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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5 of the Biggest Basketball Shooting Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
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By Joe Haefner
For most of these fixes, you are going to need to start away from the hoop and take hundreds and thousands of shots. You
can find a wall and do this by yourself or find a line and shoot it back and forth to a partner.
Once you begin to feel comfortable with your adjustment, take hundreds of shots really close to the basket
and gradually move out.
Thumb on Shooting Hand
Players often have the ball sit on the tip of their thumb on their shooting hand. This position is awkward and forces the body to strain to hold the proper shooting form. In order to be a good shooter, you have to be comfortable.
It you don't strain, your elbow sticks too far out.
How do you fix it?
You need to have the ball rest on the side of the thumb rather than on the tip of the thumb on every shot. It may feel awkward at first, but it will help tremendously and more of your shots will travel to the dead-center of the rim. If you can not determine when you are doing this, you may need to have someone critique your shot or video tape it.
Thumb on Guide Hand
Some players flick the ball with their thumb on the guide hand when shooting the basketball. This will cause serious problems for the shooter and the ball will often spray left and right. It's tough enough to judge the distance, yet add another factor of left and right into the equation.
Most players develop this problem when they are too weak to get the ball to the rim, and the habit carries through their teenage and adult years.
How do you fix it?
You can squeeze your thumb against the index finger on your guide hand. This will not let you shoot the ball with the thumb. If the problem still continues, take your guide hand off of the ball by about a half-inch and shoot with one hand. Make sure your guide hand stays still.
You can also use a shooting strap to keep your guide hand and thumb still. This is a very effective way to break this habit and keep your guide hand from moving. We have found the j-strap is very effective and recommend it to solve this problem.
Unnecessary Jerky Movements
These jerky movements can cause you to become an inconsistent shooter:
Twisting the body.
Fading backwards, and to the left or right.
How do you fix it?
You need to evaluate when this jerky movement is happening and what type of jerky movement is occurring. This may mean you need to video tape your shot if you have nobody to help.
Two major reasons players twist their body when they shoot is:
Their feet are not aligned correctly.
They bring their guide hand down too early.
Make sure your feet line up correctly before every shot. This means you may need to pivot more as you receive the pass or as you step into your shot off the dribble. If you use a hop, make sure that you are turning enough while in the air to align your feet properly as you land. If your feet are not set correctly, this will force your body to twist while shooting to try to compensate for it.
If you bring your guide hand down too early, it brings extra movement into your shot that causes you to twist your body. If you don't believe me, sit in your chair and shoot with one hand and bring your guide hand down to your waist at the same time. What naturally happens? Your torso will twist.
That's why it is important to keep your guide hand extended in the correct position.
Pro players use this method to stop their upper-body from twisting when they take shots when they
are off-balance or their feet are not aligned appropriately. It helps keep their upper body
from twisting during the shot. I do NOT advise for players under the age of 18 to practice this shot, because it can mess up your mechanics.
A good way to stop leaning is to step towards the basket on the catch. This brings your momentum towards the basket rather than fading or leaning.
You may also have analyzed when the player starts to jerk their body or lean in a certain direction. The player may only do a jerky movement when dribbling to the left and pulling up for a jumper. If this happens, they need to take hundreds and thousands of repetitions doing that same type of shot with great shooting form.
No Arc - Flat Shot - Flinging the wrist.
If you are missing a lot of shots because you have a flat shot or you don't seem to get many shooter's bounces, it could be because you are flinging your wrist or have a flat shot.
You can check to see if you have this problem by bringing the ball to your set point and then bringing it straight down. If your shooting-hand lands on top of your head (or the back of your head) instead of grazing your forehead, then you've got a bad set point.
How do you fix it?
Move the ball forward so that when you bring it straight down, the back of your shooting hand grazes your forehead. Practice shooting to yourself from this position until it becomes your new set point.
You should reinforce your new set point by daily form shooting close to the basket. In fact, you should rebuild your shot slowly by stepping back one step at a time as you establish consistency from a given range, using the new set point.
Shooting after the Top of your Jump.
Players who shoot past the top of their jump will often develop a hitch and jerky shot. The same with players who try to jump as high as they can on every shot.
A player should focus on shooting before the top of their jump for a few different reasons:
Quicker release. If you shoot before the top of your release, it gives the defender less time to recover to defend the shot.
Make more shots. The shot is fluid which results in a smoother and softer shot because you don't stop the shot motion at any point in your shot.
Longer range. If you shoot at or after the top of your shot, it takes a lot more upper body strength to get the ball to the rim. If you shoot as you are going up, the momentum from your legs help carry the ball a lot farther. Try shooting away from the hoop when doing this.
How do you fix it?
This one is pretty simple. You need thousands of repetitions shooting the basketball before the top of your jump.
In order to fix any of these problems, you are going to have be persistent and focused. "Sometimes, you have to take two steps backwards, to take three steps forwards." What that means is that your shot will most likely become worse before it gets better. Always keep the long-term in perspective. Who cares if you don't shoot the ball well during summer league, if you'll be able to shoot lights out once basketball season rolls around!
To learn more about improving your shot, we recommend. ..
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Best basketball shots in history
The decisive moment in a basketball game is throwing the ball into the basket. Fans all over the world watch intently as the athletes pass and shoot each other. And there are moments when he impresses with his showiness.
We at Joy-pup offer you a look at the best shots in the history of basketball, which show all the skill and skill of a basketball player.
Patrick McCaw - legs were paralyzed after throwing
In NBA Game , Golden State Warriors basketball player Patrick McCaw became famous. Playing against the Sacramento Kings, the athlete at the beginning of the third quarter was able to attack the opponents' ring and make a throw. It was devastating, as was the ball-to-ball collision with a Kings player. Patrick lost his legs for a while, so he could not continue the game.
Rasheed Wallace's decisive shot
This is one of the most spectacular shots in NBA history that took place in Detroit. The local team fought Denver. In the last seconds, player Rashid Wallas from his half of the court scored a three-pointer into the opponents' basket. This throw brought victory to the team.
Rick Barry - skirt throw
The signature throw of this basketball player was repeated by many professionals and amateurs. He did not throw the way they teach, but in his own way, always hitting the target. That is why the basketball player was included in the Top 50 players in the world. This video shows the throw of Barry, which was performed by Chris Andersen.
Joaquim Noah - pushing the ball
A basketball player pushes the ball away from himself, which allows him to accurately hit the target. He showed the same technique in the match where Georgia and Florida played.
Kevin Martin - the ball is not higher than the head
At the NBA game, the basketball player again applied his trademark technique. He throws the ball at chest level, thanks to which he is ahead of his opponents and does not give them the opportunity to snatch the ball from his hands.
Klay Thompson - 14 three-pointers in 27 minutes
On October 30, 2018, the basketball player set a record. He sent 14 three-point shots into the Chicago Bulls basket. At the same time, it took him only 27 minutes and 24 attempts to do this.
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7 kinds of basketball shots | Basketball
On average, a basketball team makes 65-70 basket shots and up to 20-25 free throws per game. At the same time, the preparation for the throw itself is the main content of the entire game. But getting into the basket is the main goal in basketball. There are several types of throws for different positions and situations. During the game you can observe their diversity. At the same time, each player has his own technique, both dribbling and throwing the ball. All of this combined with a healthy competitive feel makes for a spectacular show.
Types of throwing the ball into the basket in basketball
1. Throw with both hands from the chest
This type of throw is actively used to throw the ball into the basket mainly from long distances. Also, such throws take place in the absence of active opposition from the defender of the other team. In preparation for such a throw, the ball is clasped with the fingers of both hands, after which it is carried to the level of the face, when the arms are straightened, the ball is sent to the basket along a given arc. If all the calculations of the player are correct, and the throw is accurate, then the ball will fly straight into the opponents' basket.
2. Two-hand overhead throw
This type of basketball throw is used from medium distances. Also, this throw is relevant when the opponent is closely guarded. To perform a throw of this kind, the ball is carried overhead, while the arms are slightly bent at the elbows, when the arms are straightened, the ball is sent to the basket. During the straightening of the arms, the ball is given the necessary acceleration and trajectory, allowing it to hit the target exactly - into the "enemy" basket.
3. Throw with two hands from below
This type of throw is actively used in the game during a fast pass to the backboard, as well as during basket attacks in a long jump. To shoot, the player takes the ball in motion under the foot, after which he takes a wide step and makes a jump. With straight arms, the basketball player throws the ball into the basket, while fully extending his body. When straightening the arms, acceleration is given, due to which the ball flies into the basket. It is also extremely important to land correctly after performing this maneuver.
4. One-hand shoulder throw
This is one of the most common types of ball throws in basketball. Applicable at medium and long distances. In this case, the player holds the ball in his right hand at head level, while straightening his arm, the ball goes into the basket.
5. One-hand overhand throw
This type of basketball throw is used quite often to attack on the move from close distances, as well as from under the backboard. In preparation for the throw, the ball is placed under the right foot. At the highest point of the jump, the player's arm is extended and the ball is pushed into the basket by the fingers.
6. Throw with one hand from above - “hook”
This kind of throw is used by the central players to attack from close and medium distances.
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. 
This will not let you shoot the ball with the thumb. If the problem still continues, take your guide hand off of the ball by about a half-inch and shoot with one hand. Make sure your guide hand stays still.
It helps keep their upper body
from twisting during the shot. I do NOT advise for players under the age of 18 to practice this shot, because it can mess up your mechanics.
If your shooting-hand lands on top of your head (or the back of your head) instead of grazing your forehead, then you've got a bad set point. 
..
This throw brought victory to the team. 
At the same time, the preparation for the throw itself is the main content of the entire game. But getting into the basket is the main goal in basketball. There are several types of throws for different positions and situations. During the game you can observe their diversity. At the same time, each player has his own technique, both dribbling and throwing the ball. All of this combined with a healthy competitive feel makes for a spectacular show. 
If all the calculations of the player are correct, and the throw is accurate, then the ball will fly straight into the opponents' basket. 
When straightening the arms, acceleration is given, due to which the ball flies into the basket. It is also extremely important to land correctly after performing this maneuver. 
