Kristian Ferrell
The jump shot is the most important shot in basketball, allowing players to score from a long distance. It is a basic shooting technique in which a player throws the ball towards the basket from a straight vertical jump. While it is generally believed that the modern jump shot was invented by Kenny Sailors, there is no consensus on who invented the jump shot. The jump shot is a difficult skill to master, requiring a high level of performance and coordination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Inventor of the jump shot | Kenny Sailors, Glenn Roberts, or John Miller Cooper |
| Year invented | 1932 or 1933 |
| Inventor's height | 5'7" or 6'4" |
| Inventor's team | University of Wyoming |
| Year of invention in use | 1943 |
| Inventor's career | Played for the University of Wyoming, played in the Marines, worked as a dude rancher in Jackson Hole for 15 years, coached high school girls' basketball in Alaska for 35 years |
| Biomechanics | Newton's laws, Magnus force, kinematics, momentum, speed-strength, coordination, height, jumping ability, shoulder flexibility, elbow extension, lower body movement, spin rate, release height, release velocity, release angle, movement patterns, muscle imbalances, joint mechanics |
| Techniques | Hook shot, turnaround jumper, fadeaway, leaning jumper, pump fake, BEEF (Balance, Eyes, Elbows, Follow Through) |
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What You'll Learn
The jump shot's inventor, Kenny Sailors
While it is unknown who first came up with the idea of jumping in the air and shooting a basketball, the modern jump shot is credited to Kenny Sailors. In 1932, when Sailors was 12, he idolized his older brother, Bud, and wanted to play basketball with him. However, Bud, who stood at 6-foot-5, would always block Kenny's shots, as Kenny was only about 5-foot-7.
Kenny Sailors eventually figured out a way to get a shot off over his brother. He would dribble up to Bud and then jump to shoot. Bud acknowledged that it was a good shot, but Kenny needed to get better at it. Kenny Sailors did improve, and his jump shot became so good that he played for the University of Wyoming and led them to the 1943 NCAA finals at Madison Square Garden. Wyoming won the championship, and Sailors was named the College Basketball Player of the Year.
A photograph of Sailors and his jump shot was published in Life Magazine in January 1946, capturing him airborne. This shot was also featured in a highlight reel from the 1943 NCAA finals. However, Sailors' jump shot was not mentioned or shown clearly in the highlight reel, possibly because it was such a revolutionary move that announcers and defenders did not know how to react to it.
Despite his significant contribution to the sport, Kenny Sailors remains absent from the basketball hall of fame. His story has been largely forgotten, and he even disappeared from the basketball scene for nearly 50 years after retiring. However, his legacy was revisited in a documentary called "Jump Shot," featuring Steph Curry.
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How to execute a jump shot
The jump shot is a fundamental skill in basketball, and while it may look effortless when executed by masters, it requires a lot of practice. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to execute a jump shot:
Step 1: Choose a Comfortable Shooting Location
Pick a spot on the court where you feel comfortable shooting. Many players find it easiest to shoot from the free-throw line, the elbows of the key, or close to the hoop. Find a spot that gives you enough space to jump and shoot without being too close to the basket or the sideline.
Step 2: Position Your Body and Face the Hoop
Turn your body to face the hoop directly. Position your feet on the ground, turning them about 10 to 45 degrees towards your opposite hand. This alignment helps to keep your hip, shoulder, and elbow in line with the basket. Keep your legs balanced and stable, as this is crucial for a successful jump shot.
Step 3: Get into a Strong Shooting Stance
Bend your knees and maintain a strong base using your legs and core. This stance will help you generate the power needed to jump and shoot the ball with accuracy. Keep your eyes locked on the rim, as it is essential to know where to aim.
Step 4: Bring the Ball into Shooting Position
Dip the ball down to your shooting side waist or thigh. Spread your fingers and hold the ball with your fingertips to maximize control. Position your shooting hand (the hand you write with) behind the ball, ensuring the back of your hand faces away from the basket. The non-shooting hand is also crucial for balance and shot control, so place it on the side of the ball with your thumb pointing towards your forehead.
Step 5: Jump and Release the Ball
Jump straight into the air, keeping your elbows cocked and the ball above your head. As you reach the peak of your jump, snap your wrist and extend your arm to release the ball. The higher the shot, the better. This action will send the ball upward toward the basket.
Step 6: Follow Through and Land
Follow through on your shot by pointing your fingers down and landing in the same spot. Be ready for the next play or to grab the rebound if you miss. Practice this sequence of movements to improve your jump shot technique and consistency.
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The biomechanics of a jump shot
The jump shot is considered the most important element of basketball technique, and players' biomechanics can make or break their performance. Biomechanics is a pivotal aspect of basketball, with physical therapists playing a crucial role in optimising players' performance and preventing injuries. Therapists can identify and address issues that may hinder performance or cause injury, such as muscle imbalances, joint mechanics, and biomechanical deficiencies.
When performing a jump shot, Newton's laws are in effect. Newton's second law is particularly relevant, as it applies to the athlete's jump and the ball's movement. The athlete generates an upward force by pushing down on the ground, and the hands provide the force needed to propel the ball forward. The force required depends on the distance to the basket, with less force needed for closer shots.
To improve shooting efficiency, players should prioritise practising jump shots over higher opponents. This increases the entry angle of the basketball and the height of the jump shot, although it may decrease shooting efficiency compared to shooting over smaller opponents. Additionally, the shooting angle and velocity can impact efficiency, with increased shooting angles generally leading to improved efficiency.
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Variations of the jump shot
While the jump shot is a well-known basketball move, there are several variations on the standard technique. These include the "turnaround jumper", where the player faces away from the basket, jumps, spins, and shoots in mid-air; the "fadeaway", where the player jumps away from the basket to create space; and the "leaning jumper", where the player jumps towards the basket to move away from a trailing defender. The "hook shot" is another variation, where the player turns sideways with the shooting arm outstretched, allowing them to launch the ball over their head. This move can be particularly effective in getting a clear shot, as the defender must leap to block it.
The "running jump shot" was popularized by Paul Arizin, and in recent years, the National Basketball Association has seen an increase in the percentage of three-pointers taken. The biomechanics of the jump shot are also important, with factors such as height, jumping ability, shoulder flexibility, and elbow extension influencing the release height of the ball. Taller players who can jump higher tend to release the ball from a higher point, and the angle and spin of the ball are crucial for a successful shot.
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The history of the jump shot
The jump shot is a fundamental shooting technique in basketball, where a player throws the ball towards the basket from a straight vertical jump. It is considered the most important shot in the game, allowing players to score from a long distance and making it hard for defenders to block.
While it is generally believed that the modern jump shot was invented by Kenny Sailors, there is no definitive proof of this. Sailors, who grew up on a farm in Wyoming, is said to have come up with the idea at the age of 12 while playing with his older brother, Bud. Sailors went on to play for the University of Wyoming, leading them to victory in the 1943 NCAA finals. Despite his success, Sailors remains largely unrecognised for his contribution to the sport, and is not in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Some sources also attribute the jump shot to Glenn Roberts, who played for Emory & Henry College in the early 1930s. Roberts' innovative shooting style revolutionised the game, making him one of the highest scorers of his time. He was nicknamed "Slim" despite his solid frame, standing at 6'4" and weighing 180 pounds. Roberts' jump shot transformed basketball from a slow, low-scoring, methodical game to a dynamic, high-scoring affair.
The jump shot has several variations, including the turnaround jumper, where the player faces away from the basket, jumps, and spins towards it while shooting; the fadeaway, where the player jumps away from the basket to create space; and the leaning jumper, where the player jumps towards the basket to move away from a trailing defender. The technique requires a strong base, with the legs and core used to spring up and generate power for the shot. The elbow of the shooting arm should be straight and in line with the rim, with the shooting hand cocked onto the ball. The shooting arm should form an angle between 45º and 90º. Adding spin to the ball by flicking the wrist and pointing fingers down can improve the trajectory and likelihood of the ball entering the basket.
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Frequently asked questions
A hook shot is a type of basketball shot where the offensive player, usually turned perpendicular to the basket, gently throws the ball using a sweeping motion of the arm farthest from the basket in an upward arc with a follow-through that ends over their head.
Former Harlem Globetrotter Goose Tatum is often credited with inventing the hook shot, although he is not the only person to have laid claim to this. The hook shot was reportedly performed for the first time during official games in Eurobasket 1937 by Pranas Talzūnas, a member of the Lithuania basketball team. NBA player George Mikan also developed a hook shot while playing for DePaul University in the mid-1940s.
To do a hook shot, position yourself sideways so that your dominant or shooting hand with the ball is farthest from the basket. Jump with the foot closest to the basket and bring your bent shooting arm in a sweeping motion around your head, releasing the ball by flicking your wrist.
