Jump shot
A basketball shot released at or near the peak of a vertical jump to raise the release above defenders.
Definition
The jump shot, or jumper, is the staple scoring technique of modern basketball: the shooter jumps roughly straight up and releases the ball near the top of the leap, which raises the release point above defenders and, done consistently, standardises the shooting motion. A sound jumper aligns the feet, hips, shoulders, and shooting elbow, with a smooth flick of the wrist and a held follow-through.
Jump shots range from catch-and-shoot spot-ups to pull-ups off the dribble and step-backs that create separation. Balance and a repeatable release matter more than raw height; rushing the legs or drifting sideways is a common cause of misses. It is contrasted with the set shot, taken with feet on the floor, and the layup, finished at the rim.
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Techniques
- Jump ShotA basketball shot released at the top of a vertical jump, letting the shooter get the ball over a defender with a soft, arcing release.
- Free ThrowAn unguarded basketball shot taken from the free-throw line, relying on a calm, repeatable routine rather than power.
- LayupA close-range basketball shot taken while moving toward the basket, laying the ball softly off the backboard or over the rim.
- VolleyA shot played near the net by blocking the ball out of the air before it bounces, using a short, firm punch rather than a full swing.
- PlankA static core exercise that holds the body in a straight line supported on the forearms and toes.
Exercises
- Pull-upA vertical pulling exercise where you hang from a bar and pull your chin above it.
- Chin-upA pulling exercise similar to a pull-up but with palms facing you, involving the biceps more.
- Calf raiseA movement where you press up onto the balls of your feet to work the calves.
- Jump squatAn explosive squat variation where you spring off the floor at the top of the movement.
- BurpeeA full-body exercise combining a squat, a plank, and a jump in one flowing movement.
Rules
- GoaltendingA basketball violation for interfering with a shot while the ball is on its downward path to the basket or above the rim.
- Shot clockA timing rule that requires the attacking basketball team to attempt a shot within a set number of seconds.
- TravelingA basketball violation for moving illegally with the ball without dribbling it.
- Out of boundsThe rule that a ball or player leaving the marked playing area is out of play and possession is decided at the boundary.
- Double dribbleA basketball violation for dribbling with two hands at once, or for dribbling again after picking up the ball.
Skills
- ReboundingThe basketball skill of gaining the ball after a missed shot.
- ShootingThe skill of striking or releasing the ball toward the goal or basket to score.
- JumpingThe skill of leaping powerfully and with timing to reach or contest the ball in the air.
- Running formThe skill of running with efficient, relaxed and balanced movement.
- FootworkThe skill of moving efficiently around the playing area to be in position for each shot or action.