There’s a reason basketball coaches everywhere tell their players to use the backboard for more than just layups. The bank shot is still widely used by players on every level, but it’s rare to see it on your favorite highlight real.  It is  a common shot that provides many advantages for players.

 
The bank shot is underappreciated because many players view it as less of a skill shot than “nothing but net” type shots . There are players like Tim Duncan who have mastered the bank shot and use it as a viable offensive weapon.
 
When taking a bank shot your aim should be above the box and a quarter of the way across the backboard. It should land softly off the backboard. You should shoot a bank shot so that it hits the backboard after the peak of its arc on the way down. Shooting a bank shot has two specific advantages:
  • Harder to Get Blocked:

    On a bank shot you are shooting at a target a couple feet above the rim and closer to the baseline. This higher aim and different trajectory make it much harder for the defender to get a hand on your shot to block it.

  • Not as Much Arc is Needed:

    Shooting a basketball would be a lot easier if you shot at a target that was perpendicular to the ground. One of the hardest parts about a basketball shot is judging the perfect arc to give yourself the best chance to make a basket. On bank shots since you are shooting for a ricochet, you do not need the same angle of the ball going over the rim. Since you have a vertical target to shoot at and you don’t need as much arc it means that your shot does not have to be as accurate with your shots.

 

 

The bank shot can be a very effective way to score easy points. You have to judge the right angle butif you shoot the right bank shot at the right time it can be a much easier way to score baskets. It takes a lot of practice to get the shots down right, but once you do, you will see the benefits in your game. 

CoachUp is the safest and easiest way to find a private coach. With our 100% money-back guarantee and vetted coaches, anyone can achieve their full athletic potential. Find your perfect private coach today and become the athlete you want to be!