Andrew Pace
In basketball, players can score points by throwing the ball through the basket, an action known as shooting. The number of points awarded depends on where the player is located when they shoot the ball. If a player shoots the ball through the hoop from anywhere inside the three-point line, they are awarded two points. This can be achieved through a jump shot, a layup, or a slam dunk. The jump shot is the most frequently used technique for mid to long-range shots, and it involves facing the basket, bending the knees, and jumping to release the ball with a flick of the wrist. The slam dunk, on the other hand, is a more spectacular and challenging shot, requiring the player to jump and slam the ball through the hoop while touching the rim.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Points Awarded | 2 points |
| Distance | Inside the three-point line |
| Types of Shots | Jump shot, layup, slam dunk, bank shot, field goal, free throw |
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What You'll Learn
Jump shot
A jump shot is a basic yet important shooting technique in basketball. It is used for mid to long-range shots, including shooting beyond the arc. The jump shot is hard to defend against and allows players to score from a distance.
To execute a jump shot, a player must jump straight into the air and release the ball with one or both hands at the peak of the jump. The jump is achieved by the explosive extension of the legs and the simultaneous raising of the arms. The player's elbows should be at least at shoulder height, and the ball should lie on the fingers, not the palms. The momentum from a running movement can be transferred into the shot, allowing players to throw with more power and speed while expending less energy.
To achieve balance when facing the basket, players should take a wide stance, bend their knees, and square their shoulders. The second hand can be used to support the ball until it is released, allowing for better control over the throw.
The complicated throwing motion of the jump shot requires a lot of practice, and it is only suitable for advanced basketball players. However, it is a powerful tool for scoring two points in a basketball game.
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Lay-up
A lay-up is a two-point shot attempt in basketball. It is performed 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 layup is considered the most basic shot in basketball. When performing a layup, the player lifts the outside foot, or the foot away from the basket. The main challenge is getting near the rim and avoiding blocks by taller defenders who usually stand near the basket.
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 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 showy move, and it was also used by Mike Bibby and Allen Iverson. The finger roll has many forms, including the "Around the World", which involves a complete circle around the player before the layup, and a variety of faking actions 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 nearly always involve the use of the backboard. Notable players who have used this move include Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone. The Reverse Layup is a type of overhand layup often used to evade a block. It involves tossing the ball backward, with the shooter facing away from the basket. It is often used during a baseline drive, where the attacking player starts on one side of the basket and finishes on the other.
To create room for a layup, players will often make use of the two allotted steps before the shot attempt. The most common form of this is the Euro-Step, which was introduced to the NBA by European players. This move relies on agility and footwork to avoid larger defenders. To perform the Euro-Step, a player picks up their dribble, takes one step in one direction, and then quickly takes a step in the other direction to evade the defender.
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Dunk
A slam dunk, also known simply as a dunk, is a type of basketball shot that is worth two points. It is performed when a player jumps in the air, controls the ball above the rim, and scores by forcefully shoving the ball through the basket with one or both hands. The slam dunk is a crowd favourite and is often considered the most spectacular shot in basketball. It usually requires more jumping ability than shooting skills, with players jumping off one or both feet to gain maximum height.
The slam dunk is a relatively simple manoeuvre and is a high-percentage shot, with many players possessing the leaping ability to perform it. However, it is not a common game-winning tactic and is more of an exciting display of body control and basketball proficiency. The move is so popular that it is often showcaseed in slam dunk contests, such as the NBA Slam Dunk Contest held annually during the NBA All-Star Weekend.
The term "slam dunk" was coined by former Los Angeles Lakers announcer Chick Hearn, although the shot was originally known as a "dunk shot". Over time, the slam dunk has become an iconic part of basketball culture, with players like Julius "Dr. J" Erving, Darryl "Chocolate Thunder" Dawkins, and Michael "Air" Jordan becoming famous for their dunking prowess.
In women's basketball, dunking is less common, although there have been notable exceptions. Lisa Leslie, a 6-foot-5-inch player in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), gained acclaim for her slam dunks. In 1978, Cardte Hicks became the first woman to dunk in a professional game during a men's game in the Netherlands, and in 2012, Liz Cambage became the first woman to dunk in the Olympics.
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Free throw
A free throw, also known as a foul shot, is a type of shot in basketball that is worth one point. It is an unopposed attempt to score by shooting from behind the free-throw line, which is situated at the end of the restricted area. Free throws are awarded when a player is fouled by an opponent, and the player who was fouled takes the shot. In the NBA, most players make 70-80% of their attempts.
In the NBA and FIBA, a technical foul results in one free-throw attempt for the other team. However, under NCAA rules, technical fouls are divided into two classes: Class A, which includes violent or serious unsportsmanlike conduct, and Class B, which includes less egregious violations such as hanging on the rim or delaying the game. Class A technicals result in two free throws, while Class B technicals result in one.
The rules regarding free throws can be advantageous for a trailing team. For example, while a leading team can shoot free throws to increase their lead, it also stops the clock, similar to a time-out in football. This allows the trailing team to have a chance to take possession if the second free throw is missed. Therefore, many teams substitute players with high free-throw percentages when they are leading late in games to counter this strategy.
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Bank shot
In basketball, players can score two points by shooting the ball through the hoop from anywhere inside the three-point line. This can be achieved through a jump shot, a layup, or by slamming the ball through the hoop. One type of shot that can be used to score two points is the bank shot.
A bank shot is a type of basketball shot where the offensive player uses the backboard to score points. The player must shoot the ball with a certain arc so that it bounces off the backboard and into the rim. The ball is usually aimed near the corner of the inner rectangle of the backboard. Bank shots are generally more effective than regular jump shots because they are easier to execute and can increase a player's shooting percentage. They are especially useful for inconsistent shooters or players who are having a "bad shooting night". Additionally, bank shots can help non-shooters, or players who rarely take jump shots, develop fundamental shooting abilities and become more confident.
The bank shot is often used by players who are guarded by a taller defender or when the player is at an angle to the backboard that is conducive to banking the shot. It is also a good strategy for post players, such as power forwards or centers, who can use their athletic stance to set up near the low post block and then face the basket to take the bank shot. Perimeter players can also use the bank shot by creating space with a crossover dribble and then shooting from a mid-range area.
While the bank shot has been considered a fundamental strategy by some players, others prefer to aim directly for the net. The choice between using a bank shot or aiming for the net depends on the player's preferences, skills, and the specific game situation. Some players may find it challenging to switch between different shooting techniques.
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Frequently asked questions
2 points.
A jump shot, laying the ball into the rim, or a dunk are all ways to score 2 points.
A jump shot is a shot where the player jumps and releases the ball at the apex of their jump.
A dunk is an offensive shot where a player jumps and slams the ball into the net while touching the rim of the basket with one or two hands.
Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, and Shaquille O'Neal are some of the most prolific scorers of 2-pointers in the NBA.
