Ayrton Oneill
Basketball is a high-scoring sport, but it can take dozens of attempts to score. There are three primary ways to score points in basketball: field goals, three-pointers, and free throws. Field goals can be scored from inside or outside the three-point line, with the former being worth two points and the latter, three. Free throws are worth one point and are awarded after a foul is committed by the opposing team. Moving without the ball can help players score, even if they are less skilled or shorter than others. This can be achieved by setting screens or picks to create space for a shot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ways to score points | Field goals, three-point field goals, and free throws |
| Field goals | Any basket scored during regular gameplay within the three-point line |
| Three-point field goals | Shots taken from behind the three-point line without touching the line |
| Free throws | Awarded after a foul; worth one point |
| Fouls | Unnecessary contact, too many players on the court, hanging onto the basketball ring |
| Getting open | Using picks and screens, moving without the ball |
| Picks and screens | Approaching the defender, bending knees, standing wide, and allowing them to run into you |
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What You'll Learn
Moving without the ball
Constant Movement: Always be in motion, even when you don't have the ball. Avoid standing still for too long as it can limit your options and make you predictable to defenders. Constant movement can create openings and force the defence to shift and rotate, leading to potential breakdowns that your team can exploit.
Spacing: Good spacing is crucial for effective play. Maintain a distance of about 12 to 15 feet from your teammates, especially when not screening or cutting. Poor spacing can result in bad passes, turnovers, and reduced scoring opportunities. Fill open spots on the court and ensure you don't "clog" the area for your teammates.
Timing and Cutting: The timing of your movements is essential. Use cuts and screens effectively to create openings and get into scoring positions. Back cuts, face-cuts, curl cuts, and L-cuts are some examples of techniques you can use to get open and create separation from your defender.
Change Speeds: Varying your speed can make you unpredictable and harder to guard. Combine quick movements with sudden stops to throw off your defender and create opportunities for passes and shots.
Reading the Defence: Pay attention to how the defence is guarding you and your teammates. Learn to recognise defensive patterns and adjust your movements accordingly. Use cuts and screens strategically to exploit weaknesses in the defence and create scoring chances.
Off-Ball Drills: Practice specific drills designed to improve your off-ball movement. For example, the "backdoor cut" drill, where you start towards your teammate with the ball, plant your foot farthest from the basket, push off, and cut hard towards the basket.
By implementing these strategies and techniques, you can improve your movement without the ball, create more scoring opportunities, and become a more well-rounded offensive player.
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Setting picks and screens
To set a pick or screen, the player must approach the defender, bend their knees while keeping their back straight, and stand wide. The player setting the pick or screen must remain stationary at the moment of contact with the defender, and the offensive player receiving the screen should then blast off of it, leaving the defender behind and creating space and time to set up for a shot. The screener must make contact with the defender they are trying to block, but they must not foul, hold, or push them. The middle of the screener's chest should be in line with the defender's shoulder and hips, and their body should be vertical, with no leaning forwards or backward.
There are several types of screens, including the down screen, ball screen, back screen, and away screen. The back screen is set on the defender's blind side, with the screener usually facing away from the basket. The down screen is usually set for a player near the block or another perimeter player, with the screener facing the basket with their back to the ball. After screening, the screener pivots to face the ball. The pick and roll is a simple but effective play, where the screener sets a pick and then rolls to the basket to receive a pass. The pick and pop is another tactic, where the ballhandler drives to the basket while the screener squares for a jump shot.
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Field goals
To score a field goal, players can utilize a variety of techniques. One common technique is the jump shot, where the player jumps into the air and releases the ball at the peak of their jump, aiming for the basket. This technique is widely used and can be very effective, especially when combined with good footwork and accuracy.
Layups are another way to score field goals. During a layup, an offensive player drives to the basket and attempts a two-point field goal from inside the paint area without making contact with the rim. This technique requires agility and precision to get the ball into the basket quickly and accurately.
For more advanced players, slam dunks can be an impressive and high-percentage way to score field goals. A slam dunk involves a player jumping close to the basket and manually putting the ball through the basket. This technique often requires height, jumping ability, and good timing to execute successfully.
Finally, tip-ins are a variation of the field goal where a player redirects a missed shot into the basket. This technique requires quick reflexes and the ability to anticipate the trajectory of the ball to score.
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Three-point field goals
To shoot a three-pointer successfully, there are several techniques and strategies that players can employ. Firstly, it is important to position yourself correctly. Stand at the top of the three-point line with your shoulders squarely facing the basket to improve accuracy. Ensure your body is squared up, and your elbow is not pointed outwards, as this can affect your shooting technique.
Another important aspect of shooting three-pointers is practice and consistency. Channing Frye, a player for the Suns, was able to make 1,000 three-pointers in just four days of practice. This highlights the importance of repetition and muscle memory in perfecting your three-point shot. Additionally, players can benefit from focusing on their form and technique. Having a straight arm and a squared-up body position can significantly improve accuracy, as mentioned earlier.
Finally, it is worth noting that the three-point line distance can vary depending on the league and level of play. The FIBA three-point line, used internationally, is set at 6.25 m (20 ft 6 in), while the NCAA men's line is at 20 ft 9 in (6.32 m). Being aware of the three-point line distance and adjusting your shooting technique accordingly is crucial for maximizing your scoring potential.
In conclusion, scoring three-point field goals is a valuable skill in basketball. By understanding the history, techniques, and strategies associated with three-pointers, players can improve their accuracy and scoring ability, contributing to their team's success.
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Free throws
To shoot a free throw, the player must stand behind the free-throw line, which is 15 feet (4.6 m) from the basket. The player's toes can be at the edge of the line, but they cannot cross it during the shot. The player's shooting foot should be in line with the center of the rim, with toes pointed toward the basket to help keep the shot straight. The player's dominant side should be closer to the hoop, with hips and shoulders angled slightly toward the basket.
Different players have different pre-shot routines. Some players dribble the ball a few times before lining up for their shot, while others spin the ball in their hands. Some players choose to line up both feet so their hips are square with the basket, while others only line up their shooting foot. It's important to find a comfortable stance and shooting motion and stick with it, as consistency is key in developing muscle memory and building confidence.
Practising free throws under pressure is important. One way to do this is to create consequences for missing a shot during practice, such as doing a sprint or another drill you don't enjoy. It's also crucial to have the right mindset when approaching the free-throw line, such as acting as though the shot has already been made.
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