the floor. Blow your whistle for them to come to a jump stop, then yell "go" for them to start jogging again. Repeat this process, increasing the speed and eventually adding in dribbling with a ball. You can also make the intervals at which they jump stop more random, to keep them on their toes.
When your players have mastered the basics of the jump stop, you can start to make it more challenging. For example, you can have them throw the ball a short distance in front of themselves, jump to catch it, and then land in the triple-threat stance. You can also add in pivoting, with players pivoting after the jump stop and then passing to a partner.
The Basketball Champions of 2002: A Retrospective
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Drills to practice the jump stop
Drills are a great way to teach players the jump stop and improve their overall footwork, which is an important fundamental of basketball. Here are some drills to practice the jump stop:
Go, Stop Drill
First, demonstrate the jump stop to your players. All players line up on the baseline or end-line, with adequate spacing between them. Start the drill at a slow speed. Have the players jog down the floor slowly. Blow a whistle for them to come to a jump stop, then yell "go" for them to start jogging again. Repeat this process up and down the court. Once players are comfortable, increase the speed to a sprint and introduce dribbling with the ball. Eventually, work up to speed dribbling and jump stops.
Pivoting Drill
Players pair up and line up on a sideline or endline. One player dribbles forward about 10 feet, stops with a two-footed jump stop, pivots several times, and then passes back to their partner. The partner repeats the process while the first player returns to the endline. This drill teaches players to jump stop and pivot without travelling.
Shooting Drill
Working in pairs, one player stands under the basket, and the other player stands at the halfway line. The player on the halfway line runs towards the key to receive a pass from their partner. Once they receive the pass, they use the jump stop and then put the ball in the triple threat position before taking a shot. The shooter then collects the ball and passes back to their partner before running back to the halfway line. Players should repeat this process 5 times before swapping roles.
Random Interval Drill
Line players up on the baseline. When you blow the whistle, players start running at 3/4 speed. They should jump stop at the free-throw line, and then at half court on the next whistle. Players then jump stop at the opposite free-throw line and the opposite baseline for 4 total reps. To increase difficulty, make the intervals at which they jump stop more random, and call out different types of pivots for them to perform.
Warm-up Drill
This drill can be used as a warm-up before practices. Line players up along the baseline without a basketball. Ask players to show you the triple-threat stance, and correct any technique flaws. Then, have them get into the triple-threat stance again. Remind them that when performing a jump stop, they will be jumping off one foot and landing in that stance. This drill helps players focus on their footwork.
Where to Watch March Madness Men's Basketball
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The difference between a jump stop and a jump, stop
The jump stop is an important fundamental of basketball footwork that all players must learn. It can be used at the end of a dribble, when receiving a pass, 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.
A jump stop is executed by a player taking one small step and then landing on both feet simultaneously in balance (not leaning forward). The jump stop can be used at the end of a dribble. At the end of a speed dribble, young players sometimes stop, fall forward from their momentum, and get a travelling call. Ending the speed dribble with a jump stop will prevent this.
To teach the jump stop, start by demonstrating the jump stop to your players. All players line up on the end line, with adequate spacing. Start the drill at slow speed. Have the players jog down the floor slowly. When you blow your whistle, they come to a jump stop. Yell "go" and they start again. Every time you blow the whistle, they jump-stop. Do this back and forth, up and down the court. When they look like they are getting the hang of it, have them sprint and do the drill. Then give everyone a ball, and dribble slowly down the floor, doing jump stops. Eventually work up to the speed dribble and jump stop.
Now, the difference between a Jump Stop and a jump, stop is dependent on the exact moment the dribble is ended. A jump, stop is when a player ends their dribble with one foot on the ground, jumps, and then lands with both feet simultaneously. A Jump Stop, on the other hand, is when a player catches the ball with both feet off the floor, lands on one foot, jumps off that foot, and lands with both feet touching the floor simultaneously.
Badminton Officials: Their Roles and Responsibilities
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Rules around traveling and pivoting
Traveling and pivoting are two key concepts in basketball that are closely related to a player's footwork and movement on the court. Here are the rules surrounding these concepts:
Traveling:
Traveling is a violation of the rules in basketball, where a player moves their feet in an illegal manner while holding the ball. The specific rules regarding traveling vary slightly across different basketball associations and leagues. Here are some general rules regarding traveling:
- Taking more than a predefined number of steps without dribbling the ball is considered traveling. In the NBA and FIBA, the limit is two steps, while the NCAA and NFHS do not allow any steps.
- Lifting the pivot foot, shuffling the feet, or taking multiple steps before starting a dribble is considered traveling.
- Jumping and returning to the floor while holding the ball without releasing it is also considered traveling.
- Falling to the floor while holding the ball is considered traveling in the NCAA and NFHS leagues.
- Carrying the ball or having an unestablished pivot foot can also result in a traveling violation.
- If a player's pivot foot changes or moves, it is considered traveling.
- Failing to release the ball before the pivot foot is raised off the floor during a dribble is traveling.
- A player who falls to the floor while holding the ball may not gain an advantage by sliding.
Pivoting:
Pivoting is the act of turning or rotating on one foot while the other foot, known as the "pivot foot," remains in contact with the floor. Here are some rules and guidelines regarding pivoting:
- When receiving a pass with a jump stop, either foot can be used as the pivot foot.
- A player who receives the ball while standing still may pivot using either foot.
- If a player lands with one foot first, that foot becomes the pivot foot, and they cannot pivot using the other foot.
- When performing a jump stop, players jump off one foot and land in the triple-threat position, which involves having bent knees for balance and keeping the head up to see the court.
- When teaching pivoting, it is important to ensure that players do not slide their pivot foot, as this is considered traveling.
Best Time to Buy Basketball Shoes on Sale
You may want to see also











































