Basketball Jump Shot - Research Paper Example

ir teams practice and play, the coaches develop certain skills over time that can be employed to achieve great success especially if complimented by knowledge derived from biomechanics (Hanes & Bauer, 2006). A jump shot may be said to be a high arching, softly rotating toss where the basketball player releases the ball right or slightly at the apex of his/her jump. While some coaches believe that shooters are born Hanes & Bauer (2006) point out that shooting is also a skill that can be taught to the athlete.

For instance, in order to achieve a good jump shot, the athlete will need to apply good velocity to the ball. The velocity will steer the ball horizontally as well as vertical to the target. Biomechanics suggest that the athlete should square up to the basket and jump in a vertical manner before releasing the ball. This is best achieved when a player is doing a “drive” since the speed of the player will help in achieving velocity for the ball. However, speed may at times be counterproductive since it might affect the stability of the player.

It is therefore necessary to establish equilibrium to ensure that optimal speed is achieved while stability is not compromised. The athlete should have a good base of support as this will ensure accuracy of the shot. Different basket ball players have different shooting techniques. For instance, some will concentrate on the backspin while others are more conscious of the balance. Regardless of one’s shooting technique, there are some salient components of shooting that need to be incorporated for optimal performance (Kelley, 2003).

The very first important facet is the leg base. Kelley (2003) advises that a consistent exercise involving stretching and lifting of the muscles should be maintained. This exercise will help in providing the muscles with needed force for lifting up over the rim. The other component is squaring up. As Kelley (2003) observes, the athlete’s shoulders and the feet should always be in