What Is Gather Step in Basketball: Game-Changing Move Explained

You might be watching NBA games and thinking to yourself that NBA players seem to get away with extra steps. You are probably shouting at your TV that it should be a traveling violation and perhaps what is the 'gather step' in basketball that these guys seem to be using all the time?

It can get frustrating trying to understand it all. It is definitely something I struggled with, but after watching many NBA games, you get better.

Understanding what the 'gather step' in basketball might change how you view the game.

• Decoding the Gather Step in Basketball
  • The "Zero Step" Explained
  • NBA vs. Other Leagues
  • How NBA Players Use the Gather Step
  • Gather Step for Different Basketball Moves
  • Examples in Action
  • Controversies and Misconceptions
  • The Gather Step in FIBA and International Play
  • Coaching the Gather Step
• FAQs about what is gather step in basketball
  • What does it mean to gather in basketball?
  • What is the gather step in layup?
  • How to perform a gather step?
  • Is the gather step only legal in the NBA?
• Conclusion 

The 'gather step' is essentially an extra step a basketball player can use after they have stopped dribbling. This means they're picking up their dribble, so players aren’t getting additional steps *while* dribbling.

The rule was officially incorporated into the NBA rule book before the 2019 season. FIBA made it official the prior year.

Before that, NBA officials frequently used it at their discretion to improve the flow and excitement of NBA games.

The 'gather step' is also known as the 'zero step.' When a progressing player ends their dribble, the first step they take after is the zero step.

Think of it as a preparatory step. It doesn't count toward the traditional two-step limit.

This helps you think of it differently when counting steps. Ballplayers, after their last dribble, are still allowed two steps even after having gathered the ball on that initial first step, also known as 'the zero step.'

While the NBA and FIBA fully adopted the gather step rule, this is not the same for every league. This rule is different in high school and college basketball.

The gather step is typically considered a travel in those leagues. In high school and college, the count of steps occurs as soon as the dribbling is stopped, and any movement is considered a step and counts.

NBA Players often use the gather step to help boost offensive efficiency. They’ll use it to explode to the hoop and try to go past or evade their defender.

It gives more creativity and explosiveness on offense. Defenders now have to think through defending differently.

It should come as no surprise that this gather rule changes everything. Below is a table of how the gather step impacts different popular moves that players like to use on the offensive side.

Move Gather Step Usage Advantages

Giannis Antetokounmpo is really great at making it to the rim from all the way from the three-point line. He will gather the ball when he's that far, which many viewers might view as not counting.

James Harden gets away with what many might see as additional steps in his step back. If you account for the zero-step, this can show his step-back move in a totally different light.

These NBA players can cover ground in unique ways because of this.

The gather step rule remains controversial due to how many see traveling violations in the sport of basketball. Many simply believe it should still be counted with no free steps allowed.

Many will get annoyed at players for traveling, but there are other instances in basketball that are travels and missed calls. It does make a viewer wonder what is truly a travel versus good use of a rule.

The move made a lot of things similar to FIBA since this is typically the highest level for overseas basketball, as well as what the Olympics follows. It makes sense that the move became official when looking at the best of both FIBA and NBA in what they were letting happen and doing well.

FIBA even started making it a part of its official rules the year before the NBA. Now, a legal gathering in the NBA is also a legal gather in FIBA.

As you teach the gather step to players, be aware of all facets of the game and moves associated with the ball. Try to work in that 'step in basketball' to build their coordination, agility, and skillset.

Keep in mind, though, that for younger players, this could just cause confusion with youth leagues having other rules. Try to figure out what might benefit any particular player the most before anything.

With the left foot or right foot being used as the pivot foot, an offensive player needs to make sure to use the gather step in line with those rules.

To gather in basketball means when a player stops their dribble and brings the ball in closer with two hands. They might grab the ball to pass it quickly to another player or be at the initial part of their shot.

They might go up for a shot or a layup.

After you complete dribbling and then pick up your dribble, you can gather the ball into a closer position to your body before proceeding towards a layup. The final two steps then officially start after your gather step.

Take an additional first step after dribbling before moving on into your basketball play with the ball secured to take more steps. It happens in a seamless flow that should follow the rhythm of natural steps for the player, without it being considered a travel.

The rule has expanded since it was first recognized more in the NBA. Now you can officially find it as an official FIBA rule as well.

This is not yet the same with many youth, high school and college games and many consider it still to be a travel. There can be traveling violations even if the player gathers.

Not understanding what the "gather step" in basketball is is going to drastically affect your viewpoint on all games. Whether an offensive player is gaining control of a loose ball or completing a dribble, understanding the gather step is key.

It’ll likely continue to get recognition from other leagues with all its usage. A step prior to the gather can dictate the rest of the play.

It continues to give excitement for fans in its application as offense continues to be innovated. The gather step rule has become an integral element for analysis by NBA Media Ventures, LLC, and is frequently discussed in the latest news and officiating analyses by NBA officials.