What is the 'Jump Stop'?
The jump stop is a method used to come to a complete stop. Both feet must land simultaneously - either parallel or staggered - in order for it to be a jump stop. Some reasons the jump stop is so valuable are:
Why use 'Jump Stops'?
Jump stops give you control and strength.
When a basketball player performs a jump stop (a fundamentally and technically sound jump stop), the player will automatically complete the movement and be in a strong, controlled, triple threat position. The jump stop allows you to effectively stop quickly with the ball. Done properly, you will stop with balance, as well as with control and strength. There is less of a chance you will stumble and travel as might happen when not executing a jump stop. You will also be able to stop amongst traffic and still be under control and strong with the ball. This will allow to perform in a way that is most difficult to defend. The jump stop is key anywhere on the court, but it is especially useful in the lane and around the basket, as discussed in #2.
Jump stops allow you to utilize a variety of offensive moves.
To best explain this aspect as to the importance of jump stops, follow this example: if a player penetrates into the lane and utilizes a jump stop, he/she will have an abundance of potential options to choose from. This player can now go up strong with a shot, pass to a teammate closer to the basket, kick the ball out for a possible 3-point shot, and make an up & under or step through move. The player can also execute shot fakes and pass fakes in order to create a scoring opportunity.
Controlled, strong, powerful jump stops are also virtually impossible to defend. The next time you play or work with your team, attempt some jump stops and see what I mean. If you jump stop in the lane and are strong with the ball, your defender and any possible help defenders will not know what you are going to do. You will have various passing options and shooting options -- throw in some ball fakes -- and the defense cannot easily defend you.
Jump stops eliminate unnecessary, stupid mistakes.
One of my biggest pet peeves as a coach is watching a player make a nice penetration move to the basket and then jumping off of one leg, getting in the air, and making a needless mistake such as throwing the ball away or taking a horrible looking shot. I know you've done it and/or seen it plenty of times for yourself.
When you jump off one leg with defensive traffic all around you are not always under control and you will not always be able to make a play that helps your team. Bad things can happen in this situation such as a defender stepping in the way of a pass or shot attempt, you may take an off-balance shot, you may make a player-control foul, etc... All of these could have been eliminated by using the jump stop!
In performing a jump stop, the emphasis and teaching points are:
- In order to be a jump stop, you must land simultaneously on both feet
- Stop with balance and control
- Land with knees bent and in a triple threat position
- Be strong and utilize ball fakes, pass fakes and shot fakes
- More tips and pointers will be found in the drills below
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