Basketball Shot Names & Types

Basketball is a shooting game in which command on fundamentals truly pays back. To stand invincible in the game, players along with their team need to make as many shots as they can – this increases the probability for the ball to go in the net which is the only thing that can bring victory. Meanwhile, to accomplish victory, you have to stand out from your opponents in rebounding and defensive expertise – for this, you must know about different basketball shots name, and their methods of execution.

Among many different basketball shots, the following are some of the most significant shots that must be practiced and mastered by every player who intends to become a professional basketball player in the future.

Basketball Shots Names & How Are These Shots Executed?

From basics to advance – it is all about making good practice and spending time understanding the dynamics of shots. In the given paragraphs, I have tried to explain the most common types of basketball shots, and how are these shots performed during the game;

1. Jump Shot

The jump shot is referred to as the most basic shooting style that covers both mid-range and long-range shots in basketball. The shot is simply about jumping to hoop the ball in the basket. This shot can be executed from anywhere on the court; beyond the arc or outside the key.

This is a two-motion jump in which the player rushes towards the goal post in the first step, and then stops to jump as high as he can. The jump is followed by releasing the ball while leaving behind the wrist of the player twisted for enough spin of the ball.

2. Layup Shot

Layup is followed by an incredibly simple shooting style. Being a short-range shot, it requires the player to move toward the hoop, then jump and throw it into the net. To execute a proper layup shot, the player dribbles towards the basket, then takes a few steps towards the backboard, and releases the ball using one hand to flick it into the net.

As this is a simple shot, there have been observed variations in this shot such as finger roll and floater. However, if you are heading to a shot layup, ensure that you give a maximum push to your body while jumping, if you are above the rim, the ball will certainly go into the net.

3. Hook Shot

Paradox to layup or jump shot, hook shot demands massive practice and command on basics from the player. The player keeps standing on its own, and hooks the basketball at the hoop by using its arms up and throwing the ball over its head.

Typically, the player stands with its back towards the basket and then moves its pivot foot to turn and flick the ball into the net. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is famous for his incredible strategy to execute hook shots.

4. Bank Shot

Direct shots are hard to accomplish while hitting the backboard and then going into the basket is something easier for players. A bank shot is referred to as every jump shot that hits the backboard before it goes into the net.

A bank shot is a shot of moderate difficulty; neither too easy to perform nor too difficult to execute. It requires good practice because if the ball is at high speed while leaving your hand, it will hit the backboard and bounce back eventually, and if the ball is too loose, it will make a bad angle, and will not even reach the hoop.

5. Free Throw

A free throw is associated with a foul, and this short is awarded to the player who is fouled. The shot is performed at the free-throw line without any defender present there. Standing 15 feet from the hoop, the player is allowed to throw the ball into the net.

If a player is fouled on a two-point shot, he gets two points for a successful hooping, and if it happens on a three-point shot, a successful shot will give three points.