Mastering the One Dribble Pull Up Jump shot
Creating the perfect midrange shot requires a combination of accuracy and strength, plus the ability to pull up at just the right moment in order to create enough space between you and your defender to get off an open jump shot. While this may sound difficult, once you master the one-dribble pull-up jump shot, you’ll be able to dominate your opponents in no time at all. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Grip
A relaxed grip is crucial to shooting a good jump shot. If you hold the ball too tightly, you’ll have difficulty shooting with your fingers and wrist, which in turn will cause your shot to be inconsistent. You want a relaxed grip that allows the ball to float in your hands when driving. To test your grip, dribble a ball for about 30 seconds and see if your hand starts to cramp up or feel stiff. If it does, then it’s time to adjust your grip! Practice dribbling a few times until you start feeling loose again and then resume shooting normally. Be sure not to use lotion on the palm of your hands when practicing: The friction between the ball and your hands will help prevent slipping!
Step 2: Ball Positioning
Ideally, the basketball should rest between your shooting pocket and the center of your chest. This location allows you to control the ball while keeping your elbow in an elevated position that facilitates a clean follow-through. It also puts you in a position where it’s easy to execute an off-the-dribble pull-up jump shot, with proper midrange shooting mechanics. You can practice dribbling directly into your shooting pocket by bouncing the ball into place with hard-pound dribbles. If you notice yourself losing control of the ball as you come upon shots or doing it from too far away, try shortening your hard pound dribble slightly until you find just the right spot for the basketball to sit.
Step 3: Legs and Form
As you drive to the basket, take note of the situation and be ready to shoot at a moment’s notice. Many players get caught dribbling in place or their legs stop moving, leaving them wide open for an opponent to block their shot. Practice using correct shooting mechanics that allow you to stay low in a ready-to-shoot position even after you’ve pulled up from your dribble. For example, if you’re at midrange and have enough time, set your feet on the floor with your front foot directly beneath your shoulders and bend both knees before taking your shot. This will keep your balance and enable you to shoot quickly.
Step 4: Landing
Rise up and land in the same spot you lifted from for the most accuracy. There is an optimal speed to do the jump shot and I recommend that you rise up slowly at first and try to land in the same spot every time. You will get used to the motion and be able to do a pull-up jump shot with greater accuracy. However, like all skills there is a limit to how far you can slow down your actions; therefore, there is some variance in where you will land from the attempt to attempt even after a great deal of practice. This is why it is important for your jump shot form not only to be accurate but also to allow for fast variation in its execution for maximum scoring possibilities on any particular play or possession.
Step 5: Rhythm
Rhythm is key in basketball. The best shooters try and make the shot look and sound the same when shooting. Consistency of their shot results in success more often than not. Shooting the ball should be practiced over and over until the action comes naturally to you, just like dribbling or passing a ball. Spend your time on shots that help your game, don’t waste it on long-range pull-ups from midrange when you can sink it from beyond the arc every time.
Step 6: Adding Height
Mastering the one-dribble pull-up jumper will make you a force in the paint. To add height to your shot, practice the same motion with a hard pound dribble to rise straight up over defenders—but try to ensure that you’re getting enough backspin on the ball to send it airborne at the basket. Power through your leg and keep your hand on top of the ball throughout the shot for a clean release. Allowing yourself more than one dribble will result in an ineffective mid-range shot. Be ready for contact! That’s what defense is for!
If you want to level up your shooting accuracy, we got you. We created the 6ixShooter Academy. A one-stop basketball training program to help elevate your game and become an unstoppable shooter with coach Seth McCoy a.k.a 6ixShooter. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
If you want to level up your shooting accuracy, we got you. We created the 6ixShooter Academy. A one-stop basketball training program to help elevate your game and become an unstoppable shooter with coach Seth McCoy a.k.a 6ixShooter. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
