Drop Step

Drop step is a post-up move in which the player possessing the ball ceases their dribble and stretches a leg to one side of the defender while turning towards the basket, in order to position themselves for an unimpeded shot.

Drop steps are performed by players in the post. The main objective of the drop step is to gain position so that the defender is forced to the ball handler’s back, freeing up the offensive player for a clear lane or shot to the basket. There are two main directions for a drop step move: towards the baseline (outside) or towards the middle of the court (inside). This move is especially effective when the defender is playing close or leaning against the player handling the ball. As the ball handler pivots towards the basket, the leaning or pushing defender is typically thrown off balance by his own momentum.

Examples of how Drop Step is used in commentary: Jordan backs down into the post and gets around his opponent with the perfect drop step for the two points.