One reason basketball is so exciting is because it's a high scoring game. The game is even more exciting because there is such a variety of shots that can be used to score. This list includes instructions on how to perform the basic shots practical for a competitive game of basketball.
Set Shot
Before the invention of the jump shot around 1940, the most popular shot in the game was the set shot. To shoot a set shot, hold the ball about a foot in front of your chest slightly below chin level. Hold the elbows close to the body, keep your head straight, and concentrate your eyes on the basket. Bend your knees as you lower the ball with the fingers of both hands moving down and back towards the body. Your elbows should start before your hands as you begin your upward shooting motion. Guide the ball towards the target and flip your wrists as you release and follow through.
Jump Shot
The jump shot is probably the most important shot in basketball. As the name implies, you jump to perform the shot, releasing the ball on the way up. Avoid shooting the ball at the top of the shot. Your feet should be parallel and between 12 to 18 inches apart. Position the ball above your head, centering it between the left eye and the right shoulder.
Lay Up
Layups are best performed as a follow up to a driving dribble towards the basket. To make best use of the backboard for the shot, the player should drive towards the hoop from a 45-degree angle. The ball should be carried with both hands from the right side of the body. The player jumps, guiding the ball up before pulling off his left hand and releasing the ball with his right hand off the backboard and into the basket.
Finger Roll
The finger roll is an advanced version of the layup shot. Jump and hold the ball out with one upturned hand, spinning the ball forward at the point of release. This shot can either be banked in or placed right through the hoop.
Hook Shot
The hook shot is key to a strong offensive post game. To perform it, position your body near the hoop with your feet parallel to the basket and your left side facing the basket. Jump while spinning with your left shoulder pointing towards the hoop. Bring the ball up and use your left arm to guard yourself from defenders. Extend your right shooting arm and flick the ball with your wrist into the hoop.
Underhand Shot
While not a contemporary way to shoot free throws, the underhand or "granny" shot has been proven by physics experts to be a more accurate shot than the traditional set shot. NBA Hall of Famer Rick Barry perfected the underhand shot from the free throw line. The footwork and upward motion are similar to the set shot, only the ball is released underhanded and with both hands, releasing from below or parallel to the hips.
Dunk
The dunk is clearly a shot requiring a certain amount of height and jumping ability, as the player must slam the ball through the net with actually touching or gripping the rim. Since the dunk came into vogue in the 1960s, a wide variety of dunks have been developed. An extremely high percentage shot, the dunk can be used strategically to overpower defenders.
