How to bank shot in basketball

How to Shoot a Bank Shot in Basketball Like Tim Duncan – Old Man Game Tips

The bank shot is a fun as well as useful and effective shot. Here’s how to shoot a bank shot like one of the greats, Tim Duncan.

In college, I often played basketball with this guy who I called “Mini Duncan.”

I didn’t call him this because he looked like Tim Duncan or because he was a San Antonio Spurs fan.

AdvertisementsI called him this because 95 percent (probably) of the shots he took were bank shots (and also because of his short stature, hence the “mini” in his nickname).

If you don’t know much about Duncan, he was a master at the bank shot.

I don’t know the actual percentage of bank shots that he made, but he made a lot.

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This shot (and how he sets it up) was the fundamental move that he mastered.

It was the move that he relied on throughout his career and the move that helped him get 5 NBA Championships.

Anyway, back to my story.

I don’t know how “mini Duncan” did it so often, but he was amazing at the bank shot.

I was intrigued by his playstyle (or his ability to make these shots) and wanted to shoot like him.

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It took me a few weeks to be able to semi-consistently make bank shots. I had to watch loads of Duncan highlights and online tutorials, and had to practise them on a daily basis.

But the payoff was worth it because, now, I had another weapon for my Old Man Game utility belt.

At first, I wanted to learn this shot because it was cool and fun to do.

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But after using it in a few pick-up games, I noticed how resourceful it was.

At certain areas on the court, the type of basketball shot is actually easier to make than a regular jumper.

It’s because of the angle and whatnot (there’s a science behind it, but I’m not a nerd so I’m not getting into it. But you can read about it here if you like).

Additionally, there are certain situations when the bank shot is the only option.

For instance, imagine your defender is suffocating you (defensively, not violently).

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It’s airtight and the only shot you can take is heaving the ball high enough for it to go over their arms, and for it to bounce off the backboard, and hopefully dropping into the basket.

Now, you probably shouldn’t get yourself into that situation in the first place.

But things happen.

So, it’s better to be prepared than caught in the headlights.

So, to prevent scares, here are some tips on how to make the bank shot.

First off, however, I want to say that the bank shot isn’t as complex as it seems. There’s some geometry to it, but you don’t need to be a math whiz to master the bank shot.

It’s not as if you have to calculate equations like that one Jeremy Lin meme before shooting.

You just need to know which area on the backboard you have to hit and how powerful your shot needs to be.

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And this skill comes with repetition; you have to deliberately practice it a lot and develop muscle memory.

Anyway, here are the tips:

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• Normally, the two top corners of the inside block are where you want the ball to bounce off of.
• There are certain areas on the court where bank shots are optimal. Try to only shoot them there (refer to image above).
• To add to the previous tip, bank shots are generally best used in the close to mid-range. Beyond the perimeter, it gets harder to gauge the angle and power of the shot. I also personally believe it’s a waste of energy because you have to shoot harder for the ball to bounce off the backboard.
• To build on the previous tip, gauge the power of your shot. This is common sense, but when you’re still learning, you won’t know how hard or soft you need to shoot the ball. Thus, you’re going to have to play around with it.
• Lastly, all of these tips are just guidelines. You have to experiment and see what works for you.

And to assist you with that last tip here is a drill you can try:

Remember the “Bank Shot” zones I showed you earlier? Pull it up. You’re going to need it for this drill.

• Pick a lane you want to start in. Proceed to the point closest to the basket. Shoot until you make 5 bank shots (or more if you like). Remember to vary your shot (power, height, etc.) to see what is most comfortable for you and what goes in most often.
• Once you make 5 shots, take a step back and repeat the process.
• Continue this until you complete the lane (you should make approximately 20-25 shots, depending on how many back steps you take.
• Once the lane is covered in your sweat and tears, move to another lane and repeat the process.
• You will complete the drill when you finish the task at all four lanes.

AdvertisementsMastering the bank shot will not be easy.

But if you keep up the hard work, the bank shot will come to you like second nature.

And when it does, people will scream “mini Duncan” every time you call “bank.”

The different types of basketball scoring shots and how to execute them

Three point shoot by Sara Giauro (Phard Vomero Napoli) during FIBA Europe Cup Women Finals 2005 (Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

Like most other ball games, to win in a game of basketball is to land more baskets or outscore your opponent and yield a higher field goal percentage.

Therefore, it is essential that you are familiar with the different ways that you are able to make a basket and score points. In this article, we will be sharing with you the different types of basketball scoring shots and how you can execute them.

To shoot accurately, square your shoulders to the basket and place your feet shoulder length apart. With your knees bent slightly and back leaning towards the basket, put the fingers of your shooting hand under the ball and tuck your elbows close to your body.

Flick your wrist towards the hoop to release the shot. Your index finger should follow through facing the basket after releasing the ball.

Here are a few commonly used types of shooting in basketball.

1. Jump Shot

A jump shot is most frequently used for a mid to long-range shots, including shooting beyond the arc.

To achieve balance when facing the basket for a jump shot, you have to take a wide stance, usually, shoulder width apart, bend your knees and square your shoulders.

Make a fluid, explosive upward leap and at the apex of the jump, follow through by shooting the ball.

When the ball is released at the apex of the jump shot, keep your elbows straight to ensure that it is pointed in the direction of the basket. Concentrate on the flicking of your wrist and holding it in position to provide the ball with momentum and spin.

2. Hook Shot

A hook shot is when the shot is made while your body is not directly facing the basket.

To execute a shoot shot, you need to face the basket sideways so that your shooting hand dribbling the ball is facing away from the basket. This is also the stance to help guard the ball against your opponent. This makes it difficult for your opponent to try to block the shot due to the distance created between you and your defender.

To make the shot, jump with your left foot pushing off the ground if you’re making a right-handed shot or vice versa. The shooting arm should be slightly bent, and it should thrust upwards as the ball is lobbed with a flick of the wrist.

The hook shot is a staple of many players in the National Basketball Association, including notable stars such as George Mikan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Yao Ming.

3. Bank Shot

A bank shot is when any shot made where the ball hits the backboard before heading into the net.

To execute a bank shot, treat it as though you’re taking a jump shot but this time, aim slightly higher by shooting for the backboard.

Jumping higher can also sometimes mean jumping slightly backwards when aiming for the basket to prevent defenders from blocking the shot.

The ball should not be hitting the rim too much after bouncing off the backboard. The ball should then bounce off the backboard and into the net.

4. Free Throw

A free throw is a shot attempt given to a player that was fouled and it is taken on the free throw line. The player must stay behind the free throw line when taking the shot.

Before attempting to shoot, one must maintain their balance. Find the nail or dot in the middle of the free throw line and line your shooting foot against it. For right-handed shooters, the shooting foot will be the right foot and vice versa.

Your elbow on your shooting hand must be lined up to make an “L” right under the ball with fingers spread out for the backspin.

Aim for the back of the rim with your eyes focusing on the rims, do not look at the ball while you execute the shot.

Follow through your shot by keeping your hands up in the air for a second or two after releasing the ball.

5. Layup

A layup is a shot made from short range by a player moving towards the basket. Usually utilising the backboard if he approaches the hoop from an angle. This is also one of the most basic and common way of scoring a basket in the game.

To execute a layup, dribble the ball towards the basket. If you’re on the right flank, dribble the ball with your right hand.

At the three-point line, or within two metres from the basket, take two giant strides towards the hoop and attempt to score by throwing the ball at the top corner of the backboard or lay the ball gently into the basket.

6. Slam Dunk

The dunk is usually the most spectacular shot and is one of the toughest feats in basketball.

It usually requires more jumping ability than shooting skills.

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. So there you have it, six ways of scoring in basketball. Start practicing and perhaps find out which way works for your best, depending on your role and position in the team.

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Our qualified coaches from the top level of the game in Singapore will give your child a sound grounding in the fundamentals. While more advanced players can look forward to a pathway to expand their game, to find out more details or to register, visit this link here.

Jump ball and alternating possession in basketball: key concepts

A jump ball is made by tossing the ball between two players of opposite teams by the referee.

He is appointed:

• when the players of one of the teams hold the ball firmly and it is impossible to win it back without the use of force;
• if the ball flew out of the playing field, while it is not clear whose touch was the last;
• ball stuck between hoop and backboard;
• at the beginning of each period except the first;
• as a result of a foul on a free throw.

Jump ball is played.

How the jump ball is carried out:

• Team members position themselves in the half of the circle closest to their basket, with one foot closer to the center line of the circle;
• the referee tosses the ball up between the players;
• One of the players must touch the ball after it has reached its highest point. At the same time, the athletes playing the jump ball cannot change their position before the ball is beaten off. Also, they cannot catch the ball with their hands or hit it more than twice;
• If the jump ball fails, it is repeated.

The rest of the basketball players at this time are outside the circle where the jump ball is taking place. Any non-compliance with these regulations is considered a violation.

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Alternate possession is a way of making the ball go live on a throw-in instead of a jump ball.

The throw-in begins when the ball is in the hands of the player taking the procedure.

It, i.e. the throw-in, ends:

• if one of the athletes participating in the game touches the ball,
• during a throw-in the ball gets stuck between the hoop and the backboard,
• The team taking the throw-in commits a violation.

In all jump ball situations, teams take turns in possession of the ball for a throw-in from the place nearest to where the jump ball situation occurred.

The team entitled to alternating possession after the end of a period begins the next period with a throw-in, which is taken from outside the field of play on the center line extended opposite the scorer's table.

If a team commits a foul during its throw-in, it loses its right and only gets it after the next jump ball. The opponents get the right to throw-in from the same place.

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Fight for the ball | Techniques

The struggle for possession of the ball is one of the main tasks of the player in defense.

A full-fledged defensive player is guided by the principle "the best defense is an attack."

Unfortunately, we still have quite a few players and entire teams who are limited only to guarding the basket and do not take any active measures to take possession of the ball, patiently waiting for the opponent's mistakes. Such defensive play deserves sharp condemnation.

One of the reasons for the passive play in the defense of some players and teams is that most coaches pay little attention to the methods of fighting for the ball and do not care at all about their improvement. As a result, many players do not master these techniques and, of course, do not use them in the game.

Among the leading players and teams there are many real masters - "chasers for the ball. " An example is the player of the USSR national team K. Petkevicius (Leningrad), who uses all the techniques of fighting for the ball in the game.

In order for the player to perfect these techniques, it is necessary to improve them systematically in the training process.

The main techniques in the fight for possession of the ball are: interception, knocking out, pulling out and fighting for the ball after rebounding from the backboard.

Interception of the ball . Interception of the ball is the best means of counterattack. The interception of the ball, as a rule, takes the opponent by surprise, and thus creates extremely favorable conditions for the transition to the attack.

Interception of the ball is most often possible if the attacker passes the ball inaccurately, does not go towards the pass during cross passes, especially repeated ones, as well as in all other favorable cases of the game.

If the interception fails, the player must immediately stop and quickly turn back. To intercept the ball, the player must take an advantageous position, prepare for a quick dash and correctly determine the distance, the pace of the upcoming pass.

The player's actions must be unexpected, fast, ahead of the attacker's (Fig. 60). The surprise of a jerk depends on the ability to disguise your actions. To do this, the player must demonstrate passivity and indifference to the upcoming transfer of the ball with all his appearance.

The constant threat of interception affects the decisiveness of the enemy's actions.

Fig. 60. Intercepting the ball

Kicking the ball . The ball is knocked out of the hands of the opponent either while dribbling or throwing into the basket. You can knock the ball out of the hands not only of a gaping opponent, but also of a player who used dribbling and holds the ball in his hands, or a player who lowered his hands with the ball before throwing it into the basket, and in a number of other cases.

In order to kick the ball, the defender allows the opponent to approach or himself suddenly approaches him and with a quick movement of his hand, reminiscent of the movement of a cat's paw, knocks the ball out of the opponent's hands.

Considering that the hands holding the ball form a kind of bowl, knocking the ball from top to bottom is less effective than from bottom to top, in this regard, it is advisable to knock the ball out by moving the hand from bottom to top. Since the distance between the palms holding the ball is extremely small, the ball is knocked out with the edge of the palm.

When dribbling the ball, it is advisable to take it out at the moment when the ball makes its way after rebounding from the floor to the hand. Another technique is used to select the ball while dribbling. The defender, having caught the pace of dribbling, puts his hand on the ball bouncing off the floor a little earlier than the opponent and thereby takes the ball away from the opponent’s hands, continuing to dribble it himself (Fig. 61). Knocking out the ball at the moment of throwing into the basket requires especially delicate calculation and high skill. Often, a skillfully knocked out ball saves the team from a sure hit. According to the execution technique, this resembles the action of a volleyball player when blocking, and the hand rests on top of the ball (Fig. 62). This technique is perhaps better called covering the ball. Covering the ball during shots to the basket is also applied if the defender overtakes the attacking player at the moment when he has already started the shot to the basket. In this case, the defender has the only means of fighting against the shot that has been started - this is to cover the ball. In order not to make a gross mistake, the defender is obliged, without reducing the speed of his movement, to determine the direction of his movement and the position of the ball in the hands of the opponent. The defender should not move towards the player, but overtake him somewhat and cover the ball at the moment when it leaves the opponent's hands. A defender who incorrectly determined the direction of his movement and the position of the ball will make a gross personal mistake: he will collide with the opponent or hit him on the hands.

Fig. 61. Dribbling

62. Covering the ball when throwing into the basket

The defender, who has an advantage in height, fighting for the ball under the backboard, uses the following technique: he retreats to the backboard, and then, two or three steps from the backboard, passes the attacking player past him, gives him the ability to initiate a shot into the basket and then remove or cover the ball as it leaves the opponent's hands.

Pulling the ball. Pulling the ball requires fine calculation, quick, energetic action. The ball should be grabbed as deep as possible, and then jerk it sharply towards you. The jerk should be short and energetic. To increase the strength of the jerk, it is advisable to pull out with a turn of the torso.

If the ball cannot be cleared immediately, the referee awards a dropped ball. The appointment of a dropped ball is a partial victory for the defender.

A snatch is used when the opponent holds the ball in his hands, when the opponent lands after catching the ball in a jump, especially when playing from the backboard, and also when the opponent dribbles.

Lately, players have been successful in taking the ball away from players who are finishing dribbles. The defender carefully observes the player dribbling the ball, and, having determined the end of the dribbling, quickly captures the ball a little earlier or simultaneously with the opponent.

USSR national team player L. Alekseeva successfully uses the ball snatch after the player has caught the ball, standing with his back to the direction of movement and having lost his bearings in the position of the defender, makes a turn and tries to start a dribble or other action. An unexpected face-to-face meeting with a defender gives the defender an advantage to capture the ball (fig. 63).

Fig.

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