A Complete Guide to Different Kinds of Shots in Basketball for Players

I still remember my first college basketball game like it was yesterday - standing at the free throw line with trembling knees, completely unaware of which shooting technique would give me the best chance to score. Over my fifteen years playing and coaching, I've come to realize that understanding different kinds of shots in basketball isn't just about technique; it's about reading the game situation and knowing exactly when to deploy each weapon in your arsenal. Let me walk you through what I've learned about basketball's scoring methods, using a recent Philippine college game that perfectly illustrates why shot selection can make or break a team's performance.

The recent UAAP matchup between the UP Fighting Maroons and Adamson Soaring Falcons presented a fascinating case study in shot selection under pressure. Both teams entered the game coming off disappointing season opener losses, and you could feel the desperation in their early possessions. What struck me immediately was how the Maroons' point guard kept forcing contested mid-range jumpers instead of working the ball inside - he went 2 for 9 in the first quarter alone. Meanwhile, Adamson's big man kept attempting awkward hook shots from questionable angles rather than using his size advantage for closer attempts. The first half ended with both teams shooting below 35% from the field, a statistic that would make any coach cringe. I noticed players repeatedly taking what I call "hope shots" - those low-percentage attempts you throw up praying they'll go in rather than having a clear strategic purpose.

Here's where our complete guide to different kinds of shots in basketball becomes crucial - the Maroons seemed to forget that not all shots are created equal. During the third quarter, I charted their attempts and found they took only three layups despite numerous opportunities to drive to the basket. Instead, they settled for long two-pointers, statistically the least efficient shot in basketball. Modern analytics show that corner threes and shots within five feet of the basket yield the highest points per possession, yet both teams largely ignored these high-value opportunities. The Falcons particularly struggled with floater shots in the lane - their guards went 1 for 7 on attempts between 4-10 feet from the basket. What fascinated me was watching how defensive pressure influenced their decision-making; players would often abandon their practiced form and resort to low-percentage heaves as the shot clock wound down.

The solution lies in what I call "shot awareness" - developing an internal calculator that automatically assesses the quality of each potential attempt. During timeouts, I noticed the Maroons' coach emphasizing exactly this concept, drawing up plays specifically designed for high-percentage shots rather than just telling players to "take better shots." For instance, they started running elevator screens to create open three-point looks rather than isolation plays that typically result in contested mid-range jumpers. By the fourth quarter, UP had increased their free throw attempts by 62% simply by attacking the basket more aggressively instead of settling for jump shots. Adamson eventually adjusted by implementing what I've always taught my players: the "two-dribble rule" - if you're open beyond the arc, take two dribbles inward for a higher-percentage long two rather than forcing a contested three. This small adjustment improved their shooting percentage from 34% to 48% in the final quarter.

What this game taught me - and what I now emphasize in my coaching clinics - is that understanding different kinds of shots in basketball requires both statistical knowledge and situational awareness. The best shooters I've worked with don't just practice their form; they study shot charts and understand exactly which attempts give their team the mathematical advantage. For example, I always stress that corner threes are about 5% more likely to go in than above-the-break threes due to the shorter distance, yet many players don't actively seek these positions. The transformation we saw in the Maroons between third and fourth quarters - they improved from 32% to 51% shooting - demonstrates how conscious shot selection can dramatically impact scoring efficiency. Personally, I'd rather my team take twenty well-selected shots than thirty forced attempts, and this game proved why. Both teams ultimately learned that night that being "shot-aware" often matters more than being "shot-ready," a distinction that separates good scorers from great decision-makers on the court.