Amanda Knapp
In basketball, close-range shots are those taken by offensive players near the basket, which can increase the chance of scoring. These shots are generally the easiest way to score points in basketball. Types of close-range shots include the layup, the floater, the hook shot, the slam dunk, the putback, and the tip-in. The layup is a common close-range shot, where players jump and extend their arms to bank the ball off the backboard into the basket. The hook shot is another close-range shot, where the offensive player shoots over the head of an adjacent defender with the hand furthest from the basket.
Characteristics and Values of the Closest Shot in Basketball
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of shot | Close-range shot |
| Player position | Offensive |
| Distance from the basket | Near |
| Examples | Layup, floater, hook shot, slam dunk, putback, tip-in, alley-oop |
| Scoring opportunity | High |
| Difficulty level | Easy |
| Shot execution | Varies depending on the type of shot |
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What You'll Learn
Layup
A layup is a fundamental basketball move and is considered the easiest and most basic shot in the game. It is a close-range shot, typically taken within the lane area, directly over the front of the rim or off the backboard. The layup is 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.
There are several different versions of the layup, which can be broadly categorized into two types: the underarm and the overarm. The underarm layup, also known as the finger roll, involves using the wrist and fingers to 'lay' the ball into the net or off the board. Wilt Chamberlain was one of the early practitioners of this style, and it was also favoured by Mike Bibby and Allen Iverson. The overhand shot is similar to a jump shot but from a much closer range. This type nearly always involves the use of the backboard, and was used to great effect by Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone.
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. This type of layup is often employed during a baseline drive, where the attacking player starts on one side of the basket and finishes on the other.
It is common for players to create room for a layup by making use of the two allotted steps before the shot. The most common form of this is the Euro-Step, which involves picking up the dribble, taking one step in one direction, and then quickly taking another step in the other direction to avoid the defender. This move relies on agility and footwork to avoid larger defenders.
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Hook shot
A hook shot is a close-range shot in basketball, typically used by offensive players near the basket. It involves a player shooting the ball over the head of an adjacent defender using the hand that is furthest away from the basket. The player jumps in the air with the inside foot closest to the basket and performs a sweeping motion with their arm, creating an upward arc with a follow-through that ends over their head. The shooting arm is extended vertically, with the ball above the shoulder, and the head is turned to see the target.
The hook shot is a difficult skill to master and is best used sparingly, as defenders can learn to anticipate the move. It is particularly effective for players in the paint, and it can be a great way to gain some quick points. The hook shot is also challenging to block due to the distance created between the shooter and the defender.
There are a few variations of the hook shot, including the jump hook and the skyhook. The jump hook involves jumping off both feet instead of taking steps and then jumping off one foot. This variation provides better balance and a quicker release, although the shot is released from a lower height. The skyhook, as the name suggests, is a variation with a higher arc, and it was made famous by NBA star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The hook shot has been a staple move for many players in the National Basketball Association, including George Mikan, Magic Johnson, and Yao Ming. It is said that former Harlem Globetrotter Goose Tatum even performed hook shots without looking at the basket.
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Dunk
A dunk is one of the closest shots in basketball, and it is also one of the toughest feats in the sport. It requires more jumping ability than shooting skills. To execute a slam dunk, a player must dribble and charge towards the hoop, jump explosively to get as high as possible, and leap towards the hoop. The ball is then lifted above the rim and pushed or slammed forcefully through the rim. Most people jump off one foot, but some may find they can jump higher off both feet.
The dunk is a type of close-range shot, which is typically the easiest way to score points in basketball. Close-range shots are taken near the basket, increasing the player's chance of scoring. Traditional post players such as power forwards or centers commonly have the most attempts at close-range shots as they frequently play around the basket. Perimeter-based players such as point guards, shooting guards, or small forwards can also have opportunities to take close-range shots.
The dunk is often a spectacular move and has been celebrated as a high-percentage shot since the 1940s when Bob Kurland is credited with being the first to dunk in a game. Since then, many players have become known for their dunking abilities, such as Julius Erving, Michael Jordan, and Harold Miner.
The layup is another type of close-range shot. This is where a player runs as close to the ring as possible and shoots the ball into the ring without stopping. A dunk is similar, but the ball never leaves the player's hands, and there is no distance between the ball and the hoop when the player shoots.
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Jump shot
A jump shot is a basic yet important shooting technique in basketball. It is a shot that is hard to defend against and allows players to score from a long distance. The jump shot is done with one hand, while the other hand holds the ball in place until the shot is taken. The jump can be made from a standing position or while moving, for example, while dribbling.
To execute a jump shot, a player must jump vertically and throw the ball towards the basket. This requires the coordination of the jumping movement and the relatively fast throwing motion. The technique is quite challenging and requires a lot of practice, making it suitable for advanced basketball players.
To perform a jump shot, players should take a wide stance, usually shoulder-width apart, with their knees bent and shoulders squared to the basket. The elbows should be at least at shoulder height, and the ball should rest on the fingers, not the palms. Once the shoulders and elbows are at a 90-degree angle, the player flicks their wrist forward, ensuring the movement is primarily upwards. This provides a good throwing angle onto the basket and allows for accurate and effective shooting.
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Close-range shots vs perimeter shots
Close-range shots and perimeter shots are two distinct types of shots in basketball, each presenting its own set of advantages and challenges for players. Executing these shots effectively is crucial for scoring points and winning the game.
Close-range shots, as the name suggests, are attempts made by offensive players when they are near the basket, within the boundary lines of the court. These shots include various types, such as the layup, floater, hook shot, slam dunk, putback, and tip-in. The layup, a common type of close-range shot, involves an offensive player jumping in the air with one foot and shooting directly over the front of the rim or off the backboard. The hook shot is another significant close-range shot, where the player shoots over the head of a nearby defender with the hand farthest from the basket. This shot is often used by traditional post players like power forwards and centers but can also be executed by perimeter players.
Perimeter shots, on the other hand, are taken from areas of the court outside of the lane and away from the basket. These include mid-range shots and three-point shots, which are attempted behind the three-point line. The three-point line forms an arc that surrounds the basket from one baseline to the other. Perimeter shots are generally more challenging to make consistently than close-range shots. Shooting guards, for instance, are known for taking perimeter jump shots, especially three-pointers, by utilizing basketball screens.
The primary advantage of close-range shots is their higher probability of success. Offensive players, even those with less-than-average skills, find it easier to score through close-range attempts compared to mid-range or three-point shots. Traditional post players like power forwards and centers tend to have the most attempts at close-range shots since they frequently play and receive the ball near the basket. However, perimeter players can also create opportunities for close-range shots through techniques like backdoor cuts or back screens.
Perimeter shots, while more difficult, offer strategic advantages. Perimeter defenders can employ tactics such as placing one hand near the offensive player's face and the other near the ball to prevent perimeter shot attempts and hinder dribble penetration. Additionally, the presence of a strong center who can score in the low post can create balance within the offense. This may open up opportunities for perimeter players to score, as the center can "kick it out" or pass to them. Perimeter players are generally better long-range shooters, so having a capable center can create easier scoring chances for the team.
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Frequently asked questions
A close-range shot is any shot taken by an offensive player near the basket, which could lead to a scoring opportunity. It is the easiest way to score points in basketball because the player's proximity to the basket increases their chance of making the shot.
Types of close-range shots include the layup, the floater, the hook shot, the slam dunk, the putback, and the tip-in. The layup is the most common, where a player jumps near the rim and shoots with one hand, often off the backboard. The hook shot is when an offensive player shoots over the head of an adjacent defender with the hand furthest from the basket.
The slam dunk is usually the most spectacular close-range shot, requiring more jumping ability than shooting skills. It involves charging towards the hoop, jumping as high as possible, and forcefully pushing or slamming the ball through the rim.
