Jump Shot
A basketball shot released at the top of a vertical jump, letting the shooter get the ball over a defender with a soft, arcing release.
Overview
The jump shot is the most common way to score from mid-range and beyond in basketball. By jumping and releasing near the peak, the shooter creates space over defenders and shoots with a consistent, repeatable motion.
A square stance, a smooth upward motion and a relaxed wrist flick that produces backspin are the hallmarks of a reliable jump shot.
How to do it
- 1Set your feet shoulder-width apart and face the basket.
- 2Bring the ball up with the shooting hand under it and the off-hand on the side.
- 3Jump straight up in one smooth motion.
- 4Release the ball near the top of your jump, extending your arm toward the rim.
- 5Flick your wrist to add backspin and hold the follow-through.
Key points
- Feet, hips and shoulders stay squared to the basket.
- The shooting elbow stays under the ball, not flared out.
- The off-hand only guides — it does not push the ball.
Where it’s used
Sports that use jump shot:
Related techniques
Layup
A close-range basketball shot taken while moving toward the basket, laying the ball softly off the backboard or over the rim.
Chest Pass
A two-handed pass thrown directly from chest height in a straight line to a teammate, the most basic pass in basketball and netball.
Free Throw
An unguarded basketball shot taken from the free-throw line, relying on a calm, repeatable routine rather than power.
Explore across the knowledge base
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Movement patterns
- JumpThe plyometric pattern of projecting the body off the ground through explosive triple extension and controlling the landing — the core expression of lower-body power.
- SquatA knee-dominant pattern: bending the hips, knees and ankles to lower and rise while keeping the torso upright — the foundation of lower-body strength.
- PushPressing a load or the body away from the torso — horizontally or overhead — by extending the shoulders and elbows, developing the chest, shoulders and triceps.
- LandingThe controlled absorption of force at ground contact that ends an airborne phase, dissipating impact through eccentric triple flexion of the ankle, knee and hip.
- PivotA rotation of the body about one planted foot, reorienting the trunk and hips around a vertical axis without travelling to a new location.
Skills
- 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.
- ReboundingThe basketball skill of gaining the ball after a missed shot.
- Running formThe skill of running with efficient, relaxed and balanced movement.
- ThrowingThe skill of propelling the ball accurately and with control using the arm.
Equipment
- BasketballA large, inflated ball with a dimpled surface used to play basketball.
- VolleyballA soft, inflated ball struck with the hands and arms in volleyball.
- Hockey stickA curved-headed stick used to control, pass and shoot the ball or puck in hockey.
- Football (soccer ball)A round, inflated ball used to play association football and futsal.
- Tennis racquetA strung frame with a handle used to hit the ball in tennis.
Facilities
- Basketball courtA rectangular hard-surfaced court with a raised hoop and backboard at each end where basketball is played.
- Volleyball courtA rectangular court split by a high net over which two teams rally the ball, played indoors or on sand.
- Sports hallA large indoor hall with multi-sport line markings, used for court sports like basketball, volleyball and badminton.