Yuki Kawamura Copies James Harden Step Back

Yuki got the ball at the top of the key, dribbled to his right, stepped back, and shot a three. Even the commentators went wild, saying, “dribbled in his little step-side-step.”

The crowd, as usual, when Yuki makes a shot, went wild. Kawamura might never be as good a basketball player as Harden was. But he shows that he can use one of Harden’s signature moves easily. So far in his young NBA career, Yuki has accumulated plenty of highlights. While most people rave about his no-look assists, Yuki shows that he can score the ball as well.

How James Harden Perfected the Step Back 3?

Harden didn’t invent the step-back three-pointer, but he is probably the one that made the shot famous. During his MVP years in Houston, Harden constantly hit defenders with a step back that allowed him to get separation and shoot an open three-pointer. The step back is one of the most effective methods of generating space for a shot. Harden is skilled enough to consistently hit what is otherwise a difficult shot. Combined with his ability to draw fouls, Harden was able to average 30+ points thanks to plenty of three-pointers and free throws.

Harden always had exceptional ball-handling skills, and the step back was a complimentary piece to his dribbling style. He used it to exploit defensive mismatches. While many teams were trying to stop Harden’s drives to the basket, he used the step-back shot to counter them and capitalize on the space he created. Over the years, the step-back three has become synonymous with Harden’s playing style. There are plenty of other players who use it effectively, like Steph Curry, but it is a difficult shot to make. Defenders have to fall for your fake drive to be able to step back and create separation.

Is the Step Back a Travel?

During Harden’s best years, many fans were calling it a travel. But the trick is to be fast enough and not get called for travel. Harden mastered it and used gather steps to create space without getting called for a travel. As he mastered the shot, he could shoot a jump shot in the face of any defender.

The shot has gained so much popularity over the years that there are plenty of tutorials that help even amateurs learn how to use it. Of course, you cannot sell it always, as you have to be good at dribbling and fake drives.