How to Do a Finger-Roll Shot

For many young basketball players, the finger roll is the next best thing to dunking. While the finger roll is more flashy than a layup, it is not all about show. There are good reasons to use the finger roll, which involves balancing the ball in your palm and snapping your wrist and fingers to propel the ball toward the rim. One of the best times to use a finger roll is when you are driving in the paint, but a defender is between you and the basket.

Things You'll Need

  • Basketball
  • Basketball hoop
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Instructions

    • 1

      Drive toward the basketball hoop, into the paint.

    • 2

      Jump off of your left foot if you shoot right-handed, or your right foot if you shoot left-handed. Grip the ball with both hands as you jump.

    • 3

      Bring the ball upward and remove your nonshooting hand as you raise the ball above your head.

    • 4

      Hold your palm underneath the ball and extend your arm upward and away from your body. If there is a defender in front of you, your hand and the ball should be above his head.

    • 5

      Flip the ball toward the rim by snapping the tips of your fingers and wrist upward. The ball should spin forward, unlike a traditional shot, which spins backward.