JUMP SHOOTING..
Its all about the "jump" and the "shot."
You have your shot.
And you have your jump.
The shot catapults the ball.
The jump powers the catapult.
The goal is to connect the two.
KEYS TO THE SHOT
We want to create a catapult with our arms.
We want the ball to launch at a 45 degree angle.
We want the ball to go straight.
To create a 45 degree angle...
We need to find a set point that allows for that.
We need the elbow to provide vertical power.
We need the wrist to provide horizontal power
For the ball to go straight..
We need the palm to provide force through the middle of the ball.
We need the fingers to keep the ball moving towards the target.
KEYS TO THE JUMP
We want our legs to power the catapult.
We want maximum power, with minimal up and down movement.
We want maximum power, with minimal side to side movement.
This will keep our catapult from bobbing up and down and moving left and right.
The up and down keeps our eyes on the target.
The left and right keeps catapult pointed to the target.
WHAT NOT TO DO...
The jump and the shot have to be in sync with each other.
Which puts some constraints on what you can do.
The jump lasts less than a second.
So if the shot is longer than a second,
It will not be timed up properly with the jump.
There are three things that slow the ball down.
1. To far in front of body
2. To far behind your face
3. A hitch at the set point
You will want to shorten each of these three things as much as you can while maintaining comfort and relaxation.
COACHING QUES...
1. Control the center of the ball
2. Have it leave the pinky and thumb at the same time
3. Elbow up and wrist out
4. Elbow up 6 inches, wrist out 6 inches, at the same time
5. Finish it with the fingertips
6. Legs drive it, arms guide it
7. Full body shot, from your toes to your fingertips
8. Assertive and soft
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why do I need to load? Why not get the ball right to the set point?
Because of a vertical jump. Try and dunk a basketball without swinging your arms as a counter movement. Same applies to the jump shot. The more you can load into the ground, the more power you can generate for the shot.
Why do you need to keep the ball in front of your face and close to your body?
The jump takes less than a second. So you want to get the ball from the loading position, to the set position in under a second.
Why do you want to stay square to the basket?
Because this is the most balanced position that you can be in.
Because you are more likely to jump off of both legs from this position.
Because you are less likely to turn while in the air
Do I need to stand ten toes to the rim?
Not totally. You will want to stagger your stance slightly, so that your shooting shoulder can stay relaxed. Each person will have slightly different levels of shoulders mobility and this will dictate how much that they need to turn.
What angle should my arms be at, at the set point?
This will also be dependent on your shoulder mobility and also your motor program. You will want to stay within your comfort zone. For some shooters, it will be a square and for others it will be a V. The extremes would likely be a set point below your chin and also over your head. If you are between those two, and somewhere around the chin, nose or forehead, you should be fine.
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WHAT TO DO...
So what does a nice shot mean?
Goes straight.
Has Arc.
Everyone will have a set point specific to them, and that is important..
What does a nice jump mean?
Provides power.
Provides stability.
Whats the best way to get the ball to go straight with arc?
A lifted catapult.
What is the best way to provide power with stability?
Square to the basket.
