A Euro Step in basketball is a crafty offensive move where a player picks up their dribble, takes a step in one direction, and then quickly takes a second step in a different direction.

The goal is to throw off the defender and create space for a shot or a drive to the basket. It’s a tricky move that can sometimes look like a traveling violation to those who aren’t familiar with it.

The History of the Euro Step

The Euro Step has been around in European basketball for decades.

Coach Vlade Đurović claimed he saw the move being used as early as 1960 in Yugoslavia. However, it wasn’t until 1989 that Lithuanian player Šarūnas Marčiulionis introduced the move to the National Basketball Association when he joined the Golden State Warriors. Since then, the Euro Step has become a widely accepted and frequently used technique in both FIBA and the NBA.

Despite sometimes appearing like a Travel, the Euro Step is a legal move in basketball.

The key difference is that in a travel, the player moves their pivot foot without dribbling the ball, while in a Euro Step, the player is allowed to take two steps in different directions after picking up their dribble.

However, players must be careful when executing the move, as it can be called a traveling violation if not performed correctly.

Players Known for the Euro Step

  • Manu Ginóbili, the legendary Argentinian guard who played for the San Antonio Spurs, is often credited with popularizing the Euro Step in the NBA.

  • James Harden is one of the most prolific users of the Euro Step in today’s NBA. His ability to change direction quickly and create space for his shot makes him a nightmare for defenders.

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo has taken the Euro Step to another level. His long strides and incredible athleticism allow him to cover a huge amount of ground with just two steps, making his Euro Step nearly impossible to stop.

Executing the Euro Step

To perform a Euro Step, a player must first pick up their dribble.

They then take a step in one direction, planting their foot firmly. Next, they quickly take a second step in a different direction, usually toward the basket. The sudden change of direction can throw off the defender, creating space for a shot or a drive.

It’s important to maintain control of the ball throughout the move and to avoid taking any extra steps, which would result in a traveling violation.