Jump shot
A basketball shot released at or near the peak of a vertical jump to raise the release above defenders.
Definition
The jump shot, or jumper, is the staple scoring technique of modern basketball: the shooter jumps roughly straight up and releases the ball near the top of the leap, which raises the release point above defenders and, done consistently, standardises the shooting motion. A sound jumper aligns the feet, hips, shoulders, and shooting elbow, with a smooth flick of the wrist and a held follow-through.
Jump shots range from catch-and-shoot spot-ups to pull-ups off the dribble and step-backs that create separation. Balance and a repeatable release matter more than raw height; rushing the legs or drifting sideways is a common cause of misses. It is contrasted with the set shot, taken with feet on the floor, and the layup, finished at the rim.
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- 2026-09-01
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