Basketball is pretty simple – the team with the most points at the end of play wins. But getting those points is more complex than it seems. There are various ways to shoot and score points for your team, ranging from classic set shots to heart-stopping three-pointers. And each shot has its unique technique and purpose.

So, if you’re looking to become an offensive beast on the court, you’re in the right place. We’ll talk about the different types of shooting in basketball, their purpose, and, most importantly, when and how to execute them properly.

Types of Shooting in Basketball

First, we need to establish what different types of shooting are. There are two general shooting styles, namely:

• Set Shots
• Jump Shots

Set Shots

Did you ever see Larry Bird shoot a three-pointer and wonder why it differs from today’s shooters? Well, that’s because he uses a set shot instead of a jump shot that most players utilize these days.

Set Shots are considered one of the most basic and effective kinds of shooting in basketball as you only have to consider the distance of the rim when shooting.

The set shot begins with a shooter planting his feet on the floor. Whether they want it perfectly square to the basket or with one foot slightly in front of the other is entirely their preference.

The second step of a set shot is to bend the knees while raising the ball to the temple and keeping an eye on the basket. Once the setup is complete, shooters extend their legs using the upward momentum to launch the ball toward the basket in one fluid motion. The power and range of the shot will depend primarily on the energy transfer from the legs onto the ball, while the shooter’s follow-through dictates the trajectory.

This is an effective shot because shooters can concentrate on the ball’s trajectory instead of calculating the angle.

• Free Throws are when modern players typically choose to take set shots, as there is no defense to account for at the charity stripe.
• Wide-open three-pointers and mid-rangers are also common situations when players choose set shots because they can take their time to set up their feet. Players you would commonly see shooting set shots during these situations include D’Angelo Russel, Larry Bird, and Joel Embiid.

Jump Shots

If you’ve watched even a few minutes of basketball in the modern era, you probably already know what a jump shot looks like. It’s one of the most popular ways to get buckets in today’s game, and rightly so, because it’s highly efficient if you know what you’re doing.

Jump Shots involve a shooter jumping from an idle position and shooting the ball in mid-air. Players take jump shots when there’s less time available to take a set shot, and the players need to generate power quickly. Shooters also commonly decide to go with a jump shot when they need to shoot over defenders.

To do this, the shooter needs to spring off their feet with enough force to propel them off the ground while at the same time maintaining a steady grip on the ball.

The shooter then releases the ball in mid-air and shoots toward the rim. The key to executing a successful jump shot is maintaining balance, control, and accuracy in the air. Otherwise, it could result in an off-target attempt or even worse.

Pull-up jumpers, quickly stopping on a dribble drive and shooting a jump shot, are among the most common basketball shots today as players find them more effective than set shots. It’s typically used when defenders overcommit to the drive as the shot is sudden and unexpected.

Fadeaways, on the other hand, involve a shooter shooting the ball while backing away from the basket. It creates a lot of space between them and their defender as they are running off a screen or trying to get off an open shot when defenders are closing in on them. 

Ultimately, it does not matter which type of shot you use as long as it goes in the basket. So remember, whether you’re taking a set shot, jump shot, pull-up jumper, or fadeaway – practice your shots and ensure you have complete control before heading out on the court. That way, you’ll be able to score points no matter what situation you find yourself in!

10 Tips to Improve Your Shooting Accuracy

Today’s basketball is a shooter’s game. Those who know how to shoot often get more playing time and, ultimately, more success on the court. To help you hone your basketball shooting skills, here are a few pointers:

1. Start with footwork: When shooting a set shot, square your body to the basket and establish a strong base. However, you don’t have to have your body perfectly square to the basket if you’re shooting a jump shot. What’s important is that your body eventually gets to this point when you finally release it.

2. Perfect your shooting form: Whether you’re shooting a jump shot or a set shot, keep your elbow under the ball and release it with a high follow-through. The correct shooting form will ensure that the ball has the necessary arc toward the rim.

3. Keep your eyes on the rim: Keep your eye on the target and shoot confidently.

4. Practice regularly: The perfect jump shot does not exist. That’s why you must work in the gym by practicing regularly. This regularity will help you build muscle memory and refine your shooting technique.

5. Experiment with different releases: Find a release that works best for you and stick with it. Even the greatest shooters of all time, like Ray Allen, Stephen Curry, and Larry Bird, have their signature shooting techniques.

6. Improve your balance: Off-balance shots rarely ever goes in, so work on your balance and use it to your advantage. Balance is an essential component of both jump shots and set shots, as it helps you keep an eye on the basket and keep your body aligned with the basket.

7. Stay calm and composed: Shooting is as much mental as it is physical, so stay focused and relaxed. Good shooters have consistently excellent forms, great shooters, on the other hand, work on their conditioning and shooting technique.

8. Work on your flexibility: In conjunction with balance, good flexibility allows you to get into the proper shooting position more easily.

9. Incorporate your other basketball skills: Use your dribbling, passing, and rebounding skills to create better shot opportunities. This is especially important if you want to effectively shoot fadeaways like Michael Jordan and pull-ups like Kobe Bryant.

10. Believe in yourself: As Wayne Gretzky once said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” So, keep shooting. Confidence is key, so believe in yourself and your ability to make shots.

Wrapping Things Up: What are Different Types of Shooting in Basketball?

Shooting is one of the most fundamental skills any basketball player needs to learn. Without it, you won’t be able to score points on the court. So, it’s vital to master the art of shooting no matter what your position is on the court.

Hopefully, with a deadly shooting technique, you can become an unstoppable force on the court. Be sure to practice the common basketball shots and incorporate other skills like dribbling and passing into your game for better shot opportunities. With enough practice and dedication, you’ll be able to confidently make shots regardless of the situation.

Now, let’s go get those points on the board!

We hope you enjoyed this post! If you did, be sure to check out our other basketball FAQ articles here.