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The hook shot is a distinctive basketball move where the offensive player, standing perpendicular to the basket, throws the ball in a sweeping motion with one hand, using the other to create space between themselves and the defender. It is a difficult shot to block, but hard to aim, and rarely used today. The hook shot was perfected by NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who performed it with a higher arc and from a greater distance than most players, leading to it being nicknamed the 'skyhook'. Today, players like Vucevic, Jeremy Lin, and Nikola Jokic are known for their effective use of the hook shot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Player with the best hook shot in NBA history | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar |
| Player with the best hook shot in today's game | Nikola Vučević (Vuc) |
| Other players with notable hook shots | Wilt Chamberlain, Manute Bol, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal, Donatas Motiejunas, Jeremy Lin, Jokic |
| Description of a hook shot | Offensive player turned perpendicular to the basket, gently throws the ball using a sweeping motion of the arm farther from the basket in an upward arc with a follow-through that ends over their head |
| Why is the hook shot used so little in the NBA? | It is not an efficient shot as it is much more difficult than other "close-in" shots and harder to aim |
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What You'll Learn
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's skyhook
Abdul-Jabbar's skyhook was unique in that he could shoot it from a much greater distance than most players, which led to the shot's name. Milwaukee Bucks radio announcer Eddie Doucette coined the term "skyhook" during Abdul-Jabbar's tenure with the team, stating, "that hook was so high that it was coming out of the sky." The skyhook was nearly impossible to block, and its height and arc made it a signature move for Abdul-Jabbar.
The move was so iconic that it became a primary weapon for Abdul-Jabbar as he assaulted Wilt Chamberlain's all-time NBA scoring record. Whenever the Showtime Lakers couldn't get out on the fast break, Magic Johnson would simply hold up a fist, indicating it was time to get the ball to Abdul-Jabbar for the skyhook. The skyhook was so effective that defenders had a hard time preventing Abdul-Jabbar from getting a clean look at the rim.
Abdul-Jabbar's skyhook was not just a mechanical move but also incorporated drama and emotion. For example, on March 28, 1982, Abdul-Jabbar beat the Cleveland Cavaliers with a buzzer-beating skyhook, letting out a yell as he ran back to the sidelines, where Magic Johnson greeted him with a high five. Abdul-Jabbar's skyhook remains one of the most iconic and effective shots in NBA history, and he has since been tasked with teaching it to young players like Andrew Bynum.
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Vucevic's accuracy
While the hook shot is considered a lost art, it is still a valuable skill for players to possess. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is widely regarded as having the best hook shot in NBA history, with his signature skyhook being a key factor in his success as the NBA's second-place all-time leading scorer. However, in today's game, Nikola Vucevic's accuracy and proficiency with the hook shot stand out.
Vucevic, also known as "Vuc", is known for his ability to execute the hook shot with either hand and from either shoulder, demonstrating ambidextrous versatility. This skill set provides him with a distinct advantage over players like Sabonis, who rely primarily on their dominant side. Vucevic's hook shot is not only accurate but also exceptionally quick, making it challenging for defenders to guard, even if they are properly positioned.
Statistically, Vucevic stands out as one of the top hook shot scorers in the NBA. His high-arching hook shot has a nice touch, and his accuracy is further enhanced by his ability to create space between himself and defenders, a crucial aspect of the hook shot's effectiveness. Vucevic's offensive consistency and shot IQ ratings on NBA 2K25 are impressive, at 98 and 97, respectively, reflecting his prowess in offensive maneuvers.
While Vucevic's accuracy and skill with the hook shot are undeniable, it is worth noting that the hook shot is just one aspect of his overall game. His ratings in other areas, such as ball-handling and defense, are relatively lower, indicating that while he excels in certain offensive skills, his overall game may have room for improvement. Nonetheless, Vucevic's accuracy and success with the hook shot make him a valuable offensive threat and a player to be reckoned with in the NBA.
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The hook shot's rarity
The hook shot is a unique skill that is rarely seen in modern basketball. Its rarity is due to several factors, including the rise of the three-point shot and the physical nature of low-post basketball. The hook shot is a difficult technique to master, requiring a specific set of skills and a lot of practice.
One reason for the hook shot's rarity is that it is not an efficient shot. It is much more challenging to execute than other "close-in" shots, and while it can solve the issue of the defender blocking the shot, it is harder to aim accurately. This means that players who can make a decent living with the hook shot are often also good outside shooters, and they may find more success with those shots.
Additionally, the NBA has shifted towards a more three-point-centric game, with most players focusing on shots from beyond the arc. As a result, the hook shot has become less common, as it is primarily used by low-post players in the paint. The physical nature of low-post basketball has also contributed to the hook shot's decline, as players need to create space and protect the ball from defenders, making it challenging to execute the sweeping motion of the hook shot effectively.
Furthermore, the hook shot's effectiveness decreases with repeated use. As defenders catch on, they can anticipate and defend against the hook shot more effectively. This means that players who rely solely on the hook shot may become predictable and struggle to score consistently. Therefore, players need to have a variety of shots in their arsenal to keep defenders guessing.
Despite its rarity, the hook shot has been perfected by a few notable players, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who made it his trademark move. The hook shot can be an effective weapon for big men, and those who can master it can gain quick points and crush opposing teams offensively. However, due to its difficulty and the evolving nature of the game, the hook shot remains a rare sight in modern basketball.
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The hook shot's difficulty
The hook shot is a difficult move to master in basketball. It involves a player using only one hand to gently throw the ball in an upward arc over their head, while their body is perpendicular to the basket. The other hand is used to create space between the shooter and the defensive player. The shot is difficult to block, but it is also hard to aim, and it requires the player to have good placement, form, and balance. It is a shot that takes time and patience to master, and it is most effective when used sparingly, as defenders can learn to predict it if it is used too often.
The hook shot is an uncommon move in modern basketball, as most players opt for more efficient shots that are easier to make. The hook shot is considered inefficient because it is harder to make than other "close-in" shots. The rarity of the hook shot means that it can be a useful skill for players to have, as it can be used to surprise defenders. However, it is also difficult to get the ball to a player in a position to take a hook shot, and defenders may adapt and learn to defend against it.
The hook shot was more common in the past when it was a favoured skill for centres before slam dunks became more popular. The move was popularised by players like George Mikan, who played for DePaul University in the mid-1940s, and Jerry Lucas, who played for Ohio State 15 years later. The hook shot became a trademark of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who was known for his ability to make the shot from a greater distance than most players, resulting in a higher arc that was almost never blocked. This variation of the hook shot was nicknamed the "skyhook".
Some modern players who have been noted for their effective use of the hook shot include Vucevic, Jeremy Lin, and Nikola Jokić. However, it is difficult to determine who has the best hook shot due to the subjective nature of the skill and the lack of quantitative data.
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The baby hook
The hook shot is considered a "lost art", but it is still a useful skill for players to have. The baby hook is one of many variations of the hook shot, including the skyhook and the jump hook. The skyhook is perhaps the most famous variation, involving jumping off one foot while perpendicular to the basketball hoop. The jump hook, on the other hand, involves jumping off two feet and provides better balance and a quicker release, although the shot is not released from as high in the air.
Some of the most well-known players to have mastered the hook shot include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O'Neal, and Magic Johnson. Abdul-Jabbar was known for his skyhook, a variation that was accomplished by only a few players due to the extreme height required. Johnson, his teammate, used a similar shooting technique during the 1987 NBA Finals, which he called the baby hook in deference to Abdul-Jabbar. Other notable players who have employed the hook shot include LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and James Harden.
When it comes to the best hook shot in today's NBA, opinions vary. Some sources claim that no one scores more hook shots than Vucevic, who can hit it accurately with either hand and going either shoulder. Jeremy Lin has also been praised for his hook shot, with Morey stating that he had the best hook shot he had ever seen.
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Frequently asked questions
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is widely regarded as having the best hook shot in NBA history. The shot became his trademark, with the Milwaukee Bucks radio announcer, Eddie Doucette, coining the term "skyhook" due to the greater distance and higher arc on the shot.
While the hook shot is considered a lost art, some players in the modern game have been noted for their effective use of the hook shot, including Vucevic "Vuc" and Jeremy Lin.
The hook shot is a difficult shot to master, and it is less efficient than other types of shots. It is harder to aim than other "close-in" shots and is rarely used repeatedly due to its distinctiveness.
The hook shot is performed by a player standing perpendicular to the basket and throwing the ball in a sweeping motion with their arm farthest from the basket. It is a one-handed shot, with the other arm used to create space from the defender.
