Just like any other ball game, to win in a game of basketball is to land more baskets or outscore your opponent and have 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.
There are 6 different types of shots in basketball:
1. Jump Shot
A jump shot is most frequently used for 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. Jump shots are best for mid-range to long-range shots. A fadeaway is a jump shot in which the player shooting the ball jumps backward. It’s one of the most challenging shots to defend against because it creates space between the shooter and a defensive player.
2. Hook Shot
A hook shot is when the shot is made while your body is not directly facing the basket. To execute a 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.
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3. Bank Shot
A bank shot occurs when an offensive player attempts to make a field goal with a jump 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 backward 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.
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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. Free throws provide a basketball team with an opportunity to score points outside of the shot clock during a game. Former Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers power forward Karl Malone holds the National Basketball Association (NBA) record for most free throws scored in a career, while Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry has the best free throw percentage (90.66). line and line your shooting foot against it. For right-handed shooters, the shooting foot will be the right foot and vice versa.
5. Layup
A layup is a shot made from short range by a player moving towards the basket. Usually utilizing the backboard if he approaches the hoop from an angle. This is also one of the most basic and common ways of scoring a basket in the game. The ball handler dribbles the ball as they approach the basket and raises it with one hand to bounce it off the backboard and into the net. Once they stop dribbling to aim, they can only take two steps or receive a violation for traveling.
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. 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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