The Basketball Bank Shot

When you're playing ball, one shot that you need to take into account is making use of the backboard as a deflective tool to help ensure that the ball goes in. This is known as the bank shot. All people on the floor are able to shoot this shot, but many of the people that shoot this shot are the ones that expend the majority of their time in the paint.

The whole purpose of this shot is to reduce the velocity of the basketball, by using the backboard. Obviously, you will have to be in the appropriate angle once you shoot this shot, and it's typically carried out in the mid range region on the floor. It can also be used if you are underneath the rim and also have the proper angle.

Common Rules For The Bank Shot

The process that's required to perform a bank shot are as follows:

Keep the ball in a high but comfortable position

Aim for the top corner of the white square on the backboard that's closest to you.

Ensure that the ball hits this point of the backboard on its downward flight when shooting from mid range.

You can work on your bank shot by simply standing directly under the rim and slowly work your way outwards. Shoot this shot about 100 times each time you practice your shooting if possible.

When you are able to shoot a bank shot from all angles, you will notice that the letter 'V' will be formed judging by the majority of the angles possible extending out from the backboard itself.

Not only can you use the V as a judgment, but the basketball can also be banked from straight on. A few feet in front of the free throw line and closer is ideal.

Here are some of the good things, as well as the bad things of shooting the bank shot.

Pros:

This shot is quicker than a normal shot, and is very easy to perform in most cases provided that you have the proper angle.

The actual arc of the basketball does not have to be high.

The closer you are to the rim, the wider the shooting angle you will have.

Cons:

The inflation of the ball can have a influence on the bank shot. So strength adjustment is mandatory if you're dealing with a basketball that's over or under-inflated.

You cannot shoot the ball whenever, because you have to have the proper angle that's necessary for it.

This shot is not exactly "crowd pleasing". However, it is 2 more points if made, and can help win games.

From a fundamental aspect, the bank shot is something that you should seriously add into your game. Make sure that you're working on this shot from all angles (remember the "V"). Not only will you increase your potential to score more points, but you will impress the coaches and scouts that are looking at you from a fundamental focal point.