Shooting Techniques Used by NBA Players

The National Basketball Association, or NBA, is an organization of professional basketball players and teams. NBA players use specific shots to score against their opponents. Each of these shots has advantages and disadvantages. Players change shots to adapt to an opponent's defense, providing the highest percentage shot for the defense that they face.

  1. Layup

    • A layup is a jump shot from close to the basket, where a player leaps in the air close to the basket and shoots the ball off the backboard and through the rim. An undefended layup is a high percentage shot, meaning that a player has a good chance of making it. A layup is a weak shot if your opposition has defenders under the basket. The key to a successful layup is good positioning. If you can catch your opponents off guard, in a fast-break situation or if your teammates are keeping the defense away from the basket, you have a good chance of making the shot.

    Slam Dunk

    • A slam dunk is a variation of a layup in which you jump high and jam the ball through the hoop. A slam dunk is a high percentage shot in most cases; however, similar to a layup, a strong inside defense can restrict access to the basket. NBA players use specific offensive strategies to set up dunks, such as a pick and roll where one teammate positions himself next to a defender, allowing you to run around your teammate and head for the basket.

    Jump Shot

    • A jump shot is a specialized shooting technique that NBA players use to eliminate the threat of an inside defense. Instead of proceeding toward the basket, you jump into the air and release the ball before you encounter inside defenders. Jump shots are lower percentage shots than layups or slam dunks because they require more accuracy in order to score. Additionally, a defender can disrupt a jump shot. NBA players use variations of the jump shot to reduce the threat of a defender, such as the fade away shot where a player leans and jumps away from the basket and the defender while shooting.

    Free Throw Line

    • The free throw line is 15 feet from the backboard, allowing players to take one-point shots at an undefended basket after an opposing player is called for a foul. Free throws are hgh percentage shots. Players almost always keep their feet planted in a set position while shooting free throws. The challenge of a free throw is for a player to concentrate on the shot and avoid the distractions of the other players and the crowd.