Add Steph's Gold Medal-Winning Move to Your Arsenal
If you watched the last couple games of the Men's National Team in Paris, you couldn't help but be amazed by Steph Curry's shooting display.
Most consider him the greatest shooter ever. It's hard to argue.
What makes it even more impressive is how he's able to generate so many attempts, despite other teams keying on his shot.
One way he does that is how he uses his pump fake in conjunction with his dribble to get open.
In fact, the dagger 3 he hit against France to ice the gold medal game was exactly the move we are going to discuss - and it's one any serious shooter should be working on in training!
Side Step 3 vs. Step Back 3: The Better Choice for Consistent Shooting
When players pump fake on the perimeter, they can use that advantage in various ways. Some drive all the way to the rim. That's always a great outcome.
If a shot at the rim is not available, what's the next best shot? A pullup mid range jumper? Analytics would suggest it's a 3 point attempt.
Many players work on a stepback after a pump fake. At the NBA level, James Harden and Luka Doncic are examples of this.
While this works for them, it's not a high percentage shot for most players. The balance required to shoot it at a high percentage is challenging.
So, if you want to shoot a high percentage 3 after a pump fake, where does that leave you? With the side step 3.
After pump faking, take a dribble sideways. Then shoot your 3.
The side dribble gets you space from your defender, allowing you to shoot your shot without worrying about getting your shot blocked.
The side dribble also does not tax your balance like the step back does. Simply put, it's an easier shot.
Finally, the side dribble results in a 3, a better shot analytically for you to shoot.
WATCH this video from The Breakthrough Shooting And Scoring System. In it, Coach Jim Huber discusses the proper technique for using this move.
How To Practice The Side Step 3
If you want to add this to your game, start working it into your shooting routine.
The first thing to realize is that the better shooter you are, the more this move will help you.
Defenders are more likely to react to shot fakes from good shooters. So make yourself a really good catch and shoot player first.
Once you've done that, start working on the side step.
Try this progression:
- Step 1 - Side step 3's: Use 5 spots (corners, wings, top of the key). At each spot, take 10 total shots - 5 pump fake and side steps right, 5 pump fakes and side steps left.
- Step 2 - Contested side step 3's: Same as step 1 but have a defender contest your pump fake. At first, you may want to know which side they'll contest on.
- Step 3 - Shot or side step 3's: This time, the defender tosses you the ball and crowds you or gives a bit of space. On your catch, you should be thinking shot. If there is space, shoot the ball. If the defender crowds you, fake and then side step opposite of the contest.
As time goes on, allow them to contest on either side. This forces you to read the defender and side step opposite of their jump.
Also tell your defender to call you out any time your pump fake doesn’t meet the three criteria we discussed above.
Shoot 5 at each spot for a total of 25.
As time goes on, allow the defender to try to get back in the play after going for the fake and contest your shot from behind. This forces you to get your shot off quicker.
Shoot 5 at each spot for a total of 25.
The "Eyes, Butt, and Ball" Secret to a Deadly Pump Fake
Think of a pump fake as a shot not taken.
The first mistake players make is that their fakes are not believable. They are rushed or half-hearted. Believable fakes have the following three characteristics:
- Eyes on the rim: Too many players fake with their head down. They are already thinking drive before the fake takes place. This is an obvious giveaway to the defender that you are not going to shoot.
- Butt down: You want to be quick coming out of the fake. Thus, you must keep your butt down and legs loaded. If you rise up, you'll have to sink again to start your next movement.
- Ball to chin: You don't need to bring the ball above your head. However, you do need to get it to face level. A shot fake that never gets above your chest is not as credible.
Your eyes should be big and on the rim.
Fake from an athletic position.
Those are staples of good fakes. One debated question is about your feet when you fake. Some coaches want players' feet to be right next to each other, as that’s how you shoot.
Why This Deceptive & Efficient Move Is The Best Of Both Worlds
The side step 3 is a great move for all shooters. It is easier than a step back and results in the same shot.
It allows you to shoot a rhythm 3 with good balance. In that way, it simulates an open catch and shoot 3, a shot coaches love.
Become a master of the shot fake and see new scoring opportunities appear!
Ready To Go Beyond Catch & Shoot?
Catch and shoot shots are the foundation for all shooters. But elite shooters are able to shoot skillfully in other situations:
- On the move
- Off the dribble
- Using various footwork
- When their balance isn't perfect
If you want to be one of those shooters, check out the Breakthrough Shooting & Scoring System. Coach Jim Huber takes you through all of the concepts above to help you become a knock down shooter.
In addition to elite teaching, the video includes workouts for all levels of shooters to take their game up a notch.
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