Different Ways to Shoot a Basketball

Basketball is all about which team can get the basketball into the hoop the most times. It sounds very simple, but it can be difficult with poor form. The good news is that shooting a basketball can be done several different ways. Choose which shot to take depending on your skill level and the game situation. Some common basketball shots include jump shots, layups and dunks.

  1. Set Shot

    • The set shot varies some from player to player. Hold the basketball with your dominant hand, spreading your fingers apart. Support the ball on the side with your other hand. With your knees bent, bring the ball behind your head until your elbows are at 90 degrees. Then, straighten your knees and elbows at the same time and release the ball, flicking your wrist. This form is similar to what most players use to shoot free throws.

    Layup

    • The layup is a shot players take when they are running toward the basket. It allows them to shoot and score without stopping to set their legs. To perform a lay up in the most basic way, run toward the basket one side of the basket while dribbling the ball. When you get close, take one to two steps to gather momentum, then leap toward the basket. As you leap, extend your outside hand to the basket upwards and roll the ball toward the square on the backboard above the rim. The ball should hit the backboard and bounce into the net.

    Jump Shot

    • The most common shot in basketball is the jump shot. To start, hold the basketball in front of you with both hands. As you extend your arms to shoot the ball, jump into the air. If right-handed, that hand should be behind the ball, with the left hand at the side, being used as a guide. Release the ball as you reach the top of your jump, flicking your wrist toward the rim.

    Dunk

    • The dunk is a difficult shot that players master only if they can jump up to the rim of the basket. There are many variations of the dunk, but basically, hold the basketball in your hands and jump toward the basket, placing the ball into the net once you jump high enough. Do not hang on the rim or it is a technical foul for delay of game.