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The gather step in basketball is a highly debated topic that has sparked confusion among fans, players, and coaches alike. It refers to an extra third step that a player can take after finishing their dribble, which is often mistaken for a travelling violation. This rule has been adopted by the NBA and FIBA, but not by NCAA, high school, and college basketball, causing confusion for spectators and players who compete in multiple leagues. The gather step has been praised for increasing offensive efficiency and making the game more entertaining, but it has also been criticised for taking away from the fundamentals and making it difficult to know what constitutes a travel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | An extra third step that a player can make after picking up their dribble |
| Other Names | Zero step, gather step basketball |
| Rules | The first step taken after a player has stopped dribbling is the "zero" step, with two additional steps allowed afterward |
| Pivot Foot | The pivot foot can hit the ground before the ball is either shot or passed without a travel being called |
| Legality | Allowed in the NBA and FIBA but not in NCAA, high school, or college basketball |
| Examples | James Harden's step-back jumper, Giannis Antetokounmpo's long strides |
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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 been the subject of much discussion and some controversy. It refers to an extra third step that a player can make after picking up their dribble. This first step after dribbling is often called the "zero step", and it's followed by two additional allowed steps. This rule allows the pivot foot to touch the ground before the ball is shot or passed, without it being called a travel.
The gather step is also known as the "zero step" because it is essentially the first step in a sequence of three. The player gathers themselves and the ball, taking a small step to steady themselves, before taking two more steps and either shooting or passing the ball. This extra step has been a source of confusion and frustration for some players and fans, particularly at the high school and college levels, where it is considered a travel.
The rule was clarified by the NBA before the 2019 season, and it was made legal, while FIBA legalised it a year earlier. The gather step has been praised for increasing the pace and offensive efficiency of the game, making it more entertaining to watch. However, some critics argue that it allows players to get away with travelling violations and that it is challenging for referees to accurately count steps, especially at the fast pace of professional basketball.
One example of a skilled player utilising the gather step is James Harden, who performs a double euro step that appears to be a travel but is, in fact, legal due to the timing of when he picks up the ball during his steps. The gather step has become an essential move for players to master, allowing them to create more opportunities for scoring and adding a new dimension to the game.
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It is a travel violation in high school and college basketball
The gather step in basketball refers to an extra third step that a player can make after picking up their dribble. While the gather step is legal in the NBA, it is considered a travel violation in high school and college basketball.
In high school and college basketball, the first foot to touch the floor after the dribble has been picked up is the pivot foot. The pivot foot can only come off the ground to release the ball, and it will be called a travel violation if it touches the ground while the player still has possession of the ball. This interpretation of the traveling rule is stricter compared to the NBA, where the gather step is allowed as the first of three steps.
A travel violation in high school and college basketball can occur when a player takes more than two steps without dribbling or when the pivot foot is moved or changed. Traveling can also be called if a player carries the ball or shuffles their feet before starting a dribble. Additionally, falling to the floor while holding the ball is considered traveling under high school and college rules.
The interpretation and enforcement of traveling rules have evolved over time, reflecting the changes in the game and the establishment of different league rules. While the gather step has increased offensive efficiency and made the NBA more entertaining to watch, it is important to note that the rules in high school and college basketball differ. Young players should be aware of these differences when watching their favorite NBA athletes to avoid confusion and ensure they follow the correct rules for their level of play.
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The NBA and FIBA have embraced the gather step
The gather step in basketball refers to an extra third step that a player can make after picking up their dribble. This step is often referred to as "step zero", with two additional steps being allowed afterward. This means that the pivot foot can touch the ground before the ball is shot or passed without a travel being called.
However, the gather step has also sparked controversy and confusion, particularly among young players and those at the high school and college levels, where it is considered a travel. The rule change has highlighted the need for proper footwork instruction based on the league's rules, as an extra step can be challenging to identify and referee, especially given the fast pace of professional basketball.
The gather step has been described as a "necessary evil" to facilitate the counting of steps. By delaying when they pick up the ball, players can create the illusion of taking more steps than allowed. This has led to debates about whether the gather step unfairly benefits the offense and makes it challenging for defenses.
Overall, the NBA and FIBA's adoption of the gather step has had a significant impact on the sport, changing how the game is played and viewed, and sparking discussions about the balance between exciting play and rule consistency.
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The gather step can be used to boost offensive efficiency
The gather step is an extra third step that a player can take after they have stopped dribbling, before starting their two-step motion towards the basket. This rule has been adopted by the NBA and FIBA, but not by all leagues. In high school and college basketball, the gather step is considered a travel, and the count of steps occurs as soon as the dribbling is stopped.
The gather step has been credited with boosting offensive efficiency in the NBA. It allows players to cover more ground with fewer dribbles, adding dynamism to the gameplay. It also provides strategic advantages for scoring against tight defenses. NBA players use the gather step to explode to the hoop and try to go past or evade their defender. It gives more creativity and explosiveness to the offense, and defenders now have to think through defending differently.
The interpretation of what constitutes a "gather" has been a point of contention, with some arguing that certain moves are illegal even under the gather step provision. For example, James Harden's use of the gather step on the perimeter in isolation has been criticized as an illegal move. However, other players like Giannis Antetokounmpo have skillfully exploited the gather-step rule to their advantage, using it to dodge defenders and blur traditional boundaries around traveling violations.
The gather step has also been instrumental in increasing the pace of the game, with players able to accelerate more quickly towards the basket. This acceleration, along with changes in defensive strategies and an emphasis on long-range shooting, has contributed to a more dynamic and unpredictable style of play in the NBA.
Overall, the gather step has had a significant impact on the offensive efficiency and pace of professional basketball games, particularly in leagues that have adopted the rule, such as the NBA. It has provided players with more flexibility and creativity during play and added a new dimension to offensive strategies.
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It is a controversial rule
The gather step is a controversial rule in basketball, with many people criticising it for allowing players to travel whenever they wish. The rule, also called the "zero-step", allows players an extra third step after picking up their dribble. This extra step is often mistaken for a travelling violation and has caused confusion for players, fans, and even coaches. The controversy arises from the fact that while the gather step is legal in the NBA and FIBA, it is considered a travel in high school and college basketball.
The gather step has been described as a "necessary evil" to physically count steps, with the first step after the dribble being considered "step zero", followed by two additional steps. This rule change has allowed offensive players to make highlight-reel plays and has resulted in a more entertaining brand of basketball with increased offensive efficiency. However, critics argue that the leniency on travelling takes away from the fundamentals of the game, making it harder to know what constitutes a travel. The breakneck pace of professional basketball also makes it challenging to process without reviewing the play frame by frame.
The interpretation of what constitutes a "gather" has sparked controversy, with some arguing that certain moves, such as James Harden's step-back jumper, are illegal even under the gather step provision. Harden's ability to create space with the extra step has often frustrated fans and opponents, leading to debates about whether it makes the game more entertaining. Additionally, the gather step has been criticised for being unfairly enforced, with some arguing that it is only allowed in the NBA to encourage a faster game.
The gather step has also created challenges for teaching young players, as it is not legal at lower levels. Coaches must emphasise strong, legal footwork based on the rules of their specific league. The inconsistency between leagues has led to confusion for players and spectators alike, with some arguing that the gather step should be standardised across all levels of basketball. Overall, while the gather step has increased offensive efficiency and excitement in the NBA, it remains a controversial rule that has sparked debates about the fundamentals of the game and the interpretation of travelling violations.
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Frequently asked questions
The gather step, also known as the "'zero step'", is an extra third step a player can make after picking up their dribble. The first step after the dribble is considered "step zero", and two additional steps are allowed after this. This rule is currently only allowed in the NBA and FIBA and is considered a travel in high school and college basketball.
The gather step is controversial because many people believe it should be considered a travelling violation. The rule change has allowed players to make moves that would previously have been considered turnovers, and critics argue that this takes away from the fundamentals of the game.
The gather step has been credited with increasing offensive efficiency and creating a more entertaining brand of basketball. It gives players more creativity and explosiveness on offense, allowing them to get past defenders more easily.
The gather step can be used to create space between the offensive player and their defender. This can be particularly effective for players with long strides, allowing them to quickly cover a lot of ground. It also gives players more options for passing or shooting the ball.
