What is a gather step?

A gather step is a fundamental movement in basketball that involves quickly picking up the dribble and gathering the ball in both hands before taking a shot or making a pass. This allows the player to establish better control and balance before making their next move. The gather step is often used when driving to the basket or when preparing to shoot a jump shot. It is a key component of proper footwork in basketball and can greatly improve a player's efficiency and accuracy on offense. Mastering the gather step can help players create better scoring opportunities and make quicker decisions on the court.