Andrew Pace
Basketball is a sport with a lot of unique terminology. A made shot in basketball is called a field goal. There are many different types of shots in basketball, including jump shots, layups, and slam dunks. If a shot goes through the hoop without touching the rim or backboard, it is called a swish or a splash. When a player is fouled while taking a shot, they are awarded a free throw, or foul shot, which is an uncontested shot taken from the free-throw line.
A made shot in basketball
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Field Goal, Basket |
| Types | Jump Shot, Hook Shot, Bank Shot, Layup, Dunk, Free Throw, 3-Point Shot |
| Scoring | 1 or 3 points |
| Free Throw | Awarded when a player is fouled |
| Jump Shot | Balance, wide stance, straight elbows, flicking of the wrist |
| Hook Shot | Body not facing the basket |
| Bank Shot | Aim for the backboard |
| Layup | Short-range shot, use the backboard |
| Dunk | Requires jumping ability |
| Free Throw | Uncontested shot, player must stay behind the free throw line |
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What You'll Learn
- A layup is a shot from very close range, usually as a player dribbles directly to the basket
- A jump shot is used for mid to long-range shots, including beyond the arc
- A hook shot is when the shot is made while the player's body is not directly facing the basket
- A bank shot is when the ball hits the backboard before going into the net
- A free throw is a shot awarded to a player who was fouled
A layup is a shot from very close range, usually as a player dribbles directly to the basket
There are several variations of the layup, including the basic layup, the power layup, the reverse layup, the finger roll, and the floater. The basic layup is performed when the player is in motion towards the basket and there are no defenders nearby to block the shot. The power layup is a more practical choice when a defender is in close proximity, as the offensive player has an opportunity to read the defence and react accordingly. The finger roll is a type of layup where the player rolls their hand over the ball to guide it into the hoop, and is usually used when it is not practical to use the backboard. The reverse layup is a shot taken by jumping and laying the ball off the backboard.
The Euro-Step is a common improvisation of the layup, which involves dribbling aggressively and then taking two broad steps in different directions to evade a defender and create space for a layup attempt.
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A jump shot is used for mid to long-range shots, including beyond the arc
The jump shot is the most important shot in basketball and is used for mid to long-range shots, including beyond the arc. It is a basic yet effective offensive technique that is hard to defend against and allows players to score from a distance. The jump shot is executed by throwing the ball towards the basket from a straight vertical jump. The jump can be made from a standing position or while moving, for example, while dribbling.
To achieve balance when facing the basket for a jump shot, players need to take a wide stance, usually shoulder-width apart, bend their knees, and square their shoulders. This is followed by an explosive upward leap, and at the apex of the jump, the player follows through by shooting the ball. The elbows should be kept straight to ensure the ball is pointed in the direction of the basket, and the wrist should be flicked and held in position to provide the ball with momentum and spin.
The throwing motion for the jump shot is the same as for a standing throw. The ball should lie on the fingers, not the palms, and the elbows should be at least at shoulder height. Once both shoulders and elbows are at a 90-degree angle, the player flicks the wrist forward, ensuring the movement is primarily upwards. This allows for a good throwing angle onto the basket.
The jump shot is a challenging technique that requires a lot of practice, especially due to the coordination of the jumping movement and the fast throwing motion. It is only suitable for advanced basketball players as it demands high coordination.
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A hook shot is when the shot is made while the player's body is not directly facing the basket
A hook shot is a type of basketball shot where the offensive player's body is not directly facing the basket. The player throws one arm over their head sideways to make a basket, with the ball following an upward arc. This is a one-handed shot, with the other arm often used to create space between the shooter and the defensive player. The shooting arm's elbow is "locked" into position next to the body, with the shooting arm extended away from the hoop at around a 45-degree angle. The shooter turns their head to look at the target and releases the ball with a snap of the wrist.
The hook shot is considered quite difficult to block, and only a small number of players have mastered it from a distance. It is a staple of many players in the National Basketball Association (NBA), including stars such as George Mikan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Yao Ming. The ""jump hook" is a variation that has gained popularity due to the increasingly physical nature of low-post basketball. This style involves jumping off two feet, providing better balance and a quicker release. The skyhook is another famous variation, where the player jumps off one foot while perpendicular to the hoop.
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A bank shot is when the ball hits the backboard before going into the net
A bank shot is a type of shot in basketball where the ball hits the backboard before going into the net. It is an effective strategy for offensive players who are inconsistent or non-shooters, as it can increase their chances of scoring points. To execute a bank shot, players aim for the backboard instead of shooting directly into the hoop. This often involves jumping slightly higher or backwards to prevent defenders from blocking the shot. The ball should hit a specific area on the backboard, usually near the corner of the inner rectangle, at a certain arc to ensure it bounces into the net.
The bank shot is particularly useful for players who struggle with regular jump shots. By aiming for the backboard, players require less precision and can still make successful shots. This technique is also effective for shots taken from certain angles and distances, such as mid-range shots, where it may be easier to aim for the backboard than to shoot directly for the net.
Compared to other shots, the bank shot may be considered a more conservative approach. While it can increase the likelihood of making a basket, it may not be the preferred strategy for more confident shooters who can aim directly for the net. However, the bank shot can serve as a valuable tool for players of all skill levels, especially when facing defensive pressure or when a player's view of the rim is obstructed.
The bank shot is a fundamental technique in basketball, with some players relying on it heavily. It is a versatile shot that can be executed from various positions on the court, including the low post block and the perimeter. By utilising the backboard, players can improve their shooting consistency and accuracy, making the bank shot an essential weapon in any player's arsenal.
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A free throw is a shot awarded to a player who was fouled
Free throws are generally awarded when a player is fouled by an opposing team member in the act of shooting. They are also awarded when the fouling team has reached its foul limit, or when the referee deems a foul to be particularly aggressive. In the latter case, the referee may call an "unsportsmanlike foul" in international and NCAA women's play or a "flagrant foul" in the NBA and NCAA men's basketball.
In NCAA men's basketball, beginning with the seventh foul of the half, one free throw is awarded; if the player makes this first free throw, they are then awarded another. Starting with the tenth foul of the half, two free throws are awarded. In the NBA, a technical foul results in one free-throw attempt for the other team. Under NCAA rules, Class A technical fouls (serious unsportsmanlike conduct) result in two free throws, while Class B technical fouls (less egregious violations) result in one.
It can be a strategic move for a trailing team to intentionally foul late in a close game. While this gives the leading team the chance to shoot free throws and increase their lead, it also stops the clock, giving the trailing team a chance to take possession.
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Frequently asked questions
A made shot in basketball is called a field goal. If the ball goes through the hoop without touching the rim or backboard, it is known as a swish or "nothing but net".
Some other types of shots in basketball include:
- Layup: a shot made from very close range, usually as a player dribbles directly to the basket.
- Dunk or slam dunk: a shot that requires more jumping ability than shooting skills.
- Jump shot: a shot used for mid to long-range attempts, including shooting beyond the arc.
- Hook shot: a shot made while the player's body is not directly facing the basket.
- Bank shot: a shot that hits the backboard before going into the net.
- Free throw: an uncontested shot awarded to a player when they are fouled.
If a player is fouled while taking a shot, they get a chance to score a free throw, which is an uncontested shot taken from the free-throw line.
