
The gather step in basketball is a controversial rule that allows players to take an extra step after finishing their dribble. While the gather step is allowed in the NBA and FIBA, it is not permitted in high school and college basketball. This discrepancy often leads to confusion among players and spectators, who wonder why certain actions are penalised in high school and college games but not in professional matches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is a gather step allowed? | No, it is considered a travel violation. |
| Governing bodies | NCAA, NFHS |
| Rules | Strict interpretation of the traveling rule. |
| Pivot foot | The first foot to touch the floor after the dribble has been picked up is the pivot foot. |
| Steps allowed | Two steps are allowed after the dribble has been picked up. |
| Gather step in basketball | An extra step after finishing the dribble. |
| Confusion | The difference in rules between high school and professional basketball creates confusion for players and coaches. |
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What You'll Learn

The gather step is not allowed in high school basketball
The gather step is allowed in the NBA and FIBA, but not in high school or college basketball. The NBA introduced the gather step rule to allow players more flexibility and creativity during play, enhancing offensive efficiency and game pace. The rule has caused some controversy, with some arguing that it looks like a travel violation and that it is unfairly enforced.
The gather step can be particularly confusing for young players and spectators who are used to the rules of high school and college basketball, where the gather step is considered a travel. It is important for players to understand the rules of their specific league, as the application of the gather step rule varies across different leagues.
While the gather step may not be allowed in high school basketball, it is still important for young players to focus on solid fundamentals and strong, legal footwork. This will help them develop the skills they need to succeed at higher levels of the game, where the rules may differ.
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The gather step is considered a travel in high school basketball
The gather step is a move in basketball that has sparked much debate and controversy. It refers to an extra third step that a player can make after picking up their dribble. While the gather step is allowed in the NBA and FIBA, it is considered a travel in high school and college basketball.
The gather step, also known as the "zero-step," has been a source of confusion and debate among basketball enthusiasts, coaches, and players. The rule allows a player to take an additional step after finishing their dribble, giving them more flexibility and creativity during play. However, in high school and college basketball, the rules are interpreted more strictly, and the gather step is considered a travel.
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) traveling rule is similar to the NCAA rule, which does not permit the two-step motion without a dribble. In high school basketball, the first step after a dribble has been picked up is considered the pivot foot. This means that if a player takes two steps without shooting, passing, or pivoting, it is called a travel, and a turnover is called, resulting in possession of the ball for the other team.
The gather step has been a controversial topic, with some arguing that it is an illegal move even in the NBA. The interpretation of what constitutes a "gather" has created a gray area, and it often looks like a travel when watched live. The rule's application varies across different leagues, causing confusion for players and spectators alike. It is important for young players to understand the solid fundamentals and the rules of their specific league to avoid violations.
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The rules of high school basketball
The rules of basketball in high schools differ from those of professional leagues such as the NBA and FIBA. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) is the national leader and advocate for high school athletics, serving 19,500 high schools and over 12 million students across 51 member state associations.
High school basketball rules do not allow the "gather step" or "zero step" rule. This rule allows a player to take an extra step after finishing their dribble. In high school basketball, the first step a player takes after they stop dribbling is counted as their first step. This means that they can only take one more step before shooting, passing, or establishing a pivot foot. The pivot foot is the first foot to touch the ground after the dribble has been picked up. If a player takes two steps without shooting, passing, or pivoting, it is considered travelling.
High school basketball rules also differ from professional leagues in other ways. For example, the use of electronic devices during a game for recording and tracking stats is limited. Additionally, a player who has been injured must be removed from the game if the coach is beckoned by an official, even if bench personnel enters the court without being beckoned.
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The history of the gather step rule
The gather step rule in basketball, also known as the "`zero-step`" rule, is a controversial move that has significantly impacted how the game is played, especially at the professional level. The rule allows players to take an extra third step after picking up their dribble without committing a travelling violation. This additional stride can be used for various strategic maneuvers, such as getting closer to the basket or creating separation for jump shots.
The gather step rule was first introduced by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) in 2017, with the NBA following suit and adopting the rule in 2018. FIBA's interpretation of the travelling rule now includes the "gather step," bringing it closer to the NBA's interpretation. The NBA clarified the concept of the gather step before the 2019 season, and the rule is now formally defined in the official NBA rule book.
However, the gather step rule is not allowed in high school and college basketball. The NCAA and NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) have stricter interpretations of the travelling rule, not permitting the two-step motion without a dribble. This discrepancy between different leagues often causes confusion for players, coaches, and spectators.
The gather step has been praised for increasing offensive efficiency and making the game more entertaining to watch. On the other hand, some critics argue that it allows players to cover too much ground without the ball touching the court, giving them an unfair advantage. Prominent players like James Harden and LeBron James have been accused of taking advantage of the gather step rule to get away with travelling violations.
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The impact of the gather step on the game
The "gather step" rule in basketball has sparked much debate, with some arguing that it takes away from the fundamentals of the game, while others claim that it adds excitement and dynamism to the gameplay. The rule allows a player to take an extra step after finishing their dribble, which is often mistaken for a travelling violation. This extra step gives players more opportunities to shoot, pass, or pivot, increasing offensive efficiency and creating space between themselves and their opponents.
The gather step, also known as the "zero-step," was introduced by FIBA (International Basketball Federation) in 2017 to promote fluidity and pace within games. The NBA soon followed suit, adopting the rule in 2018, while also clarifying its definition before the 2019 season. This rule change has been particularly advantageous for players with long strides, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, who can now cover more ground quickly, making it challenging for opposing teams to defend.
However, the gather step is not permitted in high school and college basketball, which adhere to stricter interpretations of the travelling rule. This discrepancy between rules in different leagues can cause confusion for players and spectators alike, especially when watching games across various levels. The move is also controversial because it can be challenging to identify in real-time, often requiring a frame-by-frame analysis to determine if a player has taken the allowed number of steps.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the gather step is not allowed in high school basketball. The gather step is an additional step a player can take after they finish dribbling. It is often mistaken for a traveling violation. The NCAA and high school basketball stick to a stricter interpretation of the traveling rule.
The gather step rule allows players more flexibility and creativity during play, enhancing offensive efficiency and game pace. It occurs when a progressing player gains control of the ball while moving, usually after picking up their dribble.
The gather step rule has stirred up debates and confusion among basketball enthusiasts, parents, coaches, and players. It is applied differently across various leagues with a notable distinction between professional games like those played by NBA teams and lower-level matches such as high school or college tournaments.











































