Mastering Different Kinds of Shots in Basketball: A Complete Guide to Scoring Techniques
Having watched the UP Fighting Maroons and Adamson Soaring Falcons stumble in their season openers last weekend, I couldn’t help but reflect on how critical shot selection can be in tight games. Both teams had moments where a well-executed shot could have turned the tide—instead, rushed attempts and poor decisions under pressure cost them dearly. Over my years coaching youth and collegiate players, I’ve come to believe that understanding and mastering different types of basketball shots isn’t just about technique—it’s about mindset, timing, and knowing which tool to pull out when the game is on the line. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential scoring techniques every player should have in their arsenal, whether you're trying to bounce back from a tough loss like those UAAP squads or simply looking to elevate your game.
Let’s start with the most fundamental shot in basketball: the layup. I can’t count how many times I’ve seen players—even at the collegiate level—miss easy layups because they underestimate the importance of footwork and body control. There’s a reason why around 65% of points in the paint come from layups during high school and amateur games. Personally, I’m a huge advocate for the reverse layup, especially when driving from the baseline. It’s a shot that not only avoids shot-blockers but also adds a layer of finesse to your game. I remember teaching one of my former point guards this move; within two seasons, his finishing rate around the rim improved by nearly 18%. The key is using the backboard at unexpected angles and shielding the ball with your body—something the Maroons could have used more of in their last outing when their drives kept getting swatted.
Moving outside, the jump shot remains the great equalizer. But not all jump shots are created equal. From the mid-range pull-up to the step-back three, variety matters. I’ve always preferred the catch-and-shoot three-pointer for players with a quick release—statistically, players who can hit threes at a 38% clip or higher force defenses to stretch, opening up driving lanes for everyone else. Yet, I’ve noticed that many young players today overlook the mid-range game. It’s a shame because, in half-court sets, a reliable 15-foot jumper can dismantle defensive schemes. When the Falcons struggled from beyond the arc in their opener, having a go-to mid-range option might have kept them in the game during those stagnant offensive possessions. My advice? Spend at least 30 minutes each practice on game-speed jumpers from different spots—no standing around shooting casually.
Then there’s the floater, that delicate, high-arching shot that’s perfect for guards driving into the teeth of the defense. I love this shot because it’s both pragmatic and elegant. In fact, data from the last FIBA Asia Cup showed that guards who effectively used floaters shot 44% in the lane compared to just 29% for those who didn’t. It’s all about touch and timing—releasing the ball just before the bigs can contest. If I were coaching Adamson’s backcourt, I’d emphasize drilling floaters off one foot during fast breaks. It’s a weapon that doesn’t require elite athleticism, just repetition and feel.
Of course, we can’t talk about scoring without mentioning the post game. Hook shots, drop steps, fadeaways—these are the bread and butter for bigs. I’ll be honest, I’m partial to the skyhook. It’s become a lost art, but when executed well, it’s almost unguardable. Modern analytics might prioritize three-point shooting, but in playoff-style games where every possession counts, a skilled big man shooting 55% from the hook shot zone is invaluable. UP’s bigs, for instance, seemed hesitant to establish deep position in their opener. A few confident hook shots early could have forced the defense to collapse, creating open looks elsewhere.
Free throws are another area where games are won and lost. It might seem basic, but I’ve seen too many players treat foul shots as an afterthought. The numbers don’t lie—teams that shoot above 75% from the line win close games 20% more often than those below 65%. My philosophy? Practice free throws when you’re tired, not when you’re fresh. Simulate fourth-quarter exhaustion.
Lastly, let’s touch on situational shots—the buzzer-beaters, the contested fallaways, the put-backs. These require not just skill, but also creativity and courage. I admire players like Kobe Bryant not just for his technique, but for his willingness to take—and miss—big shots. In the Falcons’ and Maroons’ cases, a practiced end-of-clock play could have made the difference. Maybe a step-back three from the wing, or a quick spin into a fadeaway. These are shots you hone alone in the gym, long after practice ends.
In the end, mastering these techniques is what separates resilient teams from those that let early losses define their season. Both UP and Adamson have the talent; what they need now is the confidence that comes from having multiple, reliable ways to score. Whether you’re playing in a packed arena or at the local park, remember that every great shooter was once a beginner who refused to stop practicing. So grab a ball, find a hoop, and start working. Your breakthrough game might be just one shot away.