Jump shots are the most fundamental aspect of basketball and also one of the toughest to master. There are many variations you can use to improve your shooting percentage based upon the type of shot the defense is allowing. As with any basketball skill, practice is the key to improving your jumper. Once you've got the technique down, practice each type of jump shot as much as possible to improve your percentage.
Three-Point Shots
Shots from beyond the 3-point arc are the lowest percentage shot on the floor, although the payoff is three points rather than two. So it's important to develop a solid 3-point shot, especially for guards and small forwards who play around the perimeter. Based on 2011 statistics provided by NBA.com, the all-time 3-point percentage leader in NBA history is Steve Kerr with a .454 3-point shooting percentage. If you can make at least three out of 10 shots from the 3-point line, you're doing well. The only difference between a 3-point shot and a regular jumper is the distance of the shot. This requires that you get plenty of lift off the floor to propel the ball farther.
Fade-Away Jumper
Fade-away jump shots are an advanced shooting technique deal for post-up play or when the defense is playing tough and not allowing much room to take a regular jumper. Fade-away shots require plenty of lift off the floor, body control and arm and shoulder strength. It's good for post-up players and tall guards to develop a solid fade-away jumper to effectively shoot over the opponent, even when there's not much space to get off a shot.
In the Paint
The painted area of the basketball court is the rectangle between the free-throw line and the baseline below the rim. Forwards and centers spend much of their time in this area, so practicing these short jumpers is an important skill to develop. The main difference with shorter jump shots up to 15 feet is the height in which you must extend to avoid getting blocked. It's best to go straight up, and make yourself as tall as possible inside the paint. The defense tends to collapse to the painted area when the ball is passed inside, so going up strong and tall is essential.
Corners
Jumpers from either corner of the court are slightly different than those taken from the top of the key -- there's no backboard to help dial in your shot. All you can see from the corners is the side of the rim, which can make it tougher to shoot a high percentage. By using a slightly higher arc on your shot, and really focusing on a good follow-through as you release the ball, you can improve your shooting percentage from the corners. Extra practice can help you perfect these shots.
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