Basketball Shooting Footwork: 1-2 vs. The Hop

Throughout the past few years we've noticed that there are many "fundamentals" within basketball that are rather controversial - especially on social media.

And recently we've tried to get to the bottom of these issues and get both sides of each argument before making our own definitive decision.

Back in January we asked the question to coaches on Twitter on whether they like the "1-2 step" or "Hop" in a catch and shoot situation:

🏀 COACHES & TRAINERS: When teaching footwork in a catch and shoot situation, what do you prefer?

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. We’re planning to write a blog post in this topic and you could be featured!

— Dr. Dish Basketball (@drdishbball) January 20, 2019

You can see the percentages of each choice which are very interesting but there were some great comments as well.

In Favor of "Both"

Here's one of our favorites from our partner, Mike Dunn:

For younger kids I find the hop is easier. Reason being it’s an easier concept to grasp when explaining the purpose of coming off of both legs with an equal amount of power. 1-2 step usually comes a little further down the line. Need to be able to do BOTH!

— seemikedunn (@seemikedunn) January 20, 2019

And a great quote from another one of our partners, Reid Ouse of Catalyst Training:

”A good habit is a bad habit when it’s your only habit.” Need to be able to both - multiple habits depending on the situation

— Reid Ouse (@reidouse) January 21, 2019

In Favor of the "1-2 Step"

But we had a few responses that were very heavy in supporting the 1-2 step like this one from Seth Duke:

This shouldn’t be a question. A 1-2 step is the smoothest and most common way to flow into a jumper. A jump stop for starters leaves you off balance and if you land wrong can twist your ankle on take off. A hop is just not practical.

— Seth Duke (@SethDuke0) January 21, 2019

In Favor of "The Hop"

And last, here's one from our friend Coach Chris Straker that feels like "The Hop" is the best option the majority of the time:

If we’re coming down off a screen or cutting in to the shot there are time for a 1-2 most of the time I feel the hop is the best option

— Coach Straker (@coachstraker) January 21, 2019

Our take

We tend to lean towards "being able to do BOTH is important in different situations" AND "every player is going to be slightly different in what they adopt." 

For me personally, I was always taught the 1-2 step and "planting on your inside foot" when shooting in a catch and shoot situation AND off the move. However, I feel like "the hop" has become more popular as of late - especially in catch and shoot situations.

One benefit of "the hop" is being able to choose your pivot foot if you don't shoot. I can also see how - if timed correctly - "the hop" would help create a quicker shot release. 

However, as someone who spent many years focusing on the 1-2 step, I believe it would be hard for me to adopt a new way of shooting. Granted, I'm not sure the rec league games I play in now matter as much as aspiring high school, college, and pro players :)

I personally believe that players should practice both and understand what works best for them and what is most comfortable for them to execute in a game situation. 

Your Thoughts?

Let us know in the comments! This is a fascinating topic and we want to hear from as many coaches/trainers/players as possible. Any other shooting questions you'd like us to help answer on Twitter?

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