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The step-through is a basketball move that is completely legal and has always been. It involves a player lifting their pivot foot and stepping with their other foot, as long as they pass or shoot before the pivot foot touches the floor again. While it may not be a popular move and may “look wrong to some, it is perfectly legal and not a violation of any rules. The step-through is a great way to get past a defender and can be an effective tool for any basketball player to have in their arsenal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legality | Legal |
| Pivot foot | Must be established |
| Steps | Allowed to step with the non-pivot foot towards the basket |
| Jumping | Allowed to jump off the non-pivot foot |
| Shooting | Allowed to shoot |
| Landing | Allowed to land on either foot |
| Passing | Allowed to pass |
| Restrictions | Pivot foot must be lifted before passing or shooting |
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What You'll Learn
The step-through is a legal move
Travelling, or walking, is a violation in basketball, where a player takes more steps than allowed while holding a live ball. In the NBA and FIBA, a player must not take more than two steps without dribbling, or it is considered a travel. The NCAA and NFHS rules are even stricter, allowing only one step before the ball is dribbled. However, the step-through move is an exception to this rule.
The step-through is legal because, although a player lifts their pivot foot, they do not bring it back down before shooting or passing. This is a crucial distinction, as the rules state that a player must not return their pivot foot to the floor before releasing the ball. Therefore, the step-through is a clever loophole that allows players to move their pivot foot and gain an advantage without committing a violation.
While the step-through is a legal move, it has not always been a popular one and may appear unusual to some. This may be because it effectively allows a player to take an extra step, which can be disconcerting for defenders and referees alike. However, as long as the player executes the move correctly, it is entirely within the rules of the game.
Some people still argue that the step-through is illegal, but this is often due to a misunderstanding of the rules. The step-through is a valid move that can be used to great effect in basketball, allowing players to create space, evade defenders, and set up a shot or pass. It is a useful technique for players to have in their arsenal, especially when combined with other moves such as the up-and-under or euro-step.
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Pivot foot rules
The pivot foot is an important concept in basketball, and the rules surrounding it can be nuanced. Here are the key points to understand about pivot foot rules:
Establishing a Pivot Foot
When a player receives the ball, they can establish a pivot foot. This can be done by receiving the ball while standing still, in which case either foot can be used as the pivot. If the player is progressing when they receive the ball, the first foot to touch the ground becomes the pivot foot. This applies to both feet touching the ground simultaneously, in which case either foot can be the pivot.
Movement After Establishing a Pivot Foot
Once a pivot foot is established, the player can move their non-pivot foot to manoeuvre around a defender. However, they cannot lift their pivot foot off the ground without passing or shooting the ball before the pivot foot touches the ground again. This is a common misconception, and many people believe it to be a travel, but it is a legal move.
Jumping and Landing Rules
When jumping off one foot, a player may land with both feet simultaneously for the second step. In this case, they cannot pivot with either foot, and they must release the ball before either foot touches the floor again. Jumping off and landing on the same foot is considered travelling.
Starting a Dribble
When starting a dribble, the ball must be out of the player's hand before the pivot foot is raised off the floor. If a player drops the ball while in the air, they may not be the first to touch it again.
Referees and Lower-Level Games
It is worth noting that some referees and lower-level games may not be fully aware of these rules. This can lead to misunderstandings and incorrect calls being made, as some people believe that lifting the pivot foot is not allowed.
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Avoiding a travel violation
Travelling in basketball is a violation that involves illegally moving one or both feet while in possession of the ball. To avoid committing a violation, players must be mindful of their steps when moving with the ball and use correct footwork. Here are some tips to help you avoid a travel violation:
Firstly, establish your pivot foot correctly. This can be done by landing on one foot or both feet simultaneously, ensuring you avoid dragging or lifting the pivot foot before dribbling or passing. Practising pivot drills can improve muscle memory and overall gameplay. It is important to note that the first step taken after gaining possession is now counted towards potential travel violations, so be mindful of your steps.
Secondly, use a jump stop when necessary. This technique helps players maintain better control of the ball and can prevent losing possession due to a travel violation. Additionally, players should be aware that if they leave their feet with the basketball, they must pass or shoot before either foot touches the ground again.
Another tip is to watch slow-motion replays of professional basketball games. This can help you better understand the travel rules and how to avoid committing violations. By studying the techniques of professional players, you can improve your own footwork and movement.
Finally, practice good footwork drills. This includes working on dribbling, jump stops, and using a pivot foot. These fundamental skills are necessary to avoid travel violations and will help you become a more confident and controlled player.
By following these tips and staying mindful of your footwork, you can improve your game and avoid committing travel violations.
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Pump faking
To perform a pump fake effectively, timing is crucial. The fake should align perfectly with your typical shot initiation. Practising the fake with the same timing as your actual shot will help keep defenders off-balance and maximise its effectiveness. It is also important to maintain secure ball control during the pump fake. Losing possession can lead to turnovers, so keep a firm grip on the ball while executing the fake.
To get better at pump faking, it is recommended to practice drills that mimic live game situations. This will help you develop a feel for when to use a pump fake and how to execute it under pressure. Additionally, working on your shooting skills will make your pump fakes more convincing, as defenders will be more likely to react if they respect your ability to score. Studying professional players and their pump fake techniques through film analysis can also provide valuable insights into the subtleties, timing, and tactics involved.
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Passing and shooting
Passing
Passing is a crucial skill in basketball, and it is important to practice passing the ball consistently and accurately. A good passer does not just throw one or two good passes; they consistently hit their target every single time. It is important to practice passing the ball over and over, hundreds of times, to improve accuracy and strengthen the muscles in your wrists and forearms.
A touch pass is an advanced passing technique where a player redirects a prior pass or a loose ball by tipping or slapping it towards a teammate. This is the quickest pass in basketball and can be very effective when executed correctly. The baseball pass is another type of pass, where the passer throws the ball with one hand, similar to throwing a baseball or American football. This pass is not often used but can be effective in certain situations.
Shooting
When practicing shooting, it is a good idea to start close to the basket, directly in front of the hoop. Shoot at least 25 shots from four feet away or closer, without moving. It is also important to practice dribbling and shooting at the same time. When you are going to pass or shoot after your dribble, make sure to return to your usual pace to maintain your dribbling momentum. This can be used to your advantage, as you can use your speed and body momentum to make your defender stumble.
The fadeaway is a famous shooting technique used by Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant, among others. The shooter takes a quick jab step away from the basket and then takes a normal jump shot. This creates space and provides more balance than a traditional fadeaway. The step-back jumper is a similar move used by Stephen Curry, James Harden, and Luka Dončić.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is 100% legal and always has been.
It is when a player lifts his pivot foot and steps with his other foot, as long as he passes or shoots before the pivot foot touches the floor again.
The pivot foot is the foot that is kept at its point of contact with the floor while the other foot takes a step.
Yes, a player may jump off a pivot foot to pass or shoot for a field goal, but neither foot may touch the floor again before the ball is released from the hand(s).
Travelling is a violation of the rules of basketball in which a player takes more than a predefined number of steps (usually two) while holding the ball.
