Skill Cues: Sequential timing of shooting
action, ball release just prior to peak of jump, shoulder flexion prior to
release (Knudson, 1993)
Ample literature supports the strong
positive relationship between maximising height of the release and increased
shot accuracy (Brancazio 1981: Hay, 1985). Knudson (1993) states that ‘an
optimalised height of release decreases the distance the ball must travel,
decreases the ball velocity needed to execute the shot and will provide a more
favourable angle of entry’ (p.68).
Summation of forces and the push like
movement of the jump shot allows for a fluid and powerful shooting action. Vertical
velocity is powered by the acceleration of gross muscles (legs), which extends
into fine muscles through the sequential chain of movements (Miller &
Bartlett, 1996). A smooth and
co-operative integration of motions from the lower and upper extremities is
critical for accelerating the ball (Knudson, 1993). Kinetic energy is
transferred from the fingertips into the ball, creating the acceleration behind
the curvilinear trajectory. Studies
report that ball release, which occurs just prior to the peak, is desirable as the
vertical velocity of the body is near zero (Martin, 1981; Elliot & White 1989).
A greater shoulder flexion of the shooting
arm is also associated with increased shot accuracy (Knudson, 1993). This
potentially contributes to the height of release and should be considered for
longer-range shots. Players should be encouraged to extend their shooting arm
upwards.
