Ayrton Oneill
The gather step in basketball refers to an extra third step that a player can make after picking up their dribble. This rule has been incorporated into the NBA and FIBA rulebooks, but not the NCAA or high school basketball. The gather step has caused some controversy, with some arguing that it goes against the fundamentals of the game and makes it harder to identify what constitutes a travel. However, others argue that it has made the game more entertaining to watch.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is it? | An extra third step that a player can make after picking up their dribble |
| When does it occur? | After a player has stopped dribbling |
| When does it not occur? | When a player is dribbling; it is impossible to travel while dribbling |
| Who uses it? | NBA and FIBA |
| Who doesn't use it? | NCAA, NFHS, high school and college games |
| Other names | Zero step |
| Impact | Increased offensive efficiency in the NBA; made the game more entertaining to watch |
| Controversy | Critics argue that leniency on traveling takes away from the game's fundamentals, making it harder to know what a travel is |
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What You'll Learn
The gather step is also known as the zero-step
The "gather step" is a move in basketball that has sparked a lot of confusion and debate. The rule was incorporated into the NBA rulebook before the 2019 season and was made official by FIBA a year earlier. The gather step, also known as the "zero step", refers to an extra third step that a player can make after picking up their dribble. In the NBA, the step count begins with the first step taken after a player has stopped dribbling. This first step is considered the "zero" step, with two additional steps allowed afterward. This means the pivot foot can hit the ground before the ball is shot or passed without a travel being called.
The rule has been criticised as it appears to allow players to travel without being penalised. Many people believe that the rule should be changed so that no free steps are allowed. The gather step has also been credited with increasing offensive efficiency in the NBA, resulting in a more entertaining brand of basketball.
The NCAA and high school basketball leagues do not use the "zero step" rule, which causes further confusion for spectators. Under their rules, the first step after a dribble is considered the first step, meaning only one more step is allowed. This discrepancy between leagues means that young players cannot learn from watching their favourite athletes, as they are using a rule that would result in a turnover if they attempted it.
For young players, focusing on solid fundamentals and knowing their league's rules is key. Understanding the differences in gather step rules across leagues is important for both players and their parents.
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The rule was introduced to the NBA in 2019
The "gather step" rule in basketball has sparked much debate among players, coaches, and fans. This rule, introduced to the NBA in 2019, allows players to take an extra third step after picking up their dribble. This first step after ending the dribble is referred to as the "'zero' step", with two additional steps allowed before a travel violation is called.
The NBA rulebook now includes a formal definition of the "gather," aiming to clarify the number of permissible steps after a player receives or gains control of the ball. This definition states that the gather occurs when a player gains sufficient control of the ball to hold, change hands, pass, shoot, or cradle it against their body.
The introduction of the gather step rule has significantly impacted the game, particularly at the professional level. It has led to increased offensive efficiency and a faster-paced, more entertaining style of play. However, critics argue that the rule change blurs the lines of what constitutes a travel, making it challenging for young players and spectators to understand the fundamentals of the game.
The gather step rule is exclusive to the NBA and FIBA, causing confusion for those transitioning from high school or college basketball, where it is considered a travel. This discrepancy highlights the need for a consistent understanding of the rule across different leagues and levels of play.
Despite the criticism, the NBA's implementation of the gather step rule showcases the league's intention to evolve the game, encourage dynamic playstyles, and ultimately enhance the viewing experience for fans.
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FIBA legalised the rule in 2017
FIBA, the international governing body for basketball, legalised the "gather step" rule in 2017. FIBA stands for the International Basketball Federation, and it decides, publishes and adapts the official basketball rules that are recognised internationally.
The "gather step" rule allows an extra third step after a player has stopped dribbling. This first step after picking up the dribble is often called the "zero step", with two additional steps allowed after. This means that the pivot foot can touch the ground before the ball is shot or passed without it being called a travel.
The rule has caused some controversy, with some arguing that it has made it difficult to know what constitutes a travel. The "gather step" is not permitted in NCAA or high school basketball, which has caused confusion for spectators and players who move between different leagues.
The "gather step" rule has been credited with increasing offensive efficiency in the NBA and making basketball more entertaining to watch. However, critics argue that leniency on travelling takes away from the fundamentals of the game.
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The NCAA and high school basketball don't use the rule
The "gather step" is a rule in basketball that allows a player to take an extra third step after picking up their dribble. This first step after dribbling is often referred to as the "zero step", with two additional steps allowed after. This means the pivot foot can touch the ground before the ball is shot or passed without a travel being called.
The rule has been implemented in the NBA and FIBA but is not used in NCAA and high school basketball. This causes confusion for spectators as they consider the first step after a dribble as the first step, allowing only one more step. The gather step gives players an extra step to work with, which can make a significant difference in gameplay.
The absence of the gather step rule in NCAA and high school basketball leads to inconsistencies in how traveling violations are interpreted and enforced. Without the rule, it can be challenging for young players to understand what constitutes a travel and how to effectively utilize their allowed steps. This discrepancy between rules in different leagues can impact the development of players and the strategies employed by teams.
The gather step has been praised for increasing offensive efficiency and creating a more entertaining style of basketball. However, critics argue that it takes away from the fundamentals of the game and makes it difficult to define what constitutes a travel. The debate surrounding the gather step highlights the need for consistent rules across all levels of basketball to ensure fairness and clarity for players, coaches, and spectators.
While the NCAA and high school basketball have chosen not to adopt the gather step rule, it remains to be seen whether they will reconsider in the future to align with the NBA and FIBA rules. The decision to maintain the traditional rules may be due to a desire to prioritize the foundational skills and strategies of the game, ensuring that players master the basics before introducing more advanced techniques.
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The rule has caused controversy among basketball fans
The "gather step" rule in basketball has sparked controversy among fans, with some arguing that it goes against the fundamentals of the game. The rule allows players an extra third step after they have picked up their dribble, which many interpret as a form of travelling. Travelling is a violation in basketball, where a player takes more steps without dribbling than is allowed, resulting in a turnover.
The gather step, also known as the "zero-step", has been implemented in the NBA and FIBA but not in NCAA or high school basketball. This discrepancy has caused confusion for spectators, as the first step after a dribble is typically considered the first step, allowing for only one additional step. The gather step rule, therefore, gives players an extra step to work with, which can be advantageous in offensive plays.
Critics argue that the leniency provided by the gather step rule blurs the lines of what constitutes travelling and takes away from the fundamental skills of the game. They contend that it can be challenging to discern whether a player has taken extra steps, especially at the fast pace of professional basketball. This ambiguity can lead to frustration among fans and coaches who may perceive certain moves as violations when they are not penalised.
On the other hand, supporters of the gather step rule argue that it adds an exciting dimension to the game, increasing offensive efficiency and creating more entertaining plays. They contend that the rule allows players to showcase their unique skills and cover ground in innovative ways. Additionally, some argue that the rule provides clarity to the interpretation of travelling, specifically defining when the dribble ends and the steps are counted.
The debate surrounding the gather step rule highlights the differing perspectives among basketball fans and experts. While some embrace the rule for its potential to enhance the spectacle of the game, others maintain that it undermines the traditional skills and strategies that define basketball. As the rule continues to evolve and spread across different leagues, it remains a contentious topic that shapes the way the game is played and perceived.
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Frequently asked questions
The gather step, also known as the "zero-step", is a rule that allows a basketball player to take an extra third step after they have stopped dribbling. This means that a player can pick up their dribble, take a first step, and then take two more steps before a travel is called.
The gather step is controversial because it has changed the way basketball is played, especially at the professional level. Many people believe that it goes against the fundamentals of the game and makes it harder to identify when a player is travelling. It has also been criticised for allowing players to get away with travelling violations in the name of flashy dunks and highlights.
The gather step is currently used in the NBA and FIBA. It was first recognised by FIBA in 2017 and by the NBA in 2018. The rule is not used in NCAA, NFHS, youth, or high school basketball.
