BoB Move of the Month: Step Back Jumper

We’re going to try something new here at Hoops Fiend.  Each month we will give you a new basketball move to add to your offensive arsenal.  If you’ve visited our site before you know that we have several cool articles with tips on how to improve your game.

The move of the month for December is the step back jumper.  This move has become more and more popular and important to successful guard play.  Having a good step back jumper allows you to balance your drives and jump shots that will keep defenders guessing.  I also have not found another move that is more effective at creating space on the perimeter against defenders.

Let’s break down how to effectively execute the step back jump shot.  First you will likely start around the three point line.  With the basketball you will make a move (cross over, drive, etc.).  Once your defender begins to shift his weight you will step into your defender with your right foot if you on the left side of the court, or the left foot if you are on the right side of the court.  With that foot planted you will step back into a shooting stance creating the space needed to get your shot off.  Which foot you use to step back may vary depending on the situation beyond what side of the court you are on, but this is a generally how it works.

Executed properly the step back jumper is practically unguardable.  Players to watch who have mastered this move include Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and Stephen Curry.

Here’s a video of JR Smith when he was with the Knicks giving the step-back treatment to Tristan Thompson:

What’s more, is once you’ve given your defender a healthy amount of these step backs you can use it to get them to over commit to the jump shot.  This leads to an opportunity where on the step back instead of taking the jump shot you use a cross over dribble and drive to the hole, leaving your defender feeling the breeze as you pass by.

Coach Rock has a lot of great content and tips on how to do a lot basketball moves.  Below is a video of a drill showing you how to do the step-back jumper move.  Check it out and try this during your next practice session.

So, there you have it, the first Hoops Fiend move of the month.  Be sure to check out some of our other tips articles including how to shoot the basketball with perfect mechanics and five shooting drills you can do right now.