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Basketball is a high-scoring sport, but it often takes dozens of attempts to score. There are three primary ways to score points: field goals, three-point field goals, and free throws. Field goals can be scored from inside or outside the three-point line, earning two or three points, respectively. Free throws are worth one point and are awarded when a player is fouled. To score in basketball, players must be able to shoot accurately and use strategies such as picks and rolls, moving without the ball, and pump fakes to create space and get open shots. The layup is a common scoring method, involving a short-range shot while moving towards the basket. The key to scoring is efficiency, and great scorers find ways to consistently score more points, regardless of their size or position.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ways to score | Field goals, three-point field goals, free throws |
| Field goals | Any basket scored during regular gameplay, from inside the three-point line |
| Three-point field goals | Scored from behind the three-point line without touching the line with the foot |
| Free throws | Awarded after a foul; an unguarded shot taken from the free-throw line |
| Scoring techniques | Pick and roll, pick and pop, jump shots, layups, pump fakes, dunks, bank shots, hook shots |
| Strategy | Move without the ball, use picks and screens, box out, sprint the floor, sell the foul |
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Field goals
In basketball, a field goal refers to any basket scored during regular gameplay, inside the three-point line. Field goals can be worth two or three points. If a player makes a field goal from within the three-point line, they score two points. If they are fouled during the shot, a successful free throw will increase this to three points. If a player makes a field goal from beyond the three-point line, they score three points. If they are fouled, a successful free throw will increase this to four points.
There are several techniques players can use to score field goals. One is to move without the ball, which can help players get open shots, even if they are less skilled or shorter than others. For example, a player can use the pick and roll, where a teammate sets a pick (a block) on the defender, allowing the player to move into an open space. The player should try to brush shoulders with their teammate, forcing the defender to either go under or over the pick. If the defender goes under, the player has space for a jump shot. If the defender goes over, the player can drive to the basket.
Another technique is the triple threat, where a player stands with the ball but does not dribble. From this stance, the player can pass, shoot, or dribble. A pump fake, where the player fakes a shot, can be an effective way to convince a defender to jump or commit to a particular movement, creating an opportunity for the player to shoot or drive to the basket.
Players can also score field goals by running in transition. For example, if a player secures a defensive rebound above the free-throw line, they can sprint forward and take a layup, a short-range shot made by a player moving towards the basket.
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Free throws
Free throw shooting is a very personal process, and every player will develop their own style. However, there are some basic techniques that can help anyone become a better free-throw shooter.
First and foremost, practice makes perfect. Free throw shooting requires a lot of practice, and some of the world's greatest free-throw shooters have spent years perfecting their technique. Players should aim to shoot the same way every time and not change their shot after every miss.
It is also important to establish a pre-shot routine and stick to it. This could include relaxation and breathing techniques to help reduce nervousness and tension. Players should also ensure their body is aligned properly at the free-throw line, with their body squared and feet shoulder-width apart, toes one to two inches behind the line.
Another important tip is to focus on elbow positioning. Elbows should be kept close to the body to increase the leverage needed for the shot. The ball should be rolled off the fingertips, giving it a backspin to help it hit the backboard and fall into the basket.
Finally, don't be discouraged by missed shots. It is normal to miss some, and players should not overanalyse their shot after a miss.
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Layups
One method is to use a "pick and roll" strategy. This involves a teammate setting a pick, or screen, to block your defender. As you move towards the pick, your defender has two choices: to go under or over it. If they go under, they'll try to meet you on the other side, creating space for a jump shot. If they go over, you have an open lane to drive to the basket for a layup.
Another tactic is to move without the ball, catching the defence off-guard and creating opportunities for layups or jump shots. You can also use a ""pump fake", where you fake a shot attempt, causing the defender to jump, leaving you open for a shot or a drive to the basket for a layup.
The key to a successful layup is creating space and capitalising on defensive lapses. By utilising picks, moving without the ball, and employing deceptive moves like the pump fake, you can increase your chances of scoring easy points with layups.
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Moving without the ball
Cuts and Fakes:
After passing the ball, players should immediately look to cut and fill another spot on the perimeter. Cutters must be purposeful in their movements, aiming to get open for a pass rather than just making a lazy cut to the basket. A quick, hard first step is essential, followed by an explosive cut. Players should use different types of cuts like the V-cut, L-cut, flash cut, shallow cut, and back cut, depending on their position and the defender's movements. The cutter should also make a good fake, have their hands ready, and be prepared to receive the pass for a quick score.
Spacing:
Good spacing is vital for effective offense. Perimeter players should generally maintain a distance of 12 to 15 feet from each other and stay above the 3-point arc. Poor spacing can lead to bad passes, turnovers, and reduced scoring opportunities. Players should avoid "clogging" the inside area or lingering inside the arc unnecessarily, as it hampers their teammates' movement and makes it easier for the defense.
Screens and Picks:
Setting screens and using picks effectively can create scoring chances for both the player with the ball and the one setting the screen. The player with the ball can use a pick to get open by brushing shoulders with their teammate, forcing the defender to choose between going under or over the pick. This creates opportunities for jump shots or driving to the basket. Similarly, the player setting the pick can cut towards the basket (the pick and roll) or find open space for a jump shot (the pick and pop).
Timing and Speed Variation:
Timing your movements correctly is crucial when moving without the ball. Players should aim to be open and in position to receive the pass. Varying speeds during cuts makes it harder for defenders to guard you.
Reading the Defender:
Pay attention to the defender's position and movements. For example, when using a curl cut, if the defender is trailing, you can curl off the screen for a shot. A face-cut, where you cut in front of the defender, is often used in a "give-n-go" situation and can lead to a layup.
Creating Scoring Opportunities:
Mastering the art of moving without the ball will enhance your scoring abilities and overall gameplay, even if you are less skilled or shorter, as exemplified by NBA players like Isiah Thomas.
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Tricks to get fouls called
Fouls are an inevitable part of basketball, and while they are usually the result of illegal personal contact or unsportsmanlike conduct, there are some tricks you can use to your advantage to get fouls called on your opponents. Here are some strategies to do just that:
- Master the Art of Drawing Contact: One of the most common ways to draw fouls is to master the art of drawing contact from your opponent without committing a foul yourself. This involves understanding the rules and your opponent's tendencies. For example, when an opponent is guarding you closely, use a pick-and-roll technique to create space. This might entice your opponent to reach out and make contact, resulting in a foul call in your favour.
- Move Without the Ball: Moving without the ball can help you get open and create scoring opportunities. By moving effectively off the ball, you can catch the defence off guard, and if they fail to adjust quickly enough, they may commit a foul in their attempt to recover.
- Use the "Triple Threat" Position: The "triple threat" position refers to when you are standing with the ball but not yet dribbling. From this position, you can pass, shoot, or dribble. A pump fake, where you fake a shot attempt, can often entice a defender to jump or make contact, resulting in a shooting foul and free throw attempts for you.
- Confuse and Exhaust the Defence: By using a variety of offensive strategies, such as pick-and-rolls, backdoor cuts, and misdirection, you can confuse the defence. Additionally, playing at a fast pace can tire out the defence, making them more likely to commit fouls due to fatigue.
- Draw Charging Fouls: A charging foul occurs when an offensive player runs into a defender who has established a legal defensive position. By driving to the basket aggressively and establishing body contact with a defender who has planted their feet, you can draw charging fouls, which can be very effective in getting fouls called.
- Exploit Emotional Reactions: Fouls are not just physical; unsportsmanlike conduct, such as taunting, profanity, or arguing with officials, can also result in technical fouls. By remaining calm and composed, you can exploit moments when opponents or coaches lose their temper, leading to foul calls in your favour.
Remember, while these strategies can help draw fouls, they should be used within the spirit of the game. Excessive or blatant foul drawing may be considered unsportsmanlike and negatively impact your reputation as a player.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to make scoring in basketball easier. Firstly, you can move without the ball to create opportunities for yourself, even if you are less skilled or shorter than other players. Secondly, you can use picks and the pick and roll to get open and create space between you and your defender, allowing you to drive to the basket or take a jump shot. Thirdly, you can run in transition and utilise fast break points. Finally, you can work on your triple threat and pump fake to create opportunities for an open shot or an easy layup.
The triple threat refers to when a player is standing with the ball but is not yet dribbling. In this stance, the player has three options: to pass, shoot, or dribble. Working on your triple threat can help you become a more effective scorer.
A pick, also known as a screen, is when a player without the ball sets up a block, allowing their teammate with the ball to get open. The player setting the pick can also try to get open by cutting towards the basket, which is known as the pick and roll. Picks can help create space for jump shots or drives to the basket.
The layup is one of the most basic and common ways of scoring in basketball. It is a short-range shot made by a player moving towards the basket, usually utilising the backboard if approached from an angle.
