The Yugo step is a basketball move used by players to drive to the basket.
The player hops, lands on the same foot, and then takes another step after gathering the ball. The player can then shoot or pass after performing the Yugo step.
It’s important to note that the Yugo step is illegal in basketball.
To help you grasp the Yugo step, I’ll show you the move and its key ideas.
How to do the Yugo step
Start dribbling towards the basket like you want to make a layup.
For Yugo step beginners, begin at the three-point line and face the basket. Don’t start from the wing. The wing is the area on both sides, from the top of the key to the baseline.
As you approach the basket, hold the ball with both hands and stop dribbling. Then, hop, land on the same foot, and take another step for the layup.
For instance, if you hop on your right foot, you should land on your right foot.
The next step is with the left foot.
After the second step, you can choose a layup, a floater, or a pass.
However, don’t use the Yugo step in an official basketball game because it’s illegal.
The Yugo step is an illegal basketball move
The Yugo step is considered a traveling violation in the NBA and FIBA.
The NBA rulebook states that after ending a dribble or getting the ball, a player can’t hop on the same foot twice in a row. If this happens, it’s a traveling violation.
Here’s an NBA example of the Yugo step:
LeBron James, the offensive player, stops dribbling and holds the ball while on his right foot. He then jumps and lands back on the same foot. This is a traveling violation.
How to secretly use the Yugo step without being penalized
Like many things, some rules can be bent. The best basketball players stretch the rules of the game to their advantage. Here’s how you can use the Yugo step without breaking the rules.
1. Continue dribbling after the Yugo step
When you analyze the Yugo step, it involves hopping and landing on the same foot.
This action is common in basketball.
The hesitation move, for example, is a dribbling trick to fool defenders.
As the offensive player approaches a defender, they slow down slightly, making it appear as if they are about to stop, take the shot, or change direction.
When you study the hesitation move, you’ll see players often hop on one foot, land on the same foot, and then step with the other.
Although you’re taking three steps with the hesitation move, it is legal because you are continuing to dribble, not stopping.
Remember, as long as you keep dribbling, you can hop and land on the same foot.
2. Gather the ball late
Going to the basket involves more than footwork; timing is key.
The moment you grab the basketball is crucial.
Picking up the ball before the hop is a traveling violation, but doing so after the hop, during your first step, is allowed. To use the Yugo step legally, pick up the ball after the hop, not before.
3. Land on two feet (pro hop)
The last option to use the Yugo step legally is to land on two feet.
This move is called the pro hop.
With the Yugo step, you approach the basket, grab the ball with both hands, stop dribbling, hop onto one foot, and then step with the other for the layup.
With the pro hop, you jump off one foot, moving sideways or forward, and land on both feet at once. This landing allows you to pivot on either foot, giving you flexibility in your next move.
You can use the pro hop if you don’t take an extra step after landing on both feet.
After stopping your dribble and hopping, shoot or pass before taking another step.
Why is it called the Yugo step?
The Yugo step may be named after Yugoslavia, which was composed of six republics: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia.
The Yugo step is similar to the Euro step as both moves aim to deceive defenders after the gather step. The term “Yugo step” could simply be a catchy name.
What is the difference between the Yugo step and the Euro step?
Both the Yugo step and the Euro step aim to trick defenders and score.
The Yugo step is illegal, but the Euro step is legal.
In the Yugo step, a player grabs the ball on one foot, hops onto the same foot, and then steps with the other. This move counts as a traveling violation since the player took three steps.
On the other hand, the Euro step involves two steps: a player moves one way and then quickly steps in the opposite direction towards the basket.
What is the difference between the Yugo step and the Pinoy step?
Both the Yugo step and the Pinoy step aim to trick defenders and score.
The Yugo step is illegal, but the Pinoy step is legal.
In the Yugo step, a player grabs the ball on one foot, hops onto the same foot, and then steps with the other. This move counts as a traveling violation since the player took three steps.
On the other hand, the Pinoy step involves two steps.
The Pinoy step starts with a shot fake during a drive to the basket. Players then take one of their two legal steps before jumping for a layup or dunk.