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A bank shot in basketball is a type of shot where the player shoots the ball off the backboard so that it bounces into the basket, rather than going directly through the hoop. It is a high-percentage shot, particularly effective within 12 feet of the basket, and is one of the first shots taught to beginners. However, some players, especially younger ones, avoid using it because it is not considered a flashy move. So, do you have to call a bank shot in basketball? Calling bank before taking a shot is usually done in shoot-around scenarios or games like HORSE. If a player calls bank and makes the shot, the next player must use the same method. If a player does not call bank but the shot goes in, it still counts, but they may be ridiculed by their peers.
Do you have to call a bank shot in basketball?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A bank shot is a type of basketball shot where the player shoots the basketball off the backboard first, then the rim second. |
| Use case | The bank shot is a high-percentage fundamental shot and is very useful when the player has the angle and is closer to the basket. |
| Advantages | The bank shot is easier to make from close range than a direct shot. It can increase the accuracy of a shot by creating optimal angles. |
| Training | A drill for practicing the bank shot is to start near the left or right side low post block and shoot the ball off the backboard, towards the corner of the inner rectangle. |
| Technique | The bank shot is all about angles. Shooting the ball near the corner of the backboard's inner rectangle can increase accuracy. |
| Research | Researchers at North Carolina State University found that from many basketball court areas within 12 feet of the basket, the bank shot is 20% more effective than a direct shot. |
| Calling "bank" | Calling "bank" is typically used in shoot-around scenarios before a game or in horse. If a player does not call "bank" but makes the shot, it still counts, but they may be mocked by other players. |
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What You'll Learn
Bank shot definition
A bank shot is a fundamental basketball shot that involves shooting the basketball off the backboard so that it bounces into the basket. It is a high-percentage shot, meaning it has a high chance of success, especially when the player is close to the basket and has a good angle. The bank shot is not the most visually appealing shot, and it requires a lot of practice, patience, and coaching to master. However, it can be highly effective, with top players like Tim Duncan, Russell Westbrook, and Dwyane Wade consistently relying on it.
The key to a successful bank shot is understanding angles and creating optimal angles to shoot the ball. The offensive player must shoot the ball at a certain angle so that it makes contact with the backboard and then falls into the rim. Shooting the ball near the corner of the backboard's inner rectangle, the smaller rectangle adjacent to the basket, can increase the accuracy of the bank shot.
There are different variations of the bank shot. One common variation is to aim for the center of the square on the backboard when facing the rim head-on, which can almost guarantee a field goal if taken at the right angle. Another variation is to shoot the ball off either of the top corners of the square on the backboard at a 45-degree angle. This shot is often used when a player is guarded by a defender and needs to create space for a jump shot.
The bank shot is also used in drills to improve a player's shooting skills. For example, a player can start near the left or right side low post block and shoot the ball off the backboard towards the corner of the inner rectangle. The player can then move one step back and continue taking bank shots. To increase the difficulty, a player can add a dribble pull-up or a timer to the drill.
In some basketball circles, there is a tradition of calling bank before taking a bank shot. If a player calls bank and makes the shot, the next player must use the same method. If a player does not call bank and the shot goes in, it still counts, but the other players may tease the shooter for not calling it.
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Bank shot technique
A bank shot is a technique used by offensive players in basketball. It involves shooting the ball so that it hits the backboard at a certain angle before falling into the rim. The player does not aim to directly shoot the ball through the basket ring. Bank shots are generally more effective than regular jump shots as they can lead to a higher shooting percentage.
To master the bank shot technique, players must understand the importance of angles. The bank shot area does not extend to the three-point territory, so it is important to know when you are in the bank area to make use of it. If not in the bank area, players should not look at the backboard while shooting. The bank shot is most effective when the ball hits the top right of the square on the backboard with a soft shot. The softness of the shot is achieved by the ball hitting the backboard at the apex of the shot, which is the top of the arc of the shot before it starts descending.
There are several drills that players can practice to master the bank shot technique. One such drill involves starting near the left or right side low post block and shooting the ball off the backboard, towards the corner of the inner rectangle. The player should continue taking bank shots from this position until they make a specified number of shots in a row, such as five to ten. Then, the player can move a step back from the low post block and repeat the process. To increase the difficulty, players can add a dribble pull-up, where they start a step or two away from the low post block and take one dribble forward before taking the bank shot. Additionally, players can introduce a timer to challenge themselves to make a certain number of bank shots within a set time frame.
The bank shot is particularly useful in certain game situations. For example, if a perimeter player is guarded by a defender with a hand in their face, attempting a regular jump shot would likely result in a lower percentage of success due to the difficulty of seeing the rim. However, if the perimeter player takes a high-arching bank shot, they can increase their chances of making the field goal attempt. Similarly, the bank shot can be advantageous when playing against a taller defender or when positioned at an angle conducive to banking the shot.
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Bank shot drills
A bank shot is when an offensive player shoots the basketball so that it makes contact with the backboard at a certain angle before falling into the rim. This technique can increase your chances of making successful shots if you learn this skill and create optimal angles. Here are some drills to help you master the bank shot:
Two-Line Shooting Drill
This drill requires two lines of players at the top of the key, with two basketballs in each line. The players at the top of the key dribble down and perform a handoff with a wing player cutting to the top of the key. The wing player then either takes the shot or drives for a layup. This drill helps players practice shooting off hand-offs, which can be tricky to master.
Four-Line Shooting Drill
This drill involves four lines of players on each elbow, with one basketball for each player. When the coach says to start, the first person in each line takes a shot and, if they make it, they move to the next line. If they miss, they join the back of the same line and try again. This drill helps players practice shooting open jump shots while under mental pressure.
Cone Shooting Drill
This drill requires 23 cones placed at one end of the court and two teams of players at the other end. Each team has one basketball, and a coach or parent to pass and rebound. On the coach's whistle, the players start shooting. If a player makes a shot, they rebound the ball and pass it to the next person in line. They then get to sprint to the other end of the floor and shoot a three-pointer to win a cone for their team. If they miss, they return to their group without a cone. This drill adds a fun element of competition and excitement.
Dribble and Bank Drill
This drill can be done with two or more players. Player 1 takes the ball and, from the 3-point line, drives in and banks it off the backboard to the other side. Player 2 does the same, and this continues for at least 5 minutes. The players' feet must not touch the ground when they jump to get the ball and bank it off the backboard. This drill helps players practice their ball handling and shooting skills.
Low Post Block Drill
This drill helps players practice the bank shot from different positions on the court. The player starts near the left or right side low post block and shoots the ball off the backboard, towards the corner of the inner rectangle. They continue taking bank shots until they make 5 to 10 shots in a row. Then, they can move one step back from the low post block and take bank shots again. This drill can be made more challenging by adding a dribble pull-up or a timer.
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Bank shot physics
A bank shot in basketball is a technique where a player shoots the ball so that it makes contact with the backboard at a certain angle before falling into the rim, instead of directly shooting it through the basket ring. This technique is considered old-fashioned and less visually appealing than other shots, but it can be highly effective.
The physics behind the bank shot was explored by researchers at North Carolina State University, who used computer-generated 3D simulations to analyze over one million basketball shots. They found that within 12 feet of the basket, the bank shot can be up to 20% more successful than a direct shot. This is due to the increased surface area of the backboard that can be utilized at closer ranges, providing larger "hot spots" for the ball to enter the basket.
The optimal target point for a bank shot is found by identifying the vertical axis that exists 3.326 inches behind the backboard and the aim line on the backboard. The crossing of these two lines is the optimal target point and is independent of the shooter's location on the court. This point is also in the shooter's line of sight, aiding in accuracy.
To master the bank shot, players must understand the geometry and angles involved. The shot can be practiced through drills, starting near the low post block and shooting towards the corner of the inner rectangle. Players can then move incrementally further away, adding dribbles and timers to increase difficulty.
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Calling bank
A bank shot is a fundamental basketball shot where the player shoots the basketball off the backboard first, and it then goes into the rim. It is a high-percentage shot, especially when the player has a good angle and is closer to the basket.
Calling "bank" is typically used in shoot-around scenarios before a game. If a player calls "bank" before shooting and makes the shot, the next player must make the shot using the "bank" method. If a player does not call "bank" and the shot goes in, it still counts, but the other players can tease the player and ask, "Did you call 'bank'?"
There are a few variations of the drill that players can practice to master the bank shot. One is to start near the left or right side low post block and shoot the ball off the backboard, towards the corner of the inner rectangle. Another variation is to begin a step or two away from the low post block, take one dribble forward, and then take a bank shot. To make the drill more challenging, players can add a timer and require themselves to make a certain number of bank shots within a set time.
Research has shown that the bank shot is an effective shooting strategy. After simulating one million shots with a computer, researchers from North Carolina State University found that from many basketball court areas within 12 feet of the basket, the bank shot is 20% more effective than a direct shot.
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Frequently asked questions
A bank shot is a type of basketball shot where the player shoots the basketball off the backboard first, and then it goes into the rim. It is considered a high-percentage fundamental shot and is very useful when the player has the angle and is closer to the basket.
Yes, it is generally expected that you call a bank shot before taking the shot. If you don't call it, the shot still counts, but other players can tease you and ask if you called it. Calling the bank shot before taking it can be a rule in some shoot-around scenarios and games.
A bank shot can increase your chances of making successful shots, especially from close range. It is easier to bank a shot from a short distance than to swish from long range. It is also one of the first shots taught in the game and can be used to great effect in certain game scenarios.
