NBA Jump Shots & Shooting Styles

The jump shot is one of the most essential shots in basketball. The National Basketball League (NBA) player use this shot time after time to score on their opponents. The basics of the jump shot are focus, balance and follow through. NBA players practice jump shots time and time again to become consistent and increase their percentage of shots that go in the basket. After they have mastered the basic jump shot, players can practice NBA jump shot shooting styles.

  1. Jump Shot Off the Dribble

    • Shooting a jump shot off of the dribble is a technique used to give the shooter room to shoot when being defended. Dribbling the ball a couple of dribbles and then executing the jump shot gives you the ability to move and create a pocket of space. The footwork during the dribble can throw off the momentum of your defender and give you a clear shot at the basket. Faking a step to the right or left can cause the other player to move and let you dribble around him and hit the jump shot.

    Catch and Shoot Jump Shot

    • When playing against a zone defense, NBA players use a catch and shoot jump shot. The players on either side of the court will pass the ball to each other while a player will go to the middle in front of the goal. Once the player in the middle is open, they pass him the ball. He will catch the ball, pivot on one foot and shoot the jump shot. The key to this jump shot is speed. Oftentimes the offensive player in the right or left lane will whip the ball to the middle offensive player and he will have seconds to get the ball off before the defenders surround him.

    Fade-Away Jump Shot

    • The fade-away jump shot is a difficult shot to execute. In this jump shot, the player will lean backwards as they jump and shoot the ball. NBA legend Michael Jordan perfected this shot during his career and scored numerous points on his opponents. The fade-away is used when the defender is too guarding a player too close and he cannot drive the ball farther towards the goal. To shoot the fade-away jumper, plant your feet, squat down slightly and raise your arms as you jump. When your body is springing up in your jump, lean your body backwards as you shoot the ball and straighten your arms.

    Jump Hook

    • The jump hook is used when shooters are afraid the defender is going to block their shot. The offensive player positions his body between the defender and the ball to get the shot off without being blocked. To perform a jump hook, position your non-shooting arm in front of the defender. Jump into the air and shoot the ball by sweeping your entire arm towards the basket. Snap your wrist and follow through to finish the shot.