Andrew Pace
Basketball is a sport with many intricate rules and regulations, and one of the most important aspects of the game is scoring points. Points are accumulated by making field goals (two or three points) or free throws (one point). The most common type of scoring is the 2-point basket, which can be achieved with a jump shot, layup, or dunk. Players can score 3 points by making a basket beyond the 3-point line, and free throws are awarded when a player is fouled in the act of shooting. To shoot accurately, players should square their shoulders to the basket, bend their knees, and flick their wrist towards the hoop to release the shot. This introduction will cover the basic ways to earn points in basketball and provide an overview of the strategies and rules involved in scoring.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of points awarded | Based on the shot type and the distance from the basket |
| 2-Point Baskets | Any shot made from inside the 3-point line (22 feet) with a jump shot, layup, or dunk |
| 3-Point Baskets | Introduced by the NBA in 1979-80, rewarding players for long-distance shots with an extra point |
| Free Throws | Granted when a player is fouled in the act of shooting; worth 1 point |
| Fouls | If the fouled player misses the shot, they get 2 or 3 free throws; if they make the shot, they get 1 free throw ("and one") |
| Foul limit | When a team commits 5 fouls in a quarter, the opposing team gets 2 free throws |
| 4-Point Play | Possible when a player makes a 3-point shot and is fouled |
| Shooting techniques | Jump shot, hook shot, bank shot, slam dunk |
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What You'll Learn
Free throws
To execute a free throw, the player must stay behind the free-throw line when taking the shot. To shoot accurately, the player should square their shoulders to the basket and place their feet shoulder-width apart. With their knees slightly bent and their back leaning towards the basket, the player should place the fingers of their shooting hand under the ball and tuck their elbows close to their body. A fluid flick of the wrist towards the hoop releases the shot, and the index finger should follow through, facing the basket.
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Layups
There are two types of layups: the underarm and the overarm. The underarm layup, also known as the finger roll, involves using most of the wrist and the fingers to 'lay' the ball into the net or off the board. Wilt Chamberlain was one of the early practitioners of a showy finger-roll layup, and it was also favoured by Mike Bibby and Allen Iverson. The overhand shot is similar to a jump shot but from a much closer range. Overhand layups nearly always involve the action of the backboard, and players like Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone have used this move to great effect.
The Reverse Layup is a type of layup used to evade a block. The shooter faces away from the basket and tosses the ball backward. It is often used during a baseline drive, where the attacking player starts on one side of the basket and finishes on the other, or when a defender is blocking one side of the rim. Michael Jordan, for example, would occasionally shoot a reverse layup to score against taller defenders with his back to the basket.
To perform a layup, the player should be positioned close enough to the basket to jump straight up and shoot. The body should be moving towards the basket, but the player should not bend forward. As the player jumps, they bring the ball out of the dribble and position it close to the chest. The shooting technique is slightly different from a regular shot: instead of using the right hand to steady the ball, the player shoots using only the left hand. As they jump, the player imagines a string attached to their left arm and left leg, moving them simultaneously. The left knee should be bent and pointed toward the basket, while the left arm moves up to shoot the ball.
To create space for a layup, players can use the two allotted steps before the layup attempt. The first step should be with the "outside" foot (the foot closest to the sideline). For right-handed layups, this is the right foot, and for left-handed layups, it is the left foot. The second step is with the "inside" foot (closest to the middle of the court). For right-handed layups, this is the left foot. To avoid contact or getting blocked, young players often angle away from the defence, making their shot more difficult. Therefore, players should be encouraged to embrace contact and attack the defender.
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Jump shots
Pre-Shot Positioning
Start with your knees bent and the ball in front of your forehead, with feet and elbows pointed at the basket. Your feet should be turned towards your opposite hand about 10-45 degrees to align your hip, shoulder, and elbow with the basket. If you're right-handed, place your right hand under the ball and your left hand on the side. Left-handed players should do the opposite.
The Jump
Jump straight up, not forward or backward. As you jump, bring the ball directly up from the balanced position, keeping your shooting hand's elbow underneath it. Keep the ball in front of you and release it at the highest point of your jump. This gives you a better shooting position and makes it harder for defenders to block your shot.
Follow-Through
At the top of your jump, snap your wrist and extend your arm to send the ball upward towards the basket. The ball should be in a backspin. Finish your follow-through by keeping your shooting hand pointing at the basket in a straight line, with your fingers still pointing at your target. Hold this position until the ball hits the basket. Try to land in the same spot you jumped from to maintain balance.
Practice
Improving your jump shot takes plenty of practice. Start by practising on your own until you've made a few shots, then move on to practising with defenders. Begin shooting from around the basket and then gradually move to different areas of the court to increase your versatility. Focus on perfecting your three-point jump shots, as they are extra tricky but a huge asset to the team.
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Dunking
To dunk, you will need to be able to jump high enough to snap the ball into the basket. To improve your vertical leap, you should do a variety of exercises and follow a strategic workout plan. This should include plyometrics, strength training, and stretching. You can also try a vertical jump program from a reputable trainer.
Start by working on your jumping form and technique. Practice jumping 2-3 times a week, for around 45 minutes each session. Include a dynamic warm-up, stretching, and a cool-down, and try to touch the highest object in your workout area. Gradually increase the height of the object you are jumping for, and consider using small balls at first, slowly increasing the size of the ball as you improve.
You can also try trimming down body fat to reduce the weight holding you down and focus on improving your overall athleticism. Remember to rest and recover between workouts, and maintain good nutrition to support your training.
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3-pointers
A three-point field goal, also known as a 3-pointer, is a shot made from beyond the three-point line, a designated arc surrounding the basket. The three-point line was first introduced by the American Basketball League (ABL) in 1961 to add excitement to the game and differentiate the league from the NBA. The NBA itself introduced the three-point line during the 1979-80 season, rewarding players for making shots from long distance. Since then, the 3-pointer has grown in popularity and become a key part of many NBA offenses.
The distance from the basket to the three-point line varies depending on the competition level. In the NBA, the arc is 23 feet 9 inches (7.24 m) from the center of the basket. In other competitions, such as the FIBA, WNBA, NCAA, and NAIA, the arc is 6.75 m (22 ft 1.75 in) from the center of the basket.
Making a shot from beyond the three-point line is worth three points, compared to the two points awarded for field goals made within the three-point line and the one point for each made free throw. Free throws are granted when a player is fouled in the act of shooting the ball, and the number of free throws awarded depends on whether the initial shot was a 2-point or 3-point attempt.
Over the years, players like Reggie Miller, Dale Ellis, and Stephen Curry have gained reputations as three-point specialists, with Miller holding the record for most 3-pointers made until 2011. The popularity of the 3-pointer has led to discussions about whether its prevalence is affecting the style of play and the entertainment value of the game. However, fan research suggests that the 3-point revolution has been well-received, and no substantial changes to the rules regarding 3-pointers are expected anytime soon.
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Frequently asked questions
Points are earned in basketball by making baskets, also known as field goals. The number of points awarded depends on the type of shot and the distance from the basket that the shot is taken from. The most common type of scoring is the 2-point basket, which is any shot made from inside the 3-point line. Beyond the 3-point line, shots are worth 3 points. Players can also score 1 point for made free throws, which are shots awarded when a player is fouled in the act of shooting.
Some common types of shots in basketball include the jump shot, hook shot, bank shot, layup, slam dunk, and free throw. Jump shots are most frequently used for mid to long-range shots and involve jumping, balancing, and shooting the ball at the apex of the jump. Hook shots are made when the shooter's body is not directly facing the basket, while bank shots involve aiming for the backboard instead of the basket. Layups, slam dunks, and free throws tend to be taken from closer to the basket.
Free throws are shots awarded to players who are fouled in the act of shooting. If the player misses the shot, they are awarded two free throws for 2-point shots and three free throws for 3-point shots. If the shot is made, the basket counts and the player is awarded one free throw, often referred to as an "and one." Free throws are also granted when the opposing team exceeds the foul limit, which is typically seven or more fouls in a game.
