Andrew Pace
Basketball is a team sport played by two teams of five players each, who try to score by shooting a ball through a hoop. There are several ways to shoot a basketball, including jump shots, hook shots, bank shots, layups, and dunks. The type of shot chosen depends on various factors such as distance, angle, and player type. In addition to the different types of shots, there are also various rules pertaining to fouls and free throws that can affect the scoring in a game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of players per team | 5 |
| Height of the hoop from the ground | 10 feet |
| Shot types | Dunk, jump shot, hook shot, bank shot, free throw, layup, tip-in |
| Free throw | Awarded to a player who was fouled |
| Three free throws | Awarded if the player is fouled while shooting for a three-point goal and misses the shot |
| Two free throws | Awarded if the player is shooting while being fouled and misses the shot |
| One free throw | Awarded if the player is shooting while being fouled and makes the shot |
| Shot selection | Layups, dunks, and 3-pointers |
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What You'll Learn
Dunking
To execute a slam dunk, dribble and charge towards the hoop when ready to execute the dunk. Jump explosively to get as high as possible and leap towards the hoop. Lift the ball above the rim and push or slam it forcefully through the rim. Most people jump off one foot, but you might find that you can jump higher off both feet. It is recommended that you first try to perform the slam dunk with one hand. If you succeed, you can then work on executing the dunk with both hands. Some players prefer to jump off of one foot while others use both feet. There are no set rules so go with what's more comfortable for you.
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Hook shots
A hook shot is a type of basketball shot where the offensive player, usually turned at an angle of 90 degrees to the basket, throws the ball using a sweeping motion of the arm farthest from the basket in an upward arc. The shooting arm is extended vertically and high, with the ball above the shoulder. The head is turned so the shooter can see the target and the ball is released from the fingertips with a snap of the wrist. The non-shooting arm is often used to create space between the shooter and the defensive player.
The hook shot is quite difficult to block, but only a small number of players have mastered it more than a few feet from the basket. The hook shot was reportedly first performed during official games in Eurobasket 1937 by Pranas Talzūnas, a member of the Lithuania basketball team. Former Harlem Globetrotter Goose Tatum is also often credited with inventing the hook shot.
The hook shot later became a staple of many players in the National Basketball Association (NBA), including stars such as George Mikan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Yao Ming. Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA's second-place all-time leading scorer, was proficient at the shot at a much greater distance from the basket than most players. The greater distance and resulting higher arc on the shot led to the name skyhook, coined by the Milwaukee Bucks' radio announcer, Eddie Doucette.
Due to the increasingly physical nature of low-post basketball, the "jump hook" has become a more popular style of hook shot, and has been employed by many players including centers Shaquille O'Neal and Dwight Howard. The jump hook provides better balance and a quicker release, though the shot will not be released from as high in the air. According to Hakeem Olajuwon, it is a "necessary shot that every center should have", because it is very difficult to block.
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Jump shots
The throwing motion for the jump shot is similar to a standing throw. The elbows should be at least at shoulder height, with the ball resting on the fingers, not the palms. The elbows and shoulders should form a 90-degree angle, and the wrist should be flicked forward, with the movement primarily upwards. This provides a good throwing angle to the basket and ensures the ball has momentum and spin.
To improve their jump shot, players should focus on their footwork and balance. They should also ensure that their base is slightly wider than their shoulders for stability and consistency. Additionally, players can practice jumping straight up and down without moving forward to improve their jump shot technique.
Before attempting a jump shot, players should first master the standing throw. They can then progress to a jump shot from a standing position and eventually try the jump shot while moving. This progression allows players to develop a feel for throwing the ball and improve their technique.
The jump shot is a useful technique as it is more difficult for opponents to block than a standing shot. The higher angle and the momentum from the jump allow players to throw faster and more powerfully with less effort. Additionally, jumping slightly backward when aiming for the basket can further prevent defenders from blocking the shot.
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Bank shots
A bank shot is a type of basketball shot where the ball hits the backboard before going into the net. It is executed in a similar way to a jump shot, but the player aims slightly higher to hit the backboard. The player must shoot the ball with a certain arc so that it hits the same spot on the backboard, usually near the corner of the inner rectangle. This is a good way for players to increase their shooting percentage, especially if they are having a "bad shooting night".
To practice the bank shot, a player can start near the left or right side low post block and shoot the ball off the backboard towards the corner of the inner rectangle. This drill can help players improve their shooting accuracy and consistency.
The bank shot has been a fundamental part of the game for many players, with some relying on it as their go-to move. While shot selections have become more uniform in recent years, the bank shot remains a valuable weapon in a player's arsenal, providing an opportunity to score points even when facing challenging defenders or having an off night.
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Free throws
To shoot a free throw, a player must position their body with both feet fully behind the free-throw line. Players will either position both feet square to the line or have one foot forward in a split stance. While standing as close to the line as possible is typically advantageous, some players take a few steps back from the line to shoot from a greater distance. Many players perform a "ritual" before shooting free throws, which can range from bouncing the ball off the floor or touching their shoes to more unusual practices, such as Gilbert Arenas wrapping the ball around his waist three times or Jeff Hornacek touching his face once for each of his children.
Once prepared, the player will bend their legs to generate power, extend the ball over their head, and shoot in a form similar to the typical basketball jump shot, although they will not always leave the ground during a free throw. In the NBA, most players make 70–80% of their attempts.
In NCAA men's basketball, beginning with the seventh foul of the half, one free throw is awarded; if the player makes the free throw, another is given. This is called shooting a "one-and-one". Starting with the tenth foul of the half, two free throws are awarded.
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Frequently asked questions
Some common types of shots in basketball are the jump shot, hook shot, layup, dunk, and bank shot.
A free throw is a shot awarded to a player who was fouled. If the player was shooting when they were fouled and missed their shot, they get two free throws. If their shot went in, they get one free throw.
To execute a bank shot, aim for the backboard instead of the basket, shooting slightly higher than you would for a jump shot.
From 2012 to 2020, the percentage of 2-point jumpers decreased by 5.5 percentage points. Teams are now embracing more efficient shots, such as layups, dunks, and 3-pointers.
