In basketball, a rejection is a slang term for a blocked shot. For example, if a shooter attempts to launch the ball toward the net, but a defender manages to get a hand on the ball to deflect the shot, the shooter was rejected. If you're playing against a good defender, you can employ several techniques to avoid a rejection.
Rapid Shooting
Shooting quickly is an effective way to avoid rejections. If you shoot immediately after you receive a pass, defenders can't reach you in time so you minimize your chances of getting rejected. To develop quickness, practice shooting rapidly. Ask a friend to pass you the ball repeatedly. Shoot as quickly as you can without compromising your form. Over time, you'll be able to shoot rapidly, and defenders will have trouble positioning themselves to block your shots.
Jump Shot
Perfect your jump shot to make it difficult for defenders to block your shots. Like its name indicates, a jump shot requires you to jump in the air and take your shot at the peak, which makes it harder for defenders to touch. A set shot, on the other hand, occurs when you shoot with both feet on the floor and launch the ball from chest level. Set shots are more stable, but they're also easier for your opponents to block, so avoid using them unless no defenders are nearby.
High Arc
Increase the arc of your shot so it flies high over defenders. This might not be necessary if your opponents are the same height as you. But if your opponents are taller, shooting the ball with a high arc minimizes the chances they'll be able to jump high enough in the air to block your shot. As an added benefit, a high-arcing shot is more likely to drop through the net than a straight-ahead shot.
Pass the Ball
When all else fails, pass to a teammate. If defenders surround you or if you don't have a clear shot, sometimes the only way to avoid a rejection is to pass to someone who is open. A player who takes foolhardy shots risks losing the ball to the other team. While you may not like passing up the chance to score, a key element of a successful basketball team is the willingness of its players to sacrifice personal glory for the good of the team.
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