Kobe Bryant Stepping Out on the Catch - Iso Footwork, No Dribbles | Skill Set Series

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Continuing with the “no dribbles” theme, Kobe exhibits another minimalistic and efficient method to isolation scoring. While it may seem basic, there are a few layers to this move. Work is done prior to the pass, during the pass, and on the catch. Stationed at the elbows, the triangle’s (weak-side) pinch post, or 15-18 foot wing area with his back to the basket, he utilizes footwork to create space from his defender.

If Kobe’s mid-post position is established well before the entry pass, he’s able to feel his matchup. 0:37, 0:44, and 0:51 present the defender sitting squarely behind him. This makes for a simple step out as the pass comes in.

Displayed at 2:00, 2:12, 3:40 - as ball meets outside hand (left), Kobe plants his right foot into the defender, almost between their feet which are now perpendicular to his. Nearly simoultaneously, he extends his left foot away from the defender, completing a split-like catch. He keeps his left slightly elevated until his right foot lands. This allows him to push off his right and gain distance in his left. With his right leg, hip, and shoulder still very close to or in contact with the defender’s stance, Kobe quickly pulls his right foot back/out towards his left, creating separation.

In situations where he’s jostling for position en route to the desired mid range spot - 3:16, 3:46, 4:18, the same footwork is applied. However, a handful of instances show Kobe’s defender giving him room before the catch. This approach is met with a slightly different response. Instead of digging that right foot in, he simply reverts to just the push off part of the footwork - 1:47 and 3:34. In cases where the defender plays tight but reacts slowly, a great amount of separation is made, freeing up an undisrupted jumper - 3:28, 3:58, 4:35.

When Kobe is isolated on the left side of the floor, another layer gets added to the footwork. With his right foot and right hand now top side, a partial twist becomes necessary on the split - 1:21, 2:25, 2:45. The Houston one at 5:02 is impeccable, so smooth. You can see the defender hesitate for a second, realizing that more than an arm’s length distance had been made. By then it was too late.

While the footwork is less textbook at 5:14 in Utah, the play itself is amazing. Kobe lets the ball travel to him, keeping Brewer on his back and taking him from a step inside the arc to a step below the free throw line in the process. As Kobe lands on the catch, he counters the momentum. Ronnie is a fraction late in doing so himself. Kobe fades and knocks it down.

We also see a pair of duck-ins at 4:04 and 4:48. The broadcast angle captures the effectiveness of these perfectly.

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