
Stops in basketball refer to the various techniques used by players to come to a halt while dribbling or moving with the ball. The most common type of stop is the jump stop, where a player takes a small step and lands on both feet simultaneously, maintaining balance. Other types of stops include the stride stop and the two-count stop. These techniques are essential for players to avoid travelling violations, which occur when a player moves their feet illegally while holding a live ball. The choice of stop depends on factors such as speed, balance, and the player's position on the court. Learning these techniques helps players improve their scoring, passing, and overall game strategy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A jump stop is a fundamental footwork technique where a player takes a small step and lands on both feet simultaneously without leaning forward. |
| Use Cases | Ending a dribble, receiving a pass, getting into a triple threat position, catching the ball in the low post |
| Pivot Foot | When receiving a pass, either foot can be used as the pivot foot. |
| Drills | Line players up on the end line and have them jog down the floor, blowing a whistle for them to jump-stop. Gradually increase the speed and introduce dribbling. |
| Traveling Violation | Occurs when a player moves their foot or feet beyond prescribed limits while holding a live ball. The pivot foot cannot be shifted or moved. |
| Stride Stop | An alternative to the jump stop where the back foot acts as a brake, allowing better balance and shielding the ball from defenders. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Jump stop
A jump stop is an important fundamental footwork technique that all basketball players must learn. It is a technique used to prevent travelling violations. When a player is running with the basketball, they can execute a jump stop by taking one small step and then landing on both feet simultaneously, without leaning forward. This technique can be used at the end of a dribble to prevent losing control and falling forward due to momentum.
The jump stop is also useful when receiving a pass, as it allows the player to get into a triple-threat position. In this situation, either foot can be used as the pivot foot, and the player can pivot and perform jab-step fakes or a drive step. However, if the player already took a step before the jump stop, they cannot move either foot and must either shoot or pass the ball before their next step.
There is some confusion and debate about the rules regarding jump stops and travelling violations. Some people believe that landing with both feet simultaneously is essential for a legal jump stop, especially at the high school level. Others argue that landing with one foot first and then the other is also legal, as long as the dribble is ended before landing. The interpretation of these rules may vary depending on the league and the officials.
Teaching players how to perform a proper jump stop is crucial for their development. A simple drill to teach the jump stop is to have players line up on an end line and jog slowly down the floor. When a whistle is blown, they must come to a jump stop, and this action is repeated back and forth up and down the court. This helps players master the technique and improve their footwork.
Overall, the jump stop is an essential skill in basketball that allows players to maintain control, balance, and options when dribbling or receiving a pass. It is a fundamental technique that all players should learn and practice to improve their performance on the court.
The Adhesive Secrets of Basketball Backboards
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Stride stop
The stride stop is a fundamental skill in basketball, and when mastered, it can be a powerful tool for players. It is a two-foot stop, but unlike a jump stop, the feet do not hit the ground simultaneously. Instead, the outside foot hits first, acting as a brake and allowing the player to maintain balance. This is especially useful when a player is moving at speed, as it prevents them from falling forward.
The stride stop is an efficient way to stop quickly and can be used to gain an advantage over a defender. It allows players to quickly pivot and change direction, creating space from the defence and shielding the ball, which decreases the chances of a blocked shot or turnover. This makes it a valuable skill to learn for young players, as it gives them more control and improves their chances of scoring or passing effectively.
To teach the stride stop, coaches can start by focusing on footwork. Players often struggle with the 1-2 timing of the stride stop and end up jump-stopping instead. To correct this, coaches can remind players that "stride" suggests running, not jumping. Players can practice this by running down the court in a zig-zag pattern, always stopping on the outside foot first. They can even pause on one foot for a moment before putting the other foot down.
Once players have mastered the footwork, they can work on increasing their speed. They can start by jogging and performing a stride stop at various points on the court, always checking that their feet finish in a square position. As their technique improves, they can increase their running speed. With practice, the stride stop can become a powerful tool for players, helping them to score more, pass better, and commit fewer turnovers and fouls.
Smash Shots: Powerful Badminton Techniques
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Pivoting
There are two main types of pivots: the forward pivot and the reverse pivot (also known as a drop-step). In a forward pivot, the player spins or steps forward, often in a counterclockwise motion if using their left foot as the pivot foot. Conversely, in a reverse pivot, the player pivots backward, either stepping backward or drop-stepping in a clockwise motion with their left pivot foot. The choice of pivot foot depends on the game situation and the player's dominant hand. For example, a right-handed player typically uses their left foot as the pivot foot, while a left-handed player would use their right foot.
When teaching players how to pivot, it is essential to start with the fundamentals of footwork. Players should be instructed to keep their pivot foot firmly planted, with the ball of the foot in contact with the floor at all times. The heel can come up, but the big toe must remain in place, as if there is a nail holding it to the floor. Players should practice moving their non-pivot foot in different directions while keeping their pivot foot stationary. Both the left and right feet should be practised as the pivot foot to ensure versatility.
Drills, such as the four-corner pass and pivot drill, are excellent ways to teach pivoting skills. This drill involves players dribbling to the centre and performing a jump stop before pivoting on their right foot and passing to the next line. The drill can then be reversed, with players dribbling with their left hand, pivoting on their left foot, and passing in a clockwise rotation. By incorporating these drills and focusing on proper footwork, players can develop their pivoting skills, improving their agility and manoeuvrability on the court.
Prepare for Youth Basketball Tryouts: Tips for Success
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$28.81

Travelling
In the NBA and FIBA, a player is allowed two steps without dribbling. However, the NCAA and NFHS have stricter rules, not permitting any steps without dribbling. If a player is in possession of the ball and they roll over with it, this is also deemed travelling. If a player jumps, they must pass or shoot the ball before either foot touches the ground again.
A player can pivot using either foot if they catch the ball with both feet on the court. If a player lands on one foot, they may only pivot using that foot. If a player jumps off one foot, they may land with both feet for the second step, but they may not pivot with either foot. If a player is in motion and then stops, they may not gain an advantage by sliding.
The "gather step" was introduced by FIBA in 2018 to bring more clarity and consistency to the rules. This change brought FIBA's interpretation closer to that of the NBA.
USC Men's Basketball: Champions or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Drills
The jump stop is an important fundamental skill for all basketball players to learn. It is a technique of hopping from one foot and landing on two feet simultaneously in balance. The jump stop can be used at the end of a dribble, when receiving a pass, or to get into a triple threat position.
The Jump Stop Drill is a staple drill that all coaches should use. It improves players' balance, reduces travelling, improves pivoting skills to create space, and improves confidence. Here is a step-by-step guide to the drill:
- Demonstrate the jump stop: Before beginning the drill, coaches should demonstrate the jump stop to their players.
- Line up on the baseline: Players line up on the baseline with adequate spacing between them.
- Start at a slow speed: Players start by jogging slowly down the floor.
- Blow the whistle: When the coach blows the whistle, players execute a jump stop.
- Repeat: Players continue jogging and performing jump stops every time the whistle is blown.
- Increase speed: Once players are comfortable, increase the speed to a sprint.
- Add a ball: Players now dribble slowly down the floor, performing jump stops when the whistle is blown.
- Add speed dribbles: Eventually, work up to speed dribbles and jump stops.
- Form two lines: Players form two sets of lines, one at an end-line and the other at half court, facing each other.
- Pass and jump stop: Players pass to their partners and receive the pass with a jump stop.
- Add pivots: To increase the difficulty, add different types of pivots after the jump stop. Call out which type of pivot players should perform.
- Randomize intervals: Make the intervals at which players jump stop more random to keep them on their toes.
- Add a ball: When players are comfortable with the footwork, add a ball and have them dribble as they perform the drill.
The jump stop drill can be further progressed by incorporating finishing moves and shots off the jump stop. Additionally, coaches can use this drill to teach the one-two step stop and other advanced pivoting and faking techniques.
The Quest for Atlantis: Basketball Tournament Venues
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A jump stop is a fundamental footwork technique in basketball where a player, who is on the run, takes one small step and then lands on both feet simultaneously in balance. It is used to prevent players from falling forward from their momentum and getting a traveling call.
To perform a jump stop, players should first be taught the technique by demonstration. They then line up on an end-line with adequate spacing and slowly jog down the floor. When a whistle is blown, they execute the jump stop. Over time, the speed is increased, and eventually, a ball is introduced to practice dribbling and jump-stopping.
A stride stop is when a player runs and stops on the outside foot first, followed by the inside foot. It is a quicker way to stop and pivot than a jump stop, and it helps players maintain their balance and shield the ball from defenders.










































