The Basics Of Basketball: Understanding Outside Shots

what is an outside shot in basketball

Basketball is a sport that involves a lot of shooting techniques. One of the most common shots in basketball is the outside shot, which is a shot taken from outside the paint but inside the three-point line. This type of shot has become increasingly popular in the National Basketball Association, with players like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson known for their ability to make shots from beyond the arc. The outside shot is typically taken by guards or small forwards, who are often the most versatile players on the court. To master the outside shot, players need to have a strong base, good balance, and proper elbow and hand placement.

Characteristics Values
Definition A shot taken from outside the paint but inside the three-point line
Types Jump shot, hook shot, three-pointers
Technique Balance, Eyes, Elbows, Follow Through
Body Parts Involved Legs, core, elbow, wrist, fingers

shunwild

Jump shots

An outside shot in basketball is a shot taken from outside the paint but inside the three-point line. One type of outside shot is the jump shot, which is an offensive technique where the shot is taken while jumping. It is considered to have been invented by American teacher John Miller Cooper, who first used it while playing for the University of Missouri.

However, the jump shot is a difficult technique that requires a lot of practice and is therefore only suitable for advanced basketball players. The jumping movement requires excellent coordination with the relatively fast throwing motion. The technique is similar to a standing throw, but with the addition of the jump. The jump is achieved by the explosive extension of the legs and the simultaneous raising of the arms. The actual throw occurs shortly before the apex of the jump is reached, with the elbows at shoulder height and the ball supported by the fingers, not the palms. The player then flicks their wrist forward, ensuring that the movement is primarily upwards and that the wrist does not bend too far downwards.

Before attempting jump shots, players should get comfortable with standing throws. They can then progress to jump shots from a standing position before attempting jump shots while moving.

shunwild

Hook shots

A hook shot is an offensive play in basketball where the player, usually turned perpendicular to the basket, throws the ball with one hand using a gentle, sweeping upward arc motion. The player's other hand is used to create space between themselves and the defender. This shot is difficult to block, but it is also challenging to execute, requiring lots of practice and repetition to master. It is most effective for taller players who can use their height and reach to their advantage.

The hook shot was first performed during official games in Eurobasket 1937 by Pranas Talzūnas of the Lithuania basketball team. Former Harlem Globetrotter Goose Tatum is also credited with inventing the hook shot, even executing the shot without looking at the basket. The shot later became a staple for many players in the NBA, including George Mikan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Jerry Lucas. Abdul-Jabbar's signature high-arcing hook shot earned the name "skyhook."

Due to the physical nature of low post basketball, the "jump hook" has emerged as a popular variation. This involves the player jumping off with two feet, providing better balance and a quicker release. Notable players who have employed the jump hook include Shaquille O'Neal and Dwight Howard.

Despite its effectiveness in certain situations, the hook shot is not commonly seen in modern basketball. This is partly because coaches prioritize teaching their players more versatile skills like shooting jump shots and handling the ball. Additionally, the hook shot is a difficult technique to master, requiring significant time and dedication.

shunwild

Lay-ups

Layups are considered the most basic and easiest shot in basketball. They are a two-point shot attempt made by leaping from below, laying the ball up near the basket, and using one hand to bounce it off the backboard and into the basket. The motion and one-handed reach distinguish it from a jump shot. The layup is a fundamental basketball move that will become second nature with enough practice.

There are two main types of layup: the underarm and the overarm. The underarm layup, also known as the finger roll, involves using most of the wrist and the fingers to 'lay' the ball into the net or off the board. Wilt Chamberlain was one of the early practitioners of this style of layup, and notable past NBA players who have relied heavily on the underarm finger roll include Mike Bibby and Allen Iverson. Finger rolls today have many forms, including the "Around the World", which involves a complete circle around the player before the layup, and a variety of fakes in the approach to the rim.

The other type of layup is the overhand shot, similar to a jump shot but from a much closer range. Overhand layups almost always involve the use of the backboard. Players like Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone have used this move to great effect.

The Reverse Layup is a type of layup often used to evade a block. It is distinguished by the ball being tossed backward, with the shooter facing away from the basket. It is often employed during a baseline drive, where the attacking player starts on one side of the basket and finishes on the other, or when a defender commits to defending one side of the rim to cut off a conventional layup. Occasionally, a player will stay on the same side of the rim, back to the basket, and shoot a reverse layup; this tactic was sometimes used by Michael Jordan to score against taller defenders.

It is common for players to create room for a layup by making use of the allotted two steps before the layup attempt. The most common form is the Euro-Step, which involves picking up one's dribble, taking one step in one direction, and then quickly taking a step in the other direction to avoid the defender. To make use of the move efficiently, it is best to dribble in aggressively and then take two broad steps in different directions while simultaneously bringing the ball over one's head in the direction of the step.

shunwild

Three-pointers

A three-pointer, also known as a three-point field goal, is a shot taken from outside the paint but inside the three-point line. It is worth three points, as opposed to the two points awarded for field goals made within the three-point line and the one point for each made free throw. The three-pointer was introduced by the American Basketball League (ABL) in 1961 to add excitement to the game and distinguish the league from the NBA. The distance from the basket to the three-point line varies depending on the competition level. For example, in the NBA, the arc is 23 feet 9 inches (7.24 meters) from the center of the basket, while in the WNBA and NCAA, the distance is 6.75 meters (22 feet 1.75 inches).

The three-pointer has evolved over time, with players specializing in this shot and gaining reputations as three-point specialists. In 1994, Dale Ellis became the first NBA player to reach 1,000 career three-pointers, and in 1997, Reggie Miller surpassed Ellis as the NBA's all-time leader in three-pointers. The three-point shot has also been used as a strategic element in basketball, with coaches and players utilizing specific plays and positions to create opportunities for three-point attempts.

The popularity of the three-pointer has led to its adoption by various basketball leagues and organizations worldwide. The Eastern Professional Basketball League adopted the three-point shot in its 1963-64 season, and it was popularized by the American Basketball Association (ABA) in the 1967-68 season. The NBA initially adopted the three-point line on a one-year trial basis for the 1979-80 season, and it has since become a permanent feature of the game.

The three-pointer has had a significant impact on the strategy and gameplay of basketball. It has given smaller players a chance to score and opened up defenses, making the game more dynamic and exciting for fans and players alike. The introduction of the three-pointer has also led to the development of new offensive and defensive strategies, as teams adapt their gameplay to maximize the potential of this high-value shot.

Mastering the Art of Basketball Passing

You may want to see also

shunwild

Free throws

In basketball, free throws or foul shots are attempts to score points by shooting from behind the free-throw line, 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, analogous to penalty shots in other team sports. Each successful free throw is worth one point.

During a free throw, the shooter must attempt the free throw within 10 seconds of controlling the ball. If there is a violation and the free throw attempt is to remain in play, the opposing team shall inbound on either sideline at the free throw line extended. If both teams commit a violation during this free throw, a jump ball shall be administered at midcourt between any two opponents in the game. If the free throw attempt is not to remain in play, then play will continue from that point.

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, similar to a time out in football.

Frequently asked questions

An outside shot in basketball is a shot taken from outside the paint but inside the three-point line.

A jump shot is an attempt to make a basket from more than 5 feet away, usually taken while jumping. An outside shot is a type of shot that is taken from outside the paint but inside the three-point line.

When shooting a basketball, coaches stress the acronym "BEEF" which stands for Balance, Eyes, Elbows, and Follow Through. The elbow is considered the most important aspect of a shooting form, as having the elbow straight and in line with the rim keeps the ball on target.

A layup is a shot taken from very close range, usually as a player dribbles directly to the basket. An outside shot is taken from outside the paint but inside the three-point line.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment