Ball-handling drill

How to do a step back in basketball

The step back is a move where you drive toward the defender, then push backward to create space. You can keep dribbling out of it or rise into a shot. Either way, the goal is a gap the defender cannot close in time.

What is the step-back?

In a step back, you attack the defender with a dribble or two to make them retreat, then plant your front foot and push yourself backward. Your last dribble pulls the ball back with you. That backward push creates a gap of a step or two between you and the defender.

There are two common versions. The step-back dribble keeps the dribble alive: you push back, the ball comes with you, and you keep handling. The step-back jumper uses the same footwork but you gather the ball and rise into a shot. This page focuses on the ball-handling side, since the dribble and footwork have to be right before the shot works.

The move works because defenders retreat when you attack. If you push back at the moment they are backing up, they are moving the wrong way and need extra time to close the gap.

When to use it in a game

Use the step back when a defender is backing up to cut off your drive. Attack hard enough that they have to respect it, then push back. It is common on the wing or at the top of the key, and it pairs well with a crossover or a hesitation before it.

The step-back dribble is also useful against a defender who is sitting on your drive. Even if you do not shoot, the space lets you see the floor and make a pass.

It is less effective against a defender who plays off you, since there is no gap to create. In that case, attack them directly instead.

How to do it, step by step

1. Start dribbling in your right hand at a medium speed toward a defender or cone.
2. Take one hard dribble forward, attacking as if you are going to drive past.
3. Plant your front foot (your right foot) firmly, with your knee bent and your weight over it.
4. As you plant, dribble the ball hard and slightly back toward your body so it is coming back toward you.
5. Push off your front foot and move backward, taking a short hop or slide back so both feet land under you, shoulder-width apart and balanced.
6. Let the ball come back up into your hand at the same moment you land, still dribbling.
7. From the balanced landing, either keep dribbling, attack again, pass or, if you are practicing the jumper, gather and rise.

Common mistakes

• Traveling on the gather. The most common error is an extra shuffle step after you pick up the ball. Know when you gathered and how many steps your league allows after it. See the traveling guide.
• Leaning back. If your shoulders fall back, you land off balance and cannot shoot or attack. Push with your legs and keep your chest over your feet.
• No threat first. A step back with no drive in front of it creates no space. The defender only retreats if your attack looks real.
• Ball too far in front. If the ball stays out in front while your body goes back, it is exposed. Pull it back with you on the last dribble.
• Stepping back too far. A huge step back costs balance. A controlled step or hop is enough for the gap.

Three progressions

1. Footwork only. Without a ball, practice attack, plant, push back and land balanced. Repeat until your landing is quiet and steady.
2. Step-back dribble. Add the ball. Attack one dribble, step back with a hard pull-back dribble, land and keep dribbling. Alternate hands.
3. Cross into step back. Crossover to set up the drive, then step back from the new hand. This is the version most often seen in games.

5-minute step-back workout

Use a cone or chair as a defender and give yourself room to attack and push back. If you have a hoop, finish some reps with a shot; if not, keep the dribble alive.

How Handles AI coaches it

Handles AI does not grade jump shots, but it trains the dribble work that makes a step back possible: hard, controlled pound dribbles, quick changes of direction and changes of pace. Coach Ace calls moves like the snatch back, crossover and change of pace, and each rep is graded Clean, Nice work, or Next rep.

Game Moves mode is the closest fit, and your Control and Speed ratings reflect how sharp those dribbles are.

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