Ayrton Oneill
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's skyhook is considered the most lethal weapon in NBA history, yet it has all but disappeared from the modern game. The skyhook is a unique form of the hook shot, which is performed with only one hand, using a sweeping motion of the arm farthest from the basket in an upward arc. The shot is quite difficult to block, but it is also a difficult shot to master, and very few players have managed to do so more than a few feet from the basket. So, why is Kareem's skyhook so rarely emulated?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | The skyhook is considered a difficult shot to master and takes a lot of time and effort to perfect. However, some people argue that it is not taught correctly anymore, and with the right technique, it is not that hard to learn. |
| Advantage | The skyhook is a unique and lethal weapon in basketball that can be extremely effective in scoring points. It is challenging to block and can be used from many different angles. |
| Physical Profile | The skyhook may be better suited to taller players with a longer wingspan, as it provides more opportunities to get the shot off cleanly. |
| Strategy | The skyhook is a high-percentage shot that can be used as a reliable option in a player's arsenal. However, it may not be as effective in modern basketball, which focuses more on 3-pointers and isolation plays. |
| Practice | Learning the fundamentals of footwork and hand movement is essential for mastering the skyhook. Practicing with bank shots and developing confidence in recognizing favorable matchups are also crucial aspects of incorporating the skyhook into your game. |
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What You'll Learn
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's skyhook
Abdul-Jabbar's signature move was born out of a weakness. When he was 10 years old, he couldn't dribble, and he would often turn the ball over. His coach decided to change their strategy and instead of practicing dribbling, Abdul-Jabbar worked on finishing around the rim. He did this through the Mikan Drill, a drill named for basketball legend George Mikan, which helped with finishing skills, timing, touch, and footwork. The constant repetition of this drill eventually led to Abdul-Jabbar developing his famous hook shot.
Abdul-Jabbar's dedication to his craft paid off. He became a six-time MVP, won six championships, and became the leading scorer in the history of the NBA. His skyhook was so effective that it averaged 30 per game or more in four of his first six seasons, during the Golden Age of big men. Despite its success, the skyhook has not been widely adopted by other players. This is in contrast to other effective shots, such as Harden/Durant's step-back 3, which has become common.
Abdul-Jabbar himself taught Lakers center Andrew Bynum the skyhook in the mid-2000s, but Bynum was ultimately not driven to master it. The shot has also fallen out of favour in the modern NBA, which now relies more on 3-pointers and isolation plays. Despite this, Abdul-Jabbar remains proud of his signature move and is amused and perplexed by its extinction.
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Mastering the skyhook
To master the skyhook, players must understand the fundamentals of the hook shot. The hook shot is performed by an offensive player who is typically perpendicular to the basket. The ball is gently thrown using a sweeping motion of the arm farthest from the basket, creating an upward arc that ends over the player's head. This technique makes the shot difficult to block, but it is most effective when executed close to the basket.
The skyhook is a more advanced version of the hook shot, requiring excellent footwork, balance, and coordination. It involves extending the arm and fading away from the defender, creating a wider release point that makes it even harder to block. This technique is often used as a finishing move to drives, as it can be vulnerable to defenders in crowded situations.
To perfect the skyhook, players should focus on the following:
- Practice the "Miken drill": This drill teaches the proper release and footwork for the skyhook, which is how Kareem Abdul-Jabbar learned the shot.
- Develop a reliable post shot: The skyhook is most effective when used in combination with other moves, such as fakes and up-and-under shots.
- Practice from both right and left hands: Being able to execute the skyhook with both hands makes it more unpredictable for defenders.
- Shield the defender: Use the off-arm to create space between the shooter and the defender, protecting the ball.
- Maintain balance: The skyhook can be disrupted by defenders pushing the hips, so it is important to maintain balance and a wide base.
- Practice with the bank shot: Working on the bank shot can help develop a feel for the skyhook, allowing players to employ it from different angles during games.
While the skyhook is a challenging shot to master, it can be a valuable weapon in a player's offensive arsenal, adding variety and unpredictability to their game.
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Why the skyhook isn't popular anymore
The skyhook is a shot in basketball that is performed with only one hand, while the other arm is used to create space between the shooter and the defensive player. It was made famous by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who used it to great effect in the NBA, scoring more points than anyone and becoming famous, wealthy and legendary.
So, why is this shot not popular anymore? There seem to be several reasons. Firstly, the game has evolved to rely more on 3-pointers and isolation plays, which means players are more likely to be positioned outside the 3-point line. This was certainly the case with LeBron, who doesn't fit the profile of a hook shooter. Secondly, the skyhook is difficult to master. It requires a unique combination of length, lift, and finesse, which Abdul-Jabbar possessed. While it's disputed how difficult the skyhook is to learn, there's no denying that it is very challenging to master. It requires a lot of time and dedication to perfect the technique, and even then, it may only be effective for players with certain physical attributes. Additionally, the "Miken drill", which is said to teach the proper release and footwork for the skyhook, is not taught correctly anymore. This may contribute to the decline of the skyhook, as players are not learning the fundamental techniques that underpin the shot.
Another factor is the copycat nature of the NBA. Historically, when an effective shot is invented, other players quickly add it to their arsenal. However, the skyhook has not been widely emulated, despite its success. This may be because it requires very specific physical attributes to execute effectively, as previously mentioned. Additionally, players like Steph Curry and Harden have revolutionized the game with their ability to create highly efficient 3-point shots, which may have made the skyhook seem less appealing or relevant.
In conclusion, the decline in the popularity of the skyhook can be attributed to a combination of factors, including changes in game strategy, the difficulty of mastering the shot, the lack of effective teaching methods, and the evolution of the game towards 3-point shooting and isolation plays.
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Easier alternatives to the skyhook
While the skyhook is a powerful move in basketball, it is not easy to master. In fact, despite its effectiveness, it has not been widely emulated by NBA players. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who famously used the skyhook, even tried to teach it to Lakers center Andrew Bynum, but with little success. However, Kareem himself claimed that it was "not a hard shot to learn". So, if you're looking for an easier alternative to the skyhook, here are some options:
The Bank Shot
The bank shot is a good alternative to the skyhook as it can be employed from many different angles during games. It is a reliable post-shot that can be developed and used from both the right and left hands.
The Jump Shot
The jump shot is a shot made by leaping. It is a popular alternative to the set shot, as it gives the player more options to score.
The Ankle-Breaking Crossover
This move involves dribbling left and then quickly shifting to the right, or vice versa, to trick defenders. It was made famous by Tim Hardaway in the 1980s and has since been widely copied.
The 3-Pointer
The 3-pointer involves stretching your range near midcourt and making long-distance shots. This shot has become popular due to players like Stephen Curry, who has made it look as simple as layups.
The Step Back 3
The Step Back 3 is a more recent innovation that has been adopted by players like Harden and Durant. It involves creating separation from your defender by taking a step back before shooting.
These alternatives to the skyhook are generally considered easier to learn and master. They can be effective tools in a player's arsenal, offering more options and unpredictability in their gameplay.
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Learning the skyhook with the Miken drill
The skyhook is a difficult move to master and is rarely seen in modern basketball. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was one of the most famous exponents of the skyhook, and he learned the move through the Miken drill.
The Miken drill is one of the most important individual basketball drills a player can use. It improves touch, technique, and finishing around the rim. The drill is named after George Mikan, a Minneapolis Lakers legend who dominated his opponents during the 1940s and 1950s using the hook shot he developed by practising this drill every day.
The drill is practised as follows: start under the basket and make a layup with the right hand, then catch the ball under the net with the left hand and make a layup. Continue, alternating hands. Eventually, the player should learn how to quickly grab the ball and take a shot while taking the permitted two steps. This drill teaches the proper release and footwork for the skyhook.
To learn the skyhook, it is recommended to watch a lot of videos of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He would also pass out that hook shot setup often enough to keep the defence honest. It is important to develop the shot from both the right and left hands, as being too dependent on one side makes it easier for defenders to predict your moves.
The skyhook is a difficult move to master, and it takes time and dedication to become proficient at it. However, it can be a valuable weapon in a player's arsenal, and it is a shot that is difficult for defenders to block.
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Frequently asked questions
Skyhooking is a type of hook shot in basketball. It is a very difficult shot to master and involves throwing the ball in an upward arc over your head using only one hand. The other hand is used to create space between the shooter and the defensive player.
Skyhooking is considered difficult because it requires good technique and a lot of practice to master. The shot is most effective for tall players with a long wingspan, like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who popularised the move.
Skyhooking is performed by throwing the ball in a sweeping arc, like a golf swing. The ball starts at waist height and the arm makes a roughly 180-degree arc. The body is perpendicular to the basket, facing the sideline.
