In basketball, the shooter's fingers provide the needed spin and the necessary control. Basketball legend Pete Maravich advised shooters to control the basketball with their fingers and the pad of their hand. The goal, he said, "is not to have the palm area touching the basketball." He also noted that good shooters used their index finger the most. "Whatever finger that is in the center of the ball is the last finger the ball will roll off of," he said.
Set Shot, Free Throw
The set shot and free throw are the foundations for all shooting. "When we walk about basics, we're talking about the things that can be carried from the free throw shot to anyplace on the basketball court," baseball legend Michael Jordan said. It is a one-hand shot, with the "off" hand used to set the ball, but not to guide it. Players using their "off" hand in their release will be less accurate. Also, shooters who use the outside two fingers are their shooting hand will be less accurate. "What is taught is to have ... correct backspin." Jordan said. "The ball is going head over heels, spinning back toward you."
Jump Shot
Strong jump shooting requires proper use of several components. Set the feet, square up to the basket, bend the knees, get good lift and maintain a consistent release. Proper mechanics allow the shooter to keep the consistent finger release developed with free-throw shooting. "Follow through and hold your follow-through," NBA star Ray Allen advised players. "You want to shoot the jump shot the same way every time."
Lay-up
While the jump shooter is aiming for consistent backspin, contested lay-ups require all sorts of spins. Through practice, players learn how to put the ball into the basket off various points of the backboard. The better players control the basketball with their fingers, the more shots they can make around the basket.
Scoop Shot, Finger Roll
Sometimes an underhanded shot works in basketball. A player driving the basketball may be able to execute a scoop shot. A player might be able to dip his shoulder toward the basket and use a finger roll. In either case, the palm is up and the ball rolls off the fingers.
Tip-in
Offensive rebounders want to reach the basketball as it is coming off the rim and tip it back into the goal. Batting or slapping at the ball results in a low conversion rate. As with other types of shots, the palm of the hand does a poor job controlling the ball. Offensive rebounders should control the ball with their fingers so they can direct it back into the goal.
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