What are some tips for shooting a jump shot? Good advice for a jump shooter coming off a screen would to be very active so that he can create space to shoot. With so many basketball players possessing mind-boggling...
With so many basketball players possessing mind-boggling ball handling skills and out-of-this world leaping abilities, the art of the jump shot has fallen to the wayside. But if any team plans to be successful, or if any of these ball handlers or leapers plan to increase their game, learning how to shoot a proper jumper is vital.
Former Los Angeles Lakers forward Michael Cooper earned eight All-NBA Defensive team selections because of the way he guarded great shooters in the NBA. From his point of view, staying active on the floor is one of the most important things for a jump shooter to remember.
"I used to hate for an offensive player to bring me to a stop," he said. "If a guy was jumping around or moving around underneath the basket, I could get through the screen like that. But Reggie Miller, he was one of the best at doing just the opposite. He would bring you to a standstill under the basket, get your feet stopped and come off shoulder-to-shoulder."
As highly skilled at getting an open shot as Reggie Miller was, no one scores over 25,000 points in the NBA on just hustle alone. Miller became one of the purest jump shooters of our time mainly because he possessed solid shooting technique.
The first tip you should know when shooting a jump shot is balance. Without good solid balance, you drastically lower your chances of making the shot. So first, you should make sure your feet are shoulder length apart to give a good base. Next, remember to have your strong foot (the same foot as your shooting hand) about a half step of the other foot. And last but not least when it comes to balance, be sure to keep your head centered and still. Once you've correctly got yourself balanced for the jump shot, your release of the basketball is next.
First, you need to learn how to hold the basketball properly. Once you've figured out a good comfortable way to hold the ball, you next need to practice on getting the ball in that position without thinking. Meaning, get a feel for the basketball so that you can be ready to shoot in a hurry if need be.
Once you have a good feel on the basketball and your hands are in the proper position, elevate off the ground releasing the basketball at the peck of your jump. Releasing the ball on the way down or on the way up can cause minor miscues in your shot.
Also, be sure to keep your eyes on the target you are shooting at and keep your elbow tucked in. A shooting elbow that is not tucked in could cause the ball to stray to the left or to the right when released.
Cooper talks about how having a solid jump shot can cause havoc for defenses. "Coming off a screen you have to come off setting yourself up for the jump shot" he said. "Cause if you can do that, you're going to make the defense have to do one or two things. Either the defender will have to come over the top, which means you can pop to the corner for the little flare pass or they're going to be on the trail which means you can catch and shoot or catch and drive to the basket through the lane."
As important as balance, release, elbow tuck and eyes are to shooting a jump shot properly, it's not complete until the follow through. The follow through on the shot gives the ball it's rotation towards the basket. A shot with no follow through will more times than not be left flat or short. A good way to remember the tips for shooting a proper jump shot is with the acronym B.E.E.F; balance, eyes, elbow and follow through. In addition, don't forget repetition. The more shots you take, the better you will get.
