Ayrton Oneill
The Euro step, also known as the two-step or long lateral, is an offensive basketball move where a player picks up their dribble, takes a step in one direction, then quickly takes a second step in another direction. This move is designed to evade a defender and attack the basket. The Euro step was introduced to the NBA in 1989 by Lithuanian player Šarūnas Marčiulionis, who played for the Golden State Warriors. While the term Euro step first appeared in the media in 2007, the move has long been a staple of European basketball.
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What You'll Learn
The Euro step's introduction to the NBA
The Euro step, or two-step, is a basketball move in which an offensive player picks up their dribble, takes a step in one direction, and then quickly takes a second step in another direction. It is a crafty way to distribute the two steps allocated to a player after stopping their dribble, and it is intended to evade a defender and attack the basket.
The Euro step was introduced to the NBA by Lithuanian player Šarūnas Marčiulionis in 1989 when he played for the Golden State Warriors. Fans nicknamed the move "the Euro step" as a tribute to many European players' exceptional fundamentals and crafty footwork. While the term "Euro step" first appeared in the media in 2007, the move has a long history in European basketball. It was popularized in North America in the 2000s by Manu Ginóbili, who arrived in the NBA from the Italian league.
The move stirred controversy in the NBA surrounding its legality as it found itself on the edge of a traveling violation. According to the NBA rule book, a player could only take one step. However, in 2009, the rules were changed to allow two steps, making the Euro step technically legal for the first time.
The Euro step has since been adopted by many American-born players, including James Harden, Dwyane Wade, Rajon Rondo, and others. It has changed the way players navigate the defense to reach the rim and, as writer Jordan Brenner noted, "altered the very balance of power between penetrator and defender."
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The legality of the Euro step
The Euro step is a legal basketball move when executed correctly. According to NBA Rule 10, Section XIII (Travelling), a player may take two steps after gathering the ball before attempting a shot or passing. The gather step, when the player collects the ball with both hands, does not count as part of the two steps. As long as the offensive player gathers the ball properly and only takes two steps before shooting or passing, the Euro step is considered legal under NBA, NCAA, and FIBA regulations.
The Euro step, also known as the two-step or long lateral, is a basketball move where an offensive player picks up their dribble, takes a step in one direction, and then quickly takes a second step in another direction. It is intended to allow the offensive player to evade a defender, create space, and attack the basket. The move was introduced to the NBA in 1989 by Lithuanian player Šarūnas Marčiulionis when he played for the Golden State Warriors. While the term "Euro step" made its first media appearance in 2007, the move has a long history in European basketball.
Despite being a legal move, the Euro step has sparked debates and controversies over whether it constitutes a legal move or a travelling violation. Some people argue that the Euro step is a crafty and exotic move that allows players to gather a dribble and take two additional steps, finding itself on the edge of a travelling violation. Anecdotal reports indicate that officials not familiar with the move may call it a travelling violation.
To avoid a travel call, players must ensure their footwork is clean and their gather step is controlled before taking their two legal steps. The pivot foot may be picked up when shooting or passing but cannot be returned to the floor before the shot or pass occurs. In FIBA play, referees closely monitor footwork to ensure the player does not take extra steps before or after the Euro step.
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How to perform a Euro step
The Euro step is a basketball move that allows an offensive player to evade a defender and attack the basket. To perform a Euro step, follow these steps:
Step 1: Exaggerate Your Movement
Exaggerate the movement of your head and body to force the defender to shift in the direction of your fake movement. This will make the subsequent steps easier to execute.
Step 2: Slow Down
Don't rush the Euro step. Slow down and allow the defender to slide out of position before you finish with a layup or shot. This will create the space you need to take the next steps.
Step 3: Sweep the Basketball
Sweep the basketball across your body and take a large second step in the opposite direction. You can sweep the ball low (knee height), across your body (chest height), or high (above the head). Be careful not to make contact with the defender if you sweep the ball high.
Step 4: Jump and Extend
If you've performed the previous steps correctly, you should now be in front of the basket with space to shoot. Jump off your left foot and extend towards the basket with either hand, dropping the basketball into the hoop.
Additional Tips:
- Practice the Euro step from different angles to improve your execution.
- Remember that you don't always have to finish with a shot after using the Euro step. Sometimes it's effective to pass to a teammate for a layup or three-pointer.
- Be aware of the defender's position and adjust your steps accordingly. If the defender isn't biting on your fake, slow down your movement to draw them in before executing the second step.
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The effectiveness of the Euro step
The Euro step is an incredibly effective move in basketball that can help players create space, evade defenders, and finish strong at the rim. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to disrupt the defender's balance and timing, making it easier for the offensive player to get a clear path to the basket. Here are some key reasons why the Euro step is such a powerful weapon in a player's offensive arsenal:
Unpredictable Movement: The Euro step introduces a change of pace and direction that defenders find challenging to anticipate. As the attacker approaches the defender, they quickly shift the ball to one side of their body and take a long first step in the opposite direction. This unexpected change throws the defender off balance, forcing them to adjust their position hastily.
Momentum and Power: The long first step of the Euro step helps the player generate forward momentum and power. By covering a significant distance with the first step, the player can then quickly follow through with a strong second step, propelling them towards the basket. This explosive movement is difficult for defenders to counter, especially if they are caught off-guard.
Improved Angle and Finishing Position: The Euro step helps players create a more direct angle to the basket. By stepping in the opposite direction of the defender, the player opens up a clearer path to the rim. This improved angle often results in a higher percentage shot or an easier layup attempt. Additionally, the Euro step can help players finish with more control and balance, as they can use their off-hand to protect the ball while extending their shooting arm for a smooth release.
Disrupts the Defender's Rhythm: The Euro step forces the defender to make quick decisions and adjustments. As the attacker changes direction suddenly, the defender must decide whether to continue moving backward or try to recover and cut off the drive. This disruption in the defender's rhythm often creates opportunities for the offensive player to exploit. If the defender commits too early, the attacker can use their momentum to continue driving or create contact for a potential foul call.
Versatility and Adaptability: The Euro step can be used effectively in various situations on the court. It can be deployed in transition, half-court sets, or even as a counter move when a player is initially cut off on their drive. Additionally, the Euro step can be combined with other moves, such as crossovers or hesitations, to further enhance its effectiveness and keep defenders guessing.
Mastering the Euro step takes practice and a deep understanding of timing and body control. However, when executed correctly, it can be a game-changer for players looking to improve their scoring efficiency and create high-percentage scoring opportunities. The move showcases the beauty of basketball's offensive artistry and highlights the importance of creativity and deception in the game.
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The Euro step's history in European basketball
The Euro step, also known as the two-step or long lateral, is a basketball move in which an offensive player picks up their dribble, takes a step in one direction, and then quickly takes a second step in another direction. It is a crafty move that enables the offensive player to evade a defender and attack the basket.
The Euro step was introduced to the NBA in 1989 by Lithuanian player Šarūnas Marčiulionis when he played for the Golden State Warriors. Fans nicknamed the move "the Euro step" as a tribute to many European players' exceptional fundamentals and crafty footwork. The term "Euro step" first appeared in the media in 2007, but the move has a long history in European basketball.
In the decades that it was used in European basketball leagues, the Euro step was considered a creative way to get around defenders. Young players in Europe tend to spend hours on skill development and crafty footwork, which has traditionally been less of an emphasis in the United States, where the focus is more on athleticism. The Euro step was popularized in the 2000s by shooting guard Manu Ginóbili, and it has since been adopted by many American-born players, including James Harden and Dwyane Wade.
The move has stirred controversy in the NBA due to its similarity to a traveling violation. In 2009, the NBA rule book was changed to explicitly allow two steps, which some argue has fundamentally changed the way basketball is played. The Euro step is now often used when a player drives to the hoop, and it can be especially effective when a shorter guard takes on a taller forward or center.
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Frequently asked questions
The Euro step, also known as the two-step or long lateral, is a basketball move in which an offensive player picks up their dribble, takes a step in one direction, then quickly takes a second step in another direction. It is intended to evade a defender and attack the basket.
To do a Euro step, an offensive player first picks up their dribble. Then, they take one step in one direction to fake out the defender, before quickly taking a second step in another direction and skipping to the side they want to finish on.
The Euro step is so effective because it involves a dramatic change of pace, allowing the offensive player to get separation from the defender and get close to the basket. This change of pace makes it difficult for the defender to predict where the ball will be most vulnerable, allowing the offensive player to get past the defender and shoot.
