Helena Frye
Basketball is a high-scoring sport, but it often takes dozens of attempts to score. There are three primary ways to score points in basketball: field goals, free throws, and creating collisions. Field goals are any baskets scored during regular gameplay, inside the three-point line, and are worth two points. If a player is fouled while making a field goal, they get an additional free throw, making it a three-point play. A field goal from beyond the three-point line is worth three points, and a free throw can be added if the player is fouled, making it a four-point play. To score whenever you want in basketball, it's important to understand how to get open, utilize picks and screens, and move without the ball. Creating more collisions can also lead to more scoring opportunities, as referees tend to call fouls on the defense. Additionally, having confidence in your scoring abilities and a short memory for missed shots are crucial mental aspects of becoming a consistent scorer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Points | Accumulated by making field goals (2 or 3 points) or free throws (1 point). |
| Field goals | Any basket scored during regular gameplay, from inside the three-point line. |
| Three-point field goals | Scored from beyond the three-point line. |
| Free throws | Scored from the free-throw line, usually after a foul. |
| Fouls | Creating collisions can lead to foul calls and free throw opportunities. |
| Confidence | Believing in your abilities and being selfish at the right times can increase scoring chances. |
| Movement without the ball | Moving effectively off the ball can create open scoring opportunities, even for shorter players. |
| Picks and screens | Blocking moves that free up teammates to shoot or pass, creating scoring chances. |
| Self-discipline | A key aspect of coaching, encouraging players to play smart and be leaders. |
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What You'll Learn
Understand the game's point system
To understand the game of basketball, it is important to know the court's layout and the rules of the game. According to FIBA (International Basketball Federation), a basketball court is a rectangular playing area 28m in length and 15m in width. The game is played between two teams, each with five players on the court at a time, and the core objective is to score points by putting the ball inside the hoop (basket). Substitutions can be made at any time, and there is no restriction on the number of substitutions.
There are three clear ways to score points in basketball:
- If a shot is successfully scored from outside the three-point line, three points are awarded.
- If a shot is successfully scored from inside the three-point line, two points are awarded.
- If a team is awarded a technical foul, they will receive between one and three free shots, with each shot scored awarding one point.
Free throws are shots awarded when a player is fouled in the act of shooting, or when the opposing team exceeds the foul limit. During a free throw, the fouled player is allowed a fixed number of shots, as determined by the referee, at an open basket from anywhere inside the free-throw circle, with both feet behind the free-throw line.
In addition to the above, a four-point play is theoretically possible when a player attempts a three-point shot that goes in but is also fouled. Making the “And 1” free throw will result in four points.
Basketball is a contact sport, and creating collisions can be advantageous. A well-placed shot or pass fake at the rim can manipulate defenders and create scoring opportunities.
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Learn to get open
To score whenever you want in basketball, you need to learn to get open. This means creating space from the defense to get more shots. Here are some ways to do that:
Move Without the Ball
Moving without the ball can help players score, even if they are less skilled or shorter than others. A great example of this is Isiah Thomas of the NBA. He is one of the shortest players in the league, yet he leads the NBA in scoring in the fourth quarter. Thomas is a master at getting open from the pick and roll, and his team sets screens while he moves without the ball. By moving without the ball, you can catch the defense off guard and create openings for jump shots or even lay-ups.
Use Picks and Screens
Picks and screens are effective tools to get open. A pick allows the player with the ball to get open, and the player setting the pick can also get open by cutting towards the basket, known as the pick and roll. You can also find open space on the floor for a jump shot, often called the "pick and pop" or "fading off the pick." When using a pick, try to brush shoulders with your teammate to create space between you and the defender. This will give you the option to drive to the basket or take a jump shot.
Change Directions and Speed
Changing directions and speed can help you create space from your defender. By varying your movements, you can keep your defender guessing and open up more space for yourself. Understand how you are being guarded and use angles and changes of pace to your advantage. Deception and explosion are key to maximizing distance from your defender, just like in a game of tag.
Maintain Eye Contact and Proper Spacing
It is important to maintain eye contact with the ball handler to ensure they know where you are and can pass the ball to you. Proper spacing is also crucial. Create as much distance as possible from your defender to evade them. This can be achieved through precise timing and coordination between the receiver and passer. The receiver must establish eye contact and present a good target for the passer.
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Create more collisions
Basketball is a contact sport, and creating more collisions can be a clever way to score whenever you want. To create more collisions, you need to understand how to get yourself open and get your teammates open. Moving without the ball is a great way to create more collisions and get open for good shots. A great example of this is Isiah Thomas of the NBA, who is a master at getting open from the pick and roll. His team sets screens while he moves without the ball, allowing him to lead the NBA in scoring in the fourth quarter.
To create more collisions, you can utilize picks and screens. Both are blocking moves that free up another player to shoot or pass. The difference is that a pick is set on a defender guarding the ball, while a screen is set on a defender who is not guarding the ball. To set a pick or a screen, the player approaches the defender, bends their knees while keeping their back straight, and stands wide. This will allow you or your teammates to get open for shots.
Additionally, using fakes can manipulate defenders and bait them into going where you want them to go. A well-placed shot or pass fake at the rim can get the defender flying by or looking in the wrong direction. This will create more collisions and give you uncontested shots at the rim.
Creating more collisions can be a very effective way to score whenever you want in basketball. By moving without the ball, utilizing picks and screens, and using fakes, you can create more scoring opportunities for yourself and your teammates.
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Move without the ball
Moving without the ball is a crucial skill in basketball, as it creates opportunities for both you and your teammates to score. Here are some tips to improve your movement without the ball:
Don't Stand Still:
It is essential to keep moving when you don't have the ball. Standing still for too long makes you predictable and limits your ability to create scoring chances. Coach Chris from Hoopsking emphasizes that standing still does not help the team and can even hinder them by taking up space that another player could use more effectively. He also points out that your defender can more easily help their teammates when you are stationary, which can put your team at a numerical disadvantage.
Vary Your Speed and Direction:
When cutting without the ball, vary your speed and direction to keep the defence guessing. For example, you can try taking a few steps in one direction at half speed, and then quickly changing direction and sprinting off a screen. This unpredictability will make it harder for defenders to keep up with you and will create more openings for you to exploit.
Understand Different Cuts:
Learn the various types of cuts, such as the V-cut, L-cut, back cut, flash cut, and curl cut. Each type of cut has a specific purpose and can be used to create scoring opportunities. For example, a V-cut involves faking in one direction and then sharply cutting in the opposite direction to lose your defender. A back cut is useful when your defender is overplaying you on the perimeter, as it allows you to make an explosive move towards the basket for an easy scoring chance. Understanding the mechanics of these cuts and how they interact with defensive rotations will help you create more scoring opportunities for yourself and your teammates.
Spacing:
Good spacing is critical to effective offence. Perimeter players should generally be spaced about 12 to 15 feet apart. Poor spacing leads to bad passes, turnovers, and reduced scoring opportunities. It is also important to fill open spots on the court and not "get stuck" in areas that will clog things up for your teammates.
Off-Ball Screens:
Off-ball screens are an effective tool to create opportunities for cuts to the basket. A simple example is setting your man up before using the screen. Take a step away from the screen and fake as if you are going in the opposite direction, and then use the screen to get open.
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Practice, practice, practice
Practice makes perfect, and this is especially true in basketball. The more you play, the more you'll be able to refine your skills and develop new ones.
A great way to start is by understanding the game's point system and the three primary ways to score in basketball: field goals, three-pointers, and free throws. Field goals are any baskets scored during regular gameplay, inside the three-point line. If a player is fouled while shooting a two-pointer, they get to attempt a free throw, which, if successful, turns it into a three-point play. A three-pointer, or field goal from beyond the arc, is worth three points, and if the player is fouled, a made free throw turns it into a four-point play.
Now that you understand the basics of scoring, you can focus on developing your skills to take advantage of these scoring opportunities. For example, you can practice creating more collisions. Basketball is a contact sport, and learning to initiate contact can be advantageous. Find the defender and throw your shoulder into them—more often than not, the referee will call a foul on the defense. This will get you to the free-throw line more often.
Additionally, work on your movement without the ball. Even if you're shorter or less skilled than your opponents, you can use picks and screens to your advantage. A pick or screen is when a teammate blocks a defender, either guarding the ball or not, allowing you to shoot or pass. Practice bending your knees while keeping your back straight and standing wide to effectively set these up.
Another aspect to focus on in your practice is your mentality. Basketball is a fast-paced game, and you need to be confident in your abilities. If you're the best scorer on your team, don't hold back. Be selfish sometimes and take the shot. Your teammates will appreciate your confidence and contribution to the team's success.
Finally, make sure to practice in a variety of ways. PGC Basketball, for example, offers intense training that combines court time with classroom sessions and video analysis. By diversifying your practice methods, you'll be able to improve your skills and knowledge of the game from multiple angles.
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Frequently asked questions
The three primary ways to score in basketball are field goals, free throws, and a combination of the two. A field goal refers to any basket scored during regular gameplay, inside the three-point line. If a player makes a field goal from within the three-point line, they score two points. If they are fouled during the shot, a free throw is added, making it a three-point play. A field goal from beyond the three-point line scores three points, and if fouled, a free throw turns it into a four-point play.
Understanding the game's point system is essential. Additionally, players should focus on improving their skills and tactics, such as creating more collisions, using picks and screens, and moving without the ball to get open for shots.
A player who can get themselves open or create opportunities for their teammates is incredibly valuable. To get open, utilize picks and screens effectively, and move without the ball. Taller or more athletic defenders will struggle to keep up if you master these skills.
Confidence is crucial in basketball. If you're the best scorer on your team, don't be afraid to take shots and be more selfish at times. Believe that you are the best player on the court and that no one can guard you.
Self-discipline is a key aspect of basketball. It is important to embody discipline in your daily routine and during practices and games. Discipline can help you play smart basketball, be a leader, and make better decisions on the court.
Remember, scoring in basketball requires a combination of understanding the game, developing your skills, and having the right mindset and discipline.
