Game Techniques

Basketball Clinic: The Jump Shot

Game techniques are the key features of all renowned players of all kind of games.  Few things in the world of sports compare to the elegance and silky smooth motion of a perfectly executed jump shot. It’s a thing of beauty, but it’s also a learn able talent. A great jump shot requires nothing more than a willingness to learn a few simple skills. Dedicate practice time to put these skills together, and watch your shooting percentage climb.

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Mechanics

A jump shot is an athletic feat that engages the entire body, from toes to fingertips. Let’s break it down into its components and see how everything blends seamlessly.

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Stance

Naturally, you want to face the basket. Your shoulders should be perfectly square with the rim. Some players also square their feet to the rim, while others might slide their dominant foot slightly in front. Either way, achieving a stable base is the goal.This is the most effective basketball game techniques ever.

Legs

Bend your knees to “load” the shot. Launch upwards to add strength and inertia to your shooting motion. More importantly, a strong jump will put the release point out of reach of all but the most athletic defenders. As your legs fatigue, you may notice shots coming up short. If you want to keep your jump shot accurate throughout a game, then ramp up your cardie workout.

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Arms

One of the biggest flaws in anyone’s jump shot is a crooked shooting arm. Your forearm should be straight and perpendicular to the rim. If your elbow points away from you, and your forearm isn't perfectly straight, you are probably trying to “push” the ball at the rim. This will create flat shots with little spin—a bad combination.

Your non-shooting arm simply guides the ball, but does not grip it firmly. After you release the ball, hold your follow-through for an extra second. Your arm should be straight and pointed directly at the rim.

Hands

Rest the ball on your fingers and finger pads. There should be a gap between your palm and the ball, just as if you were dribbling. In fact, you should be able to switch from a dribble to a shot with minimal effort and without altering your hand placement.

“It’s all in the wrist”—a terrible cliche, yes, but when it comes to the jump shot, it’s the truth. As you straighten your shooting arm, give your wrists a strong flick to add backspin to the basketball. Backspin helps the ball land softly on the rim. You may even get a “shooter’s roll” as the ball finds its way into the basket.

Basketball-Techniques

Eyes

The role of the eyes is underrated in jump shooting. Both eyes should focus on the front of the rim. No matter where you’re shooting from, your target is always the same. It’s important that your arms not obstruct your vision in any way. As long as you have keep your arm straight up and down, you should have a clear line of sight at all times. One last thing—resist the temptation to follow the ball out of your hands. Focus on the rim, and your shots will go in far more often.