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The two-handed set shot was the standard basketball shot in the early days of the sport, which dates back to the 1930s. Players would put their feet close together, bend their knees, and launch the ball using both hands, in a motion that resembled a chest pass toward the ceiling. While the originator of the two-handed shot is unknown, several individuals have been credited with popularizing the one-handed jump shot, including collegiate basketball player Hank Luisetti, who played at Stanford University from 1935 to 1938, and Kenny Sailors, who developed the shot in 1932 on his family farm in Wyoming.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Angelo-Giuseppi "Hank" Luisetti |
| Born | June 16, 1916, San Francisco, California, U.S. |
| Died | December 17, 2002, San Mateo, California |
| Known for | Developing the running one-handed shot, an early version of the jump shot |
| Education | Galileo High School, Stanford University |
| Achievements | Became the first player to score 50 points in a game on January 1, 1938; Named the second-best player of the mid-century by an Associated Press poll of sportswriters and broadcasters in 1950 |
| Other notable players | John Miller Cooper, Kenny Sailors, Glenn Roberts, John Cooper, Conley Watts |
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What You'll Learn
The two-handed set shot
In the early days of basketball, it was considered proper form to shoot with a two-handed set shot. This involved placing your feet close together, bending your knees, and launching the ball using both hands, similar to a chest pass toward the ceiling. The two-handed set shot was the standard basketball shot before the development of the one-handed jump shot in the 1930s.
The transition from the two-handed set shot to the one-handed jump shot revolutionized the game of basketball. The one-handed jump shot was popularized by Hank Luisetti, a player from Stanford University, who perfected the shot with the guidance of his coach, Johnny Bunn. Luisetti's unique ability to run, jump, and shoot effectively caught the attention of East Coast schools, who began to experiment with the one-handed jump shot.
Prior to the introduction of the one-handed jump shot, the fundamental offense in basketball involved passing the ball around the perimeter, setting screens, and creating wide-open set shots. This process could take a significant amount of time, especially without a shot clock. The two-handed set shot was a crucial part of this strategic approach.
However, the emergence of the one-handed jump shot offered a new dimension to the game. Players like Kenny Sailors, who is often regarded as the inventor of the modern jump shot, showcased the effectiveness of jumping and releasing the ball with one hand. This new technique confused defenders, as they were accustomed to the traditional two-handed set shot, where both feet remained on the ground.
While the two-handed set shot may have been considered the proper form in the early days of basketball, the evolution of the game and the increasing emphasis on jumping and shooting with one hand gradually led to the decline of the two-handed shot. Today, the one-handed jump shot is prevalent, and players continue to refine their shooting techniques to maximize accuracy and consistency.
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Hank Luisetti's one-handed shot
While Hank Luisetti did not invent the one-handed jump shot, he is credited with popularising it and making it an essential part of the modern game of basketball. In the early days of basketball, it was considered proper form to shoot with both hands, with feet planted close together on the ground. However, Luisetti's introduction of the one-handed running jump shot changed the game forever.
Luisetti, a 6-foot-2 forward from Stanford, first showcased his signature move during a game against Long Island University on December 30, 1936, at Madison Square Garden. With this one game, Luisetti brought an end to the traditional two-handed set shot that had defined basketball up until that point. His one-handed shot was a key factor in Stanford's 45-31 victory over LIU, which ended their 43-game winning streak.
Luisetti's coach at Stanford, Johnny Bunn, designed a system that took advantage of Luisetti's unique ability to run, jump, and shoot with one hand while in the air. This style of play was in stark contrast to the two-handed set shots or hook shots that were commonly used at the time. Luisetti's one-handed shot allowed him to get past defenders and launch the ball from the foul line.
Luisetti's influence extended beyond his playing career. His one-handed shot inspired future basketball greats such as Earl Monroe, Julius Erving, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan. Luisetti's impact on the game was recognised by the basketball community, with Stanford coach Mike Montgomery describing him as "one of the innovators of the modern game of basketball". Luisetti was also a three-time first-team All-American selection at Stanford and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959.
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Kenny Sailors' jump shot
While it is unclear who first came up with the idea of jumping in the air while shooting a basketball, the modern jump shot is widely attributed to Kenny Sailors, who developed it while playing against his 6'4" older brother, Bud, on their family farm in Hillsdale, Wyoming.
In the early days of basketball, it was considered proper form to shoot with both feet on the ground, using a two-handed set shot. This involved holding the ball with two hands at the chest and shoving it forward, much like pushing a boat off into a lake. However, Sailors, who was only about 5'7", struggled to get a shot off against his taller brother. So, he developed a new technique: he would dribble towards his brother, jump, and release the ball at the top of his jump with one hand, using the other as a guide.
This innovative style of shooting left defenders confused, as they were unsure of how to block the shot. It also mesmerized spectators, including college basketball player Jud Heathcote, who witnessed Sailors' jump shot at a tournament in Denver in the 1940s.
Sailors went on to play for the University of Wyoming, leading the Cowboys to the 1943 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship. He was named the NCAA Basketball Tournament Most Outstanding Player and the College Basketball Player of the Year in 1943 and again in 1946. From 1946 to 1951, Sailors played professionally in the BAA and NBA for various teams, including the Cleveland Rebels, Chicago Stags, and Boston Celtics.
Despite his achievements, Sailors' contribution to the sport was largely forgotten, and he remained relatively unknown for nearly 50 years after retiring from basketball. However, his story has recently gained more recognition through documentaries such as "Jump Shot: The Kenny Sailors Story," which showcases his determination, resilience, and the significant impact he had on the sport.
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The evolution of basketball
Basketball has evolved significantly since its inception, particularly in terms of shooting techniques. In the early days of basketball, the two-handed set shot was considered the proper form. Players would position their feet close together, bend their knees, and launch the ball using both hands, creating a chest pass-like motion toward the ceiling. This style of shooting was standard in the pre-1950s era, with players keeping both feet on the ground and using a push motion to shoot.
However, the game began to evolve with the introduction of the one-handed jump shot. While the exact origins of this shot are unclear, it is believed to have emerged in the 1930s, with players like Glenn Roberts, John Cooper, and Conley Watts experimenting with this style. The one-handed jump shot gained popularity thanks to players like Hank Luisetti, who perfected a running one-handed shot while playing for Stanford in the 1930s. Luisetti's unique skill set and offensive prowess made him one of the most dominant players in American college basketball history.
Another important figure in the evolution of the jump shot is Kenny Sailors, who is often credited as the inventor of the modern jump shot. Sailors, who played in the 1940s, mesmerized audiences with his ability to jump and shoot over defenders. His style of shooting, which involved squaring up to the basket and releasing the ball at the peak of his jump, confused defenders and announcers alike. Sailors' jump shot increased scoring and added excitement to the game.
The evolution of shooting techniques in basketball continued with players refining their form and developing new strategies. Coaches and players began to experiment with different shooting styles, such as the one-hand and two-hand form shooting, emphasizing the importance of muscle memory and consistent shooting motion. Over time, the game transitioned from a static game of two-handed set shots to a more dynamic and high-scoring sport, with players pushing the boundaries and exploring new techniques to gain a competitive edge.
Today, basketball continues to evolve, with players constantly seeking to improve their skills, develop new strategies, and adapt their playing styles to stay competitive. The evolution of the two-handed shot into the one-handed jump shot showcases the game's ability to innovate and adapt, contributing to the sport's enduring popularity and appeal.
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The running one-hander
On December 30, 1936, a crowd of 17,623 turned out at Madison Square Garden to see Stanford, the defending Pacific Coast Conference champion, take on Long Island University, the nation's number one team at the time. Although Luisetti only scored 15 points, Stanford ended LIU's 43-game winning streak with a 45-31 victory. The publicity surrounding Luisetti's one-handed shot changed the game forever, and East Coast schools began to experiment with this new shooting style.
While Luisetti is often credited with popularising the running one-hander, there were other players using this shot during the 1930s as well. The basketball hall of fame unofficially acknowledges Glenn Roberts, who used the shot to lead his high school to a Virginia state championship in 1931. Other early adopters of the jump shot include John Cooper of the University of Missouri and Conley Watts of the University of Utah. However, it was Luisetti's performance at Madison Square Garden that brought the shot into the national spotlight and led to its widespread adoption.
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Frequently asked questions
In the early days of basketball, it was considered proper form to shoot with two hands. Players would put their feet close together, bend their knees, and launch the ball using both hands. The two-handed shot was the standard basketball shot before the one-handed jump shot was popularized in the 1930s.
While it is unclear who invented the one-handed jump shot, Hank Luisetti is often credited with popularizing it. Luisetti played at Stanford University from 1935 to 1938 and was known for his one-handed running jump shot.
The two-handed shot was considered a fundamental part of the game, especially in offensive strategies. It allowed players to get more power under the ball and get set faster, giving them an advantage in scoring.
The two-handed shot fell out of favour due to the emergence of new shooting techniques, such as the one-handed jump shot. The one-handed shot offered more scoring opportunities and increased the pace of the game, making it more exciting for players and fans.
