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In the offensive circus
that has become the NBA over the past few years, it seems
that almost every player in the NBA has a decent jump shot,
making it feel to the younger generation watching at home
that it’s just a matter of time until they too, learn
to shoot the same way. However, despite how easy players like
Carmelo Anthony and Michael Redd make the jump shot look,
it takes a combination of time, patience and effort to develop
your own. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out
of your jump shot:
1-Bend Your Knees and Jump
One way to get the most out of your jump shot is to make
sure your actually jumping when you take it. Bigger players
have the tendency of often turning the jump shot into a “hop
shot,” by not bending their knees enough and failing
to getting the height on their jump they need in order to
execute the shot successfully. Failing to realize what they’re
doing wrong, players become hesitant to take the shot, not
knowing that a simple bend of the knees could solve all of
their problems.
One way of developing proper jump shot form is by practicing
taking the shot without a ball while focusing on bending your
knees and jumping as high and straight as possible. As well,
the shooter should focus on quickly moving his hands from
his waist [simulating the act of catching a pass] to a position
where he can effectively shoot the ball.
Through practice and repetition, players will find their own
comfortable stride. In addition, the implementation of daily
exercises like jumping jacks and squat thrusts will improve
your vertical leap and will help you make sure that your shots
aren’t blocked.
2- Release
Bending your knees and jumping is only half the battle, as
learning where to release your shot is easily the most important
facet of an amazing jump shot. Waiting until you get to the
top of your jump, the shooter should then follow through completely,
bending their wrist in a slow wave or sorts, feeling the entire
ball glide comfortably off of their fingers. If done correctly,
the shooter should see his shot retain a perfect rotation
before it goes into the net.
Also, the arc on your shot is also a very important element
in its eventual success. Rather than go for the Mark Jackson
“Tear Drop” shot all the time,
3- Don’t be Scared to Use the Backboard
Before you release your shot, depending on where you are
on the court, you may consider using the backboard. Coaches
often tell players that the backboard can be their best friend,
if they only treat it the right way. They also tell players
to always try and aim their shots towards the back of the
rim to prevent air balls. This in effect not only prevents
frequent air balls, it also promotes proper use of the backboard.
Amateur players nowadays are so obsessed with hitting nothing
but net that they stop themselves from realizing that the
backboard is there for a reason. If one wishes to attain the
jump shot of their dreams, they have to learn to use the backboard.
4- Practice the Jump Shot
While the jumping and releasing parts of the shot are pivotal,
learning how to take your shot in various different situations
is even more important. Taking shots from various positions
on the court, while trying to use both the rim and the backboard,
players will be exposed to various different angles and will
be forced to learn the physics of their shot. Players should
also learn how to get their shot off as soon as possible,
as taking too long to release the ball could prohibit the
shot was being effective and could make the shooter develop
bad habits.
Everyone knows that practicing your jump shot by yourself
is a good way to develop it and an even better way to take
it easy in between pick up games, practicing your jump shot
against friends while trying to maintain a game atmosphere
is another great way to improve. Taking turns just defending
against each other, a group of players can work together and
develop their jump shots while working on their defending
skills as well.
Now that you have a basic understanding of the fundamentals
of a great jump shot, what are you waiting for? Only through
sweat, patience and determination will you ever develop the
jump shot of your dreams, so get out there and make it happen.
By Patrick Hickey Jr.
Sports
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