
The 2018 Rookie Phenom Luka Doncic and His Signature Move: The Step-Back Demystified
Luka Doncic's step-back move has taken the NBA by storm, but what makes it so deadly? Hooperos breaks down the key components of this devastating move.
Since joining the Dallas Mavericks in 2018, Luka Doncic has become one of the most exciting players in the NBA. At just 24 years old, he has already established himself as a star, thanks in large part to his deadly signature move: the step-back. Let's explore Luka's main stepback variations:
- Super Step Back
- Behind-the-back into Step-Back (Rulay-SB)
- Tween into step-back (Beard)
- Pump Fake with Negative Step (Poseidon)
- A Quick set of pounds Dribbles
- Classic Step Back: The Prototype
Max Separation: Super Step Back
Luka Doncic's Super Step Back move is a lethal combination of footwork and timing. This move is executed by taking a chasse footstep, where both ankles briefly touch in midair before stepping back. By doing this, Doncic creates maximum separation between himself and his defender, allowing him to execute a clean jump shot. His ability to read defenders makes it almost impossible to stop, and the addition of the chasse footstep helps him cover more ground on the court.
Behind-the-back into Step-Back (Rulay-SB)
Luka Doncic's Rulay-SB is a cunning variation of his step-back move. With this move, he executes a behind-the-back dribble before stepping back for a shot, all while creating confusion and misdirection for his defender. This deceptive move is highly effective in creating space for the shot, making it a go-to move for the young star.
Beard: Tween into a quick, brisk step-back
Doncic's quick and brisk step-back variation, known as the Beard, is a move that often catches defenders off guard. The Slovenian basketball star executes this move by using a quick between-the-legs dribble, then follows it up with a sharp step-back to create space for his jump shot. This move showcases Doncic's agility and creativity on the court and has proven to be a powerful weapon in his arsenal.
Pump Fake with Negative Step
Luka Doncic's lethal pump fake and negative step-back combination creates the perfect amount of space to execute his powerful step-back jumper. With precision and speed, Doncic sells the fake shot, takes a negative step, and after a quick first-step he steps back to create separation from his defender. His height, strength, and shooting ability make this move a threat from anywhere on the court, making defenders always on the lookout for this dangerous move.
A Quick set of pounds Dribbles
Luka Doncic's step-back jumper becomes even more lethal when he adds two quick pounding dribbles to create space for the shot. By getting his defender on their heels with the dribbles, Doncic sets up the perfect opportunity to execute his powerful step-back jumper. His deceptive footwork and sharp shooting make him a dominant force on the court, leaving defenders struggling to keep up.
Classic Step Back: The Prototype
Luka Doncic's classic step-back jumper is a deadly weapon in his offensive arsenal. After receiving a pass, Doncic executes a quick first step before stepping back and sinking the jumper. This move catches defenders off guard and creates space for the shot.
In just a few short years, Luka Doncic has become one of the most exciting and dominant players in the NBA, thanks in large part to his signature step-back move. With variations like the Super Step Back, Rulay-SB, and Classic Step Back, Doncic's footwork, misdirection, and shooting accuracy make him almost unstoppable on the court.