step-back

Gain some distance

A step-back is a basketball move where the ball handler steps backward while dribbling to create space from a defender before shooting.

The move has become signature to players like James Harden: He hit the step-back three at the buzzer.

More broadly, step-back describes anything involving a deliberate retreat to gain perspective or advantage.

retreat

withdraw

Remove or pull away

recoilBackward force from discharge
distanceSpace between two points
disengageBreak free from attachment

recede · yield · flinch · shrink · hesitate · pause · backpedal · reverse · caution · wariness

perspective

distance

Space between two points

overviewBroad general summary
detachmentSeparation or emotional uninvolvement
objectivityFreedom from personal bias

clarity · hindsight · reflection · reassessment · reconsider · reevaluate · big-picture · reframe · contextualize · pause

basketball

fadeaway

Backward-moving basketball shot

jumperPullover or pinafore dress
shotQuick liquor serving
midrangeMiddle of spectrum

shooter · release · elevation · separation · defender · footwork · arc · swish · contested · turnaround

dance

choreography

Designing performance movement sequences

footworkSkilled lower-limb movement
moveChange location or act
rhythmPatterned stress and silence

routine · partner · ballroom · salsa · cha-cha · line-dance · sequence · timing · pivot · syncopation

Categories

basketball scoringlayup, dunk, free throw, jump shot, three-pointer
basketball slangairball, alley-oop, ankle breaker, baller, ballin
jump shotsjump shot, pull-up jumper, fadeaway, turnaround jumper, top of key
shotsgunshot, B-52, Jagerbomb, Kamikaze, lemon drop

Opposites

direction of movement

step-backstep forward

Move toward something

advance · lunge · step up · step in · move forward

engagement/approach

step-backstep up

Increase or advance

lean in · dive in · engage · commit · jump in

basketball shooting technique

step-backdrive

Operate a vehicle

step-through · euro step · pull-up jumper

Family

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G