Amanda Knapp
Basketball is a sport that involves various shooting techniques and strategies. One of the most exciting and challenging shots in basketball is the long shot, also known as the three-pointer. This shot is attempted from a long distance, usually beyond the three-point line or arc, and has a low probability of success. The introduction of the three-point shot in basketball revolutionized the game, adding more action and excitement for spectators and players alike. Executing a successful long shot requires a combination of balance, shooting form, and skill. In this paragraph, we will explore the long shot in basketball, its history, and the techniques involved in mastering this challenging yet rewarding aspect of the game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of shot | Three-point shot |
| Probability of making the shot | Very low |
| Distance from the basket | Long distance |
| Distance from the three-point line | Twenty-two feet or more |
| Players who excel at this shot | Stephen Curry, Steve Kerr, Ray Allen |
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What You'll Learn
Three-point shot
A three-point shot is a basketball shot or field goal made from beyond the three-point line. The three-point line was first introduced by the NBA in the 1979-80 season on a one-year trial basis. The Boston Celtics' Chris Ford scored the first-ever three-pointer in NBA history.
The three-point shot has since become a staple of the modern game, with the number of attempts from beyond the arc increasing in each of the ten seasons leading up to 2020-21. The Golden State Warriors, led by three-point specialists Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, won three of the previous seven NBA titles by the Fall of 2021.
The three-point shot is typically utilised by smaller guards to prevent taller defenders from blocking the shot. It is often executed as a jump shot, which requires a wide stance, bent knees, and square shoulders. The jump shot is also characterised by an explosive upward leap, with the ball released at the apex of the jump.
Despite the increasing popularity of the three-point shot, recent studies suggest that its value is decreasing. The expected value from three-point shots is now worth less than two-point shots, and teams are starting to alter their shot selection to favour high-percentage two-point shots.
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Jump shot
A jump shot is a type of shot in basketball that is used for mid to long-range shots, including shooting beyond the arc. It is an advanced offensive technique that requires a lot of practice. The jump shot is achieved by taking a wide stance, usually shoulder-width apart, bending the knees, and squaring the shoulders to achieve balance while facing the basket. The player then performs an explosive upward leap and, at the apex of the jump, follows through by shooting the ball with one hand. The elbows should be kept straight and at least at shoulder height to ensure the ball is directed toward the basket. The wrist is then flicked forward to provide the ball with momentum and spin.
The jump shot is more difficult to block than a standing shot because players can jump straight into the air and throw the ball from a higher angle. It also requires less effort and provides more momentum, allowing players to throw with more power, speed, and dynamics. The jump shot can be made even more challenging for defenders to block by jumping slightly backward.
Before attempting a jump shot, players should get comfortable with standing throws first. They can start by practicing free throws or close and medium-range throws to develop a feel for throwing the ball. Once they have mastered the technique for a standing throw, they can move on to practicing the jump shot from a standing position. The next level of difficulty is the jump shot while moving.
The hook shot is another type of shot in basketball that is similar to the jump shot. It is made while the player's body is not directly facing the basket, with the player facing the basket sideways so that the shooting hand is dribbling the ball away from the basket. Notable players who have used the hook shot include George Mikan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Yao Ming.
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Dunk
A slam dunk, also known simply as a dunk, is a type of basketball shot that is performed when a player jumps in the air, controls the ball above the horizontal plane of the rim, and scores by putting the ball directly through the basket with one or both hands. It is a type of field goal that is worth two points and is usually the highest percentage shot. Due to its high success rate and crowd-pleasing nature, the dunk is often showcaseed in slam dunk contests such as the NBA Slam Dunk Contest held during the annual NBA All-Star Weekend.
The term "slam dunk" was coined by former Los Angeles Lakers announcer Chick Hearn, with the shot previously referred to as a "dunk shot". The first incarnation of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest was held during the halftime of the 1976 ABA All-Star Game. The contest has since featured some of the best dunkers in the NBA, with players like Nate Robinson, Dominique Wilkins, and Michael Jordan claiming multiple victories.
In terms of technique, the dunk is a high-percentage shot that involves jumping and "pitching the ball downward into the hoop." Bob Kurland, a 7-foot center and Olympic gold medalist, is credited with being the first player to regularly use the dunk in the 1940s. Julius Erving, often called "Dr. J," was the first great dunker in professional basketball, and at age 63, he is the oldest man known to have dunked a basketball.
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Bank shot
A bank shot is a basketball technique where the player shoots the ball so that it hits the backboard before falling into the basket. It is a useful strategy for players who are inconsistent shooters or who are having a "bad shooting night", as it can increase their accuracy and make them more consistent. The bank shot is also effective because it requires the player to shoot the ball with a consistent arc near the same spot on the backboard, usually near the corner of the inner rectangle. This means that if the player doesn't make contact with the backboard, the ball is unlikely to go in.
To execute a bank shot, the player should aim for the backboard instead of the basket, shooting at a slightly higher angle than a regular jump shot. This may involve jumping slightly backward to prevent defenders from blocking the shot. The ball should hit the backboard with minimal contact with the rim, then bounce off into the net. The bank shot is most effective when the ball hits the backboard near the corner of the inner rectangle, which is the smaller rectangle adjacent to the basket.
The bank shot is a useful technique for offensive players, as it can lead to a higher shooting percentage than a regular jump shot. It is also a good option for players who are non-shooters, or who rarely take jump shots, as it can increase their chances of scoring. In addition, the bank shot can be used as a drill to practice shooting technique, with players starting near the left or right side low post block and shooting off the backboard toward the corner of the inner rectangle.
The bank shot was a signature move of NBA Hall of Famer Tim Duncan, who used it to great effect en route to five NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs. Duncan's success with the bank shot demonstrates its effectiveness as a scoring strategy in basketball, even at the highest levels of the sport. While the bank shot may not be the preferred strategy for all players, it is a fundamental technique that can be a valuable tool for any basketball player.
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Free throw
In basketball, a free throw is an attempt to score a point by shooting from behind the free-throw line, which is a line situated at the end of the restricted area. Free throws are generally awarded after a foul on the shooter by the opposing team, or when the fouling team has entered the bonus/penalty situation. The player must stay behind the free-throw line when taking the shot and they have 10 seconds to attempt the shot from the moment they gain control of the ball. Each successful free throw is worth one point.
In the NBA, most players make 70-80% of their attempts. The league's top shooters, such as Mark Price, Steve Nash, and Stephen Curry, have an even higher success rate. In NCAA men's basketball, the rules are slightly different. Beginning with the seventh foul of the half, one free throw is awarded; if the player makes the free throw, another is given. Starting with the tenth foul of the half, two free throws are awarded.
In FIBA, (W)NBA, and NCAA women's play, the limit is four fouls per quarter. Starting with the fifth foul (fourth in overtime), or the second in the final 2 minutes if the team has less than 5 fouls, the opposing team gets two free throws. In FIBA and NCAA women's basketball, the fouled player also shoots two free throws starting with the opponent's fifth foul in a period.
It can be advantageous for a trailing team to intentionally foul late in a close game. While this allows the leading team to shoot free throws and increase their lead, it also stops the clock, giving the trailing team a chance to catch up.
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Frequently asked questions
A long shot in basketball is a shot that has very little probability of being made, usually a three-point attempt from a long distance behind the arc.
Examples of long shots in basketball include the jump shot, hook shot, and three-point shot.
Some other types of shots in basketball include the bank shot, dunk, and free throw.
