Kristian Ferrell
In basketball, a legitimate shot attempt is when a player has an opportunity to score points by shooting the ball towards the basket. The shot attempt is considered legitimate if the player has control of the ball's flight path and the ball hits the basket, rim, or backboard. If the ball does not hit any of these, it is considered an air ball. A shot attempt can also be affected by fouls, with penalties and free throws awarded depending on the situation. For example, if a player is fouled in the act of shooting and misses the basket, it may or may not be counted as a missed field goal attempt, depending on the statistician.
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What You'll Learn
Free throws
In basketball, free throws are an essential part of the game, offering players a chance to score points without opposition. A free throw, also known as a foul shot, is an attempt to score points by shooting from behind the free-throw line, which is situated at the end of the restricted area.
The player taking the free throw must stand behind the free-throw line and has a time limit of 10 seconds to attempt their shot. During this attempt, no opponent is allowed to disrupt or disconcert the shooter. If a violation occurs and the free throw is successful, no penalty is assessed. However, if the attempt is unsuccessful, a substitute free throw may be given.
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Air balls
An air ball in basketball is an unblocked shot that misses the basket, rim, and backboard entirely. It is usually attempted by an offensive player near the perimeter areas of the court. An air ball is not considered detrimental to the offensive player or team as a whole, as long-distance shots are typically attempted during the last seconds of a quarter or the end of a game.
The term "air ball" was first used in a 1967 article in the Hayward Review, which described a player "lofting air balls at an orange basket that may as well have been painted invisible". The phrase was first broadcast in 1972 by announcing legend Keith Jackson, who used it to describe an errant shot by Lakers guard Gail Goodrich during game five of the 1972 NBA Finals. The sing-song "air ball" chant that follows such a missed shot is believed to have been started by Duke fans in 1979, following a miss by North Carolina's Chick Yonakor.
In the NBA and WNBA, if an offensive player catches their own air ball, it is considered a traveling violation. This is in reference to Rule 10, Section XIII.f, which states that a player cannot touch the ball immediately after releasing it on a shot attempt unless it hits the backboard, basket ring, or another player first. However, these traveling rules do not apply to all basketball leagues or levels of competition. For example, in high school basketball, there does not appear to be any associated penalty if an offensive player touches the ball immediately after shooting it.
In some cases, a player may shoot an air ball due to improper depth perception or ocular issues such as myopia. In these circumstances, prescription basketball goggles or contact lenses can help the player see the basket more clearly. Additionally, an offensive player may be contacted by a defender, either legally or as a result of a foul, which can also lead to an air ball.
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Field goal attempts
In basketball, a field goal attempt refers to any shot taken from the court, whether it's a layup or a three-pointer. The term "field" or "the basketball field" refers to the court, and so the term "field goal" is used.
Field goal percentage is a crucial statistic in evaluating players, especially for coaches and teams when considering potential drafts or trades. It is calculated by taking the number of field goals made divided by the number of field goals attempted, multiplied by 100. For example, a player who made 4 out of 10 shots has a field goal percentage of 40%.
Players with strong shooting skills will generally average around 40% from the field. Some of the greatest field goal shooters of all time include Michael Jordan, who led the NBA in field goals made ten times, Wilt Chamberlain, who holds the top four spots for most field goals made in a season, and Shaquille O'Neal, who has the record for most seasons with the best field goal percentage.
When coaches and announcers refer to "high-percentage field goals", they are typically talking about layups and dunks, which have the highest probability of being successful.
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Fouls
Personal Foul: A personal foul is called when a player makes physical contact with an opponent in a manner that is deemed illegal or excessive. This can include holding, pushing, charging, or making contact with an opponent's body or limbs. Personal fouls can be called on both offensive and defensive players, depending on the nature of the infraction. The player who is fouled is typically awarded one or more free throws, and their team also gains possession of the ball after the free throws.
Technical Foul: Technical fouls are typically related to unsportsmanlike conduct or violations of the rules that do not involve physical contact with an opponent. Examples include using profane language, arguing with officials, or hanging on the basket rim. Technical fouls can be assessed to players, coaches, or even team staff members. The penalty for a technical foul usually involves awarding the non-offending team with one or more free throws and possession of the ball.
Double Foul: A double foul occurs when two players from opposing teams commit fouls simultaneously or when a foul is committed by both teams during a play. In this case, no free throw attempts are awarded. However, the team that had possession of the ball at the time of the foul retains possession, and play is resumed from the sideline near the point of interruption.
Flagrant Foul: A flagrant foul, also known as an "unsportsmanlike foul" in some leagues, is a more severe type of foul that involves excessive or violent contact. This can include hitting, kicking, or making contact in an aggressive manner. The penalty for a flagrant foul typically includes free throws for the fouled player and possession of the ball for their team. Additionally, the player committing the flagrant foul may be ejected from the game or suspended for multiple games, depending on the severity of the infraction.
It's important to note that the specific rules and penalties for fouls may vary slightly between different basketball leagues and organizations, such as the NBA, WNBA, NCAA, and FIBA. Each league has its own set of guidelines and regulations that govern the interpretation and consequences of fouls.
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Jump shots
The throwing motion for the jump shot is the same as for a standing throw. The elbows should be at least at shoulder height, and the ball should lie only on the fingers, not on the palms. Once both shoulders and elbows are at a 90-degree angle, the player flicks their wrist forward, ensuring the movement is primarily upwards. This allows for a good throwing angle to the basket.
It is important to note that the jump shot is initiated from a standing position. Players should get comfortable with standing throws first before advancing to jump shots. They can start by practicing free throws or close and medium-range throws to develop a feel for throwing the ball.
Additionally, players should pay attention to their footwork. Having a wider base, slightly wider than shoulder width, can provide stability and consistency in jump shots. However, it is important not to tilt the feet too much, as it can lower shooting power.
The jump shot offers several advantages. It provides a better throwing angle to the basket, making it more difficult for opponents to block. The momentum from running can be transferred directly into the shot, resulting in more powerful, faster, and dynamic throws with less effort.
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Frequently asked questions
A legitimate shot attempt is when a player has an opportunity to score points by shooting the basketball, with the potential of it going in. If a player is fouled in the act of shooting and misses, it is not counted as a missed shot attempt.
An air ball is when an offensive player attempts a shot that does not hit the rim, backboard, or basket. This can occur when a defender blocks the shooter's vision or when the player has ocular issues.
A free throw is an unopposed attempt to score a point by shooting from behind the free-throw line, usually after a foul by the opposing team. The shooter must attempt the free throw within 10 seconds of controlling the ball.
If there is a violation during a free throw attempt, the opposing team will inbound the ball on either sideline at the free-throw line. If both teams commit a violation, a jump ball is administered at midcourt.
