Andrew Pace
The gather step in basketball is a highly debated topic that has sparked confusion among fans, coaches, and players. It refers to an extra third step that a player can make after picking up their dribble, without committing a travel violation. The National Basketball Association (NBA) and FIBA have embraced the gather step, allowing players to take two steps after gaining control of their dribble. However, this rule differs in high school and college basketball, where it is considered a travel. The gather step has been a game-changing move, increasing offensive efficiency and adding creativity and explosiveness to the game. Understanding the gather step is crucial for players and spectators to interpret the rules and dynamics of the game accurately.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | "For a player who receives a pass or gains possession of a loose ball, the gather is defined as the point where the player gains enough control of the ball to hold it, change hands, pass, shoot, or cradle it against his body." |
| First Step | Occurs when a foot or both feet touch the floor after the player gathers the ball. |
| Gather Step | An extra third step that a player can make after picking up their dribble. |
| Zero Step | The first step taken after a player has stopped dribbling. |
| Number of Steps Allowed | Two additional steps are allowed after the zero step. |
| Pivot Foot | The pivot foot can touch the ground before the ball is shot or passed without being called a travel. |
| Applicable Leagues | NBA, FIBA |
| Not Applicable Leagues | NCAA, high school, college, youth leagues |
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What You'll Learn
The definition of 'gather' in basketball
The "gather" or "gather step" in basketball is a rule that allows a player to take an extra third step after picking up their dribble. This first step after the dribble is often referred to as the "zero step", with two additional steps being allowed afterward. This means that a player can take two steps after the "zero step" in any direction to come to a stop, pass or shoot the ball.
The "gather" is defined as the point where a player gains enough control of the ball to hold it, change hands, pass, shoot, or cradle it against their body. This definition was added to the official NBA rule book to provide clarity on the number of steps a player may take after the gather occurs. The rule states that a player who receives a pass or gains possession of a loose ball is considered to have gathered it when they gain enough control to perform the actions mentioned above. For a player who is in control of the ball while dribbling, the gather is defined as when they put two hands on the ball or bring it to a pause by placing a hand under it.
The "gather step" rule has been a source of confusion and debate among players, fans, and coaches, as it is considered a travel violation at the high school and college levels. The implementation of this rule has made certain moves that appear to be travels legal, which has sparked complaints about its unfair enforcement. However, it has also contributed to the increasing offensive efficiency and entertainment value of the NBA.
It's important for young players to understand the differences in gather step rules across leagues and focus on solid fundamentals, such as pivoting, jumping off the correct foot, and making legal passes based on their league's regulations.
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The 'gather step' rule
The "gather step" rule in basketball refers to an extra third step that a player can make after picking up their dribble. This first step is often referred to as the "'zero step'", with two additional steps being allowed afterward. This means the pivot foot can touch the ground before the ball is shot or passed without a travel being called.
The gather step is legal in the NBA and FIBA, providing players with an extra step that often surprises fans and sometimes even coaches and players. The NBA clarified the concept of the gather step before the 2019 season and made it legal, while FIBA legalized it the year before. The gather step is considered a travel violation at the high school and college levels, where the first foot to touch the ground after the dribble has been picked up is the pivot foot. This pivot foot can only leave the ground to release the ball and will be called a travel if it touches the ground while the player still has possession.
The gather step has been instrumental in the rise of offensive efficiency in the NBA, resulting in a more entertaining brand of basketball. However, critics argue that leniency on travelling takes away from the fundamentals of the game, making it harder to know what constitutes a travel. The breakneck pace of basketball at the professional level also makes it challenging to determine if a player has travelled without reviewing the play frame by frame.
The official NBA rulebook defines the "gather" as the point where a player gains enough control of the ball to hold it, change hands, pass, shoot, or cradle it against their body. For a dribbling player, the gather is when they put two hands on the ball, permit the ball to come to rest, or put a hand under the ball and bring it to a pause. After the gather, a player who is progressing may take two steps before shooting or passing the ball, or one step before dribbling.
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How the 'gather step' differs across leagues
The "gather step" in basketball is a controversial rule that allows an extra step after a player has stopped dribbling. This rule has been embraced by the NBA and FIBA, but it is not allowed in NCAA, high school, or college basketball.
In the NBA and FIBA, the first step taken after a player has stopped dribbling is called the "zero step", and it doesn't count towards the traditional two-step limit. This means that players can take two additional steps after this "zero step" before shooting, passing, or establishing a pivot foot. This extra step provides players with more creativity and explosiveness on offense, allowing them to quickly cover a lot of ground and make it difficult for opposing teams to defend.
On the other hand, in NCAA, high school, and college basketball, a stricter interpretation of the traveling rule is followed. In these leagues, the count of steps occurs as soon as dribbling is stopped, and any movement is considered a step. The first foot to touch the floor after the dribble has been picked up is the pivot foot, and it can only come off the ground to release the ball. If it touches the ground while the player still has possession of the ball, it is considered a travel.
The gather step rule has sparked confusion and debate among players, coaches, fans, and parents. It is important for young players and their parents to understand the differences in gather step rules across leagues and focus on solid fundamentals, such as pivoting, jumping off the correct foot, and making legal passes.
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The impact of the 'gather step' on gameplay
The ""gather step" in basketball is a controversial move that has sparked much debate among basketball enthusiasts, parents, coaches, and players. It is an additional step a player can take after finishing their dribble, which is often mistaken for a travelling violation. The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) have embraced the gather step, allowing players to take two steps after gaining control of their dribble without committing a travel violation. This extra step provides players with more creativity and explosiveness on offense, allowing them to evade defenders and attempt shots or passes that would otherwise be difficult to execute.
The gather step has significantly influenced the pace and offensive efficiency of professional basketball games. Players like James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo have skillfully exploited this rule to their advantage, creating separation from defenders and executing highlight-reel plays. The extra step allows players like Giannis to cover more ground quickly, providing opportunities for easy layups under the rim despite being surrounded by multiple defenders.
However, critics argue that the leniency on travelling takes away from the game's fundamentals, making it harder to define what constitutes a travel. The gather step is not allowed in high school and college basketball, where the first step after stopping the dribble is considered the first step, and taking two steps without shooting, passing, or pivoting is a travel. This discrepancy in rules between professional and lower-level leagues creates confusion for spectators and players, especially young players who are taught different footwork techniques based on their league's rules.
The impact of the gather step on gameplay is undeniable, with increased offensive efficiency and a faster pace of play. It has changed how the game is played, especially at the professional level, and has sparked debates about whether it makes the game more entertaining. While some appreciate the exciting plays and increased scoring, others argue that it blurs the boundaries of traditional basketball gameplay. Ultimately, understanding the gather step's interpretation and application is crucial for players, coaches, and spectators alike.
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Teaching the 'gather step' to young players
Teaching the gather step to young players can be tricky. This is because, while the gather step is allowed in the NBA and FIBA, it is not permitted in youth leagues, high school basketball, or college basketball. As a result, young players need to learn strong, legal footwork based on their league's rules.
The gather step is an extra third step that a player can make after picking up their dribble. In the NBA, 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. This means that, after their last dribble, players are still allowed two steps, even after having gathered the ball on that initial first step.
To teach the gather step to young players, it is important to first explain the difference between the rules in the NBA and FIBA and those in youth leagues, high school basketball, and college basketball. In the latter leagues, the first foot to touch the floor after the dribble has been picked up is the pivot foot. It can only come off the ground to release the ball and will be called a travel if it touches the ground while the ball handler still has possession.
Once young players understand the rules of the gather step, coaches can incorporate drills focused on improving their understanding and execution of the move into basic training routines. It is important to teach young players the fundamentals of the game and to build their coordination, agility, and skillset.
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Frequently asked questions
The gather step is a rule in basketball that allows a player to take an extra step after they finish dribbling. This extra step is often mistaken for a travelling violation.
The gather step is controversial because it is applied differently across various leagues. While the NBA and FIBA have embraced the rule, it is not used in NCAA, high school, and college basketball. This causes confusion for spectators, coaches, and players.
When a player ends their dribble, their next step is step 'zero'. They can then take two more steps before shooting or passing.
