stepback

Create some distance

A stepback is a basketball move where a player dribbling toward the basket suddenly steps backward to create space from a defender before shooting.

The move has become a signature technique for elite scorers: He hit a stepback three at the buzzer.

More broadly, stepback can describe any deliberate retreat to gain perspective or advantage.

basketball

fadeaway

Backward-moving basketball shot

jumperPullover or pinafore dress
shooterOne who fires weapons
three-pointerBeyond-arc basketball score

dribble · crossover · separation · contested · perimeter · midrange · pullup · release · footwork · pivot

retreat

withdrawal

Act of taking away

pullbackWithdrawal or reduction
fallbackAlternative if primary fails
disengagementWithdrawal from involvement

recoil · backpedal · yielding · concession · surrender · evacuation · departure · escape · recession · strategic

perspective

reassess

Evaluate a second time

rethinkEvaluate again differently
evaluateDetermine value or quality
reconsiderThink about something anew

reflect · reframe · overview · detachment · objectivity · clarity · hindsight · pause · deliberate · analyze

dance

choreography

Designing performance movement sequences

footworkSkilled lower-limb movement
movementChange in position
rhythmPatterned stress and silence

backward · routine · partner · timing · beat · slide · groove · shuffle

Opposites

forward/backward movement

stepbackstep forward

Move toward something

advance · step up · move forward · lunge · charge

progress/regression

stepbackadvance

Move or progress forward

progress · leap forward · breakthrough · step forward · improvement

engagement/disengagement

stepbackstep up

Increase or advance

lean in · commitment · engagement · dive in · engage

Family

step, back, steps, stepped, stepping, backs, backed, backing, backstep

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Timeless · Concrete · Rated G