COACHING POINTS FOR JUMP SHOT IN BASKETBALL

The jump shot is the most common shot used today. It revolutionized the game back in the late 50's and 60's. Most games used to be very low scoring until the arrival of the jump shot. With the jump shot you don't have to be stationary and open (like with a set shot). You can score on the move, and in traffic, by jumping and extending your shot over the defender.

GRIPPING THE BALL

1.     Receive the ball in the "triple threat" position, where you are ready to shoot, pass, or drive.

2.     Then develop the correct technique to be effective by holding the ball with one hand under and the other one by the side.

3.     First start with shots only one foot from the basket

SHOOTING   

1.     Gradually extend your range outward. If you get too far out, your technique will fall apart and you will develop bad habits. If your shot is suffering, try to fix it by going back to the basic one foot shot near the basic, using proper release, backspin ("rotation") etc.

2.     Gripping the ball and the shooting motion are the same as in the set shot. The shooting hand acts as a "platform" and is under the ball.

3.     The other hand is used to balance the ball and should be on the side of the ball. Receive the ball with your knees bent and feet shoulder width apart. Use your legs to provide the power for your shot. Be sure that you are squared up to the basket, with your shoulders squared up to the hoop.

4.     Go straight up, or slightly forward for longer shots, and shoot the ball just before you reach the height of your jump, especially on outside shots, where you need the extra power of the upward force from the jump.

5.     On short shots in the paint, shoot from the top of your jump. This will allow you to shoot over a defensive player. When going up for the shot, the shooting arm forms an "L" with the elbow pointing toward the hoop, and the forearm vertical, with the ball up over your head.

RELEASE 1.     Focus on your shooting spot, either the back of the rim, just over the front, or a section of the backboard. 2.     Concentrate on this area and don't watch the flight of the ball. When shooting, the shoulder acts as a "hinge" as you extend your arm upward. 3.     Fully extend (straighten) the elbow while keeping the elbow in. Failing to extend the elbow results in "short-arming" the shot. 4.     Release the ball with a snap or the wrist, letting it roll off your fingertips. 5.     Then extend your fingers and wrist in a "gooseneck" fashion, or like you were "reaching into the cookie jar" high in the cupboard.