Kristian Ferrell
Basketball is a game of skill and precision, and players must master a variety of shots to excel in different game situations. While layups and slam dunks are the most well-known shots, there are several other types of shots that players can use to score points and outmaneuver their opponents. Each type of shot has its own advantages and disadvantages, and players must choose the right one based on their position, skills, and the game situation.
Types of Basketball Shots
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Basic Shots | Layup, Slam Dunk, Jump Shot |
| Variations of Layup | Reverse Layup, Underhand Scoop, Finger Roll |
| Variations of Dunk | One-Handed Dunk, Two-Handed Dunk, Windmill Dunk, 360 Dunk, Alley-Oop Dunk, Poster Dunk |
| Other Shots | Pull-Up, Three-Point Shot, Granny Shot, Floater, Hook Shot, Bank Shot, Free Throw |
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What You'll Learn
Jump shots
To achieve balance when taking a jump shot, players must take a wide stance, usually with their feet shoulder-width apart, bend their knees, and square their shoulders. The elbow is considered the make-or-break aspect of a shooting form—having the elbow straight and in line with the rim keeps the ball on target. The shooting hand should be cocked onto the ball, and the arm should form an angle between 45º and 90º with the elbow straight. The ball is released at the peak of the jump, making it harder for defenders to block.
There are several variations of the jump shot. The fadeaway, for example, is a challenging shot to defend against because it creates space between the shooter and a defensive player. The player shooting the ball jumps backward, which can also prevent defenders from blocking the shot.
The whole-body jump shot theory, developed by Powershooting.com, focuses on athleticism, power, protection, accuracy, and touch. The Reggie Miller-type elbow-out jump shot and the Kobe Bryant-type reachback jump shot are two premier whole-body jump shots that involve the shooting shoulder in the release. The whole-body jump shot theory's centerpiece is the strongside mid-range pull-up jump shot, which is considered unappreciated and neglected by the basketball world.
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Layups
There are two main types of layup: the underarm and the overarm. The underarm layup, also known as the finger roll, involves using the wrist and fingers to 'lay' the ball into the net or off the board. Wilt Chamberlain was known for his use of the underarm finger roll, and it was also used by Mike Bibby and Allen Iverson. The overhand layup is similar to a jump shot but from a much closer range. It nearly always involves the use of the backboard. Notable players who have used this technique include Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone.
The reverse layup is a type of layup used to evade a block. The ball is tossed backward, with the shooter facing away from the basket. It is often used during a baseline drive, where the attacking player starts on one side of the basket and finishes on the other. It can also be used when a defender commits to defending one side of the rim to cut off a conventional layup. Michael Jordan was known for using the reverse layup to score against taller defenders.
The Euro-Step is a common variation of the layup, introduced to the NBA by European players. It is mainly used by guards and forwards as it relies on agility and footwork to avoid larger defenders. The player picks up their dribble, takes one step in one direction, and then quickly takes a step in the other direction to avoid the defender. This creates space for a layup attempt.
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Dunking
To execute a slam dunk, dribble and charge towards the hoop when ready to execute the dunk. Jump explosively to get as high as possible and leap towards the hoop. Lift the ball above the rim and push or slam it forcefully through the rim. Most people jump off one foot, but you might find that you can jump higher off both feet. A one-handed dunk is easier to execute than a two-handed dunk, requiring less vertical ability.
There are several variations of the dunk, including the windmill dunk, where the player rotates the ball in a circular motion before dunking, and the 360 dunk, where the player completes a full 360-degree spin in the air before dunking. The alley-oop dunk is when a player catches a pass in mid-air and dunks the ball in a single motion. The poster dunk is a memorable dunk over a defender, often featured in highlight reels.
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Hook shots
The hook shot is a staple of many players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). It is a type of basketball shot where the offensive player, usually turned perpendicular to the basket, gently throws the ball using a sweeping motion of the arm farthest from the basket in an upward arc with a follow-through that ends over their head. The hook shot is performed with only one hand; the other arm is often used to create space between the shooter and the defensive player. The shot is quite difficult to block, but only a small number of players have mastered it more than a few feet from the basket.
The hook shot is also called a "skyhook", a term coined by Eddie Doucette, the team announcer of the Milwaukee Bucks, during Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's tenure with the team. Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA's second-place all-time leading scorer, was known for his proficiency at the shot at a much greater distance from the basket than most players. The greater distance and resulting higher arc on the shot led to the name "skyhook".
Over the years, the hook shot has evolved, and many basketball players have put their own spin on it. The "jump hook" has become a more popular style of hook shot, employed by players such as Shaquille O'Neal and Dwight Howard. The player jumps off using two feet, providing better balance and a quicker release. However, the shot will not be released from as high in the air.
The hook shot was reportedly first performed during official games in Eurobasket 1937 by Pranas Talzūnas, a member of the Lithuania basketball team. Former Harlem Globetrotter Goose Tatum is often credited with inventing the hook shot, even shooting them without looking at the basket.
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Bank shots
A bank shot is a basketball throw that hits the backboard before falling into the net. The player shoots the ball at a certain angle, aiming for the backboard, and the ball bounces off the backboard and into the net. This technique is particularly effective from close range and from the wing areas between the three-point and free-throw lanes. It is also useful in mid-range areas when a defender is blocking a jump shot attempt.
The bank shot is similar to the layup in that an offensive player can use the backboard for both types of shots to score points. However, the bank shot differs from the layup in that the player releases the ball from outside the lane when shooting a bank shot, whereas a layup is a close-range shot where the player releases the ball from inside the lane area. Additionally, the use of the backboard is essential for a bank shot, whereas it is not necessary for a layup.
The bank shot is considered one of the most challenging shots to master in basketball, but it can be a powerful weapon in a player's arsenal. It was a signature move for NBA Hall of Famer Tim Duncan, who used it to great effect en route to five NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs. Other players who have consistently relied on the bank shot include Russell Westbrook and Dwyane Wade.
The bank shot is a valuable skill for offensive players as it can lead to a higher shooting percentage than a regular jump shot. This is because it requires the player to shoot the ball with a consistent arc and angle near the same spot on the backboard, usually near the corner of the inner rectangle. By creating optimal angles and mastering the technique, players can increase their chances of making successful shots and become invaluable assets to their teams.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several types of shots in basketball, including layups, jump shots, and dunks.
A layup is a fundamental, high-percentage, close-range shot. The player drives to the basket and gently lays the ball off the backboard into the hoop.
A jump shot is when a player jumps and releases the ball towards the basket at the jump's highest point. It is one of the most basic shooting techniques and is used for mid-range to long-range shots.
