How to Master Jump Shots

Mastering the jump shot is necessary to becoming a good overall basketball player. The shot involves jumping vertically and shooting at the top of the jump. It can be used from nearly any spot on the court. Players who want to master their jump shot have little other choice than to spend time in the gymnasium, shooting hundreds or even thousands of them. Once players have a jump shot in their repertoire, they become even better equipped to score points during a basketball game.

Instructions

    • 1

      Stand facing the basket with your feet shoulder-width apart.

    • 2

      Place the ball in the palm of your shooting hand. Place your other hand on the side of the ball to stabilize it.

    • 3

      Hold the ball just above your head. Bend your shooting arm at a 90-degree angle underneath the ball.

    • 4

      Jump straight into the air, extending your shooting arm toward the basket as you do.

    • 5

      Snap your shooting arm wrist toward the basket when you reach the top of your jump. The ball should roll off your fingertips and arc toward the basket. When you are done with the shot, your fingertips should point downward.

    • 6

      Practice jump shots from various angles and spots on the court. Once you are comfortable with simply jumping into the air and shooting, try dribbling quickly to a spot and then shooting a jump shot. Another good drill is to run to various spots on the court, have a teammate or friend pass you the ball, and then shoot a jump shot.