The Physics of a Jumpshot

In this video I breakdown some of the forces that factor into a jumpshot. Watch the whole video to ensure you understand the entire explanation!
PS. I hope you appreciate the artistry in my drawings
Instagram: / scotshotball
Twitter: / scotshotball
Song Used: "Feather" - Instrumental produced by Chuki
( / chukimusic )

[@tamicha1]

Fluidity of shot is a crucial part of power. Even if you shoot on the way up, you will not maximize power if your body mechanics are stiff. Curry's shot is very smooth/fluid. Fluidity is also what gives shooter's touch. You can have a lot of shooting power and no touch. Curry can shoot from half-court with incredible touch. And that's why shooting is an art form...because you have to be able to paradoxically generate incredible power while having a soft touch.

[@khalidnasir97]

I usually never comment on videos but this video opened my eyes to the possibility of increasing my shooting.Many thanks.

[@isplash3s998]

im amazed at how a human can shoot a ball from so far and put it a small hoop, i play ball but i never realized how crazy this actually is but at da same time is so easy

[@vickhj6333]

yea isnt it weird how people can practise that motion to almost perfection. it shows how our bodies are able to do anything if we put enough effort into it. its amazing and weird at the same time.

[@terencefletcher5139]

The hoop is not that small you could actually fit 2 basketballs in one hoop

[@lildon149]

@@terencefletcher5139 false

[@krausergomez6268]

I find the best shooting channel ever!

[@krausergomez6268]

I put in practice this mechanics, but sometimes i still missing short, my problem is the consistency?

[@muffinzezyproductions116]

pratice makes cosnesciety keep shooting

[@muffinzezyproductions116]

sultan haiku yeah bro

[@mccauleybacalla2228]

SAME

[@nkboon1234]

love ur shooting analysis and it makes alot of sense. changing my release point with respect to how far am i away from the hoop immediately saw the difference in results

[@HWMaki]

I hope u are the physics teacher in my school.............

[@hadriangille-collier1828]

o.h.2000

[@zdmfg9335]

Im continually impressed by the effort and time you're putting into your videos. Are there ways I can contact you directly like email? I have a question

[@ScotShotBasketball]

Thanks, I really appreciate it! You can message me on youtube directly. Just go on my "about" section and click send message

[@zdmfg9335]

Scot Shot Basketball I guess it doesn't show up on mobile. I'll try on desktop tomorrow

[@alejandramatlock3283]

Totally nerding out, LOVE IT! Great vid

[@rorymacneil7070]

Great video, and great to see a bit more of Isaiah Thomas. The forward bit is interesting. That explains why one of his favorites is go straight down the court and pull up, or rather as you show jump forward a bit, and shoot just in front of the three point line.

[@mathaha2922]

Excellent analysis.

[@russell1362]

Great video! I was able to take what I learned from this and apply it to an assignment I had to make in school. I cited you of course, too.

[@davidfadairo4120]

Can you please do a video of shooting with effective release timing without jumping on free throws like Stephen curry and C.J. Mccolum

[@Glennericpough]

David Fadairo yes thank you

[@pwnership3292]

Thanks for the video bro. Very well explained

[@smfm2757]

This. Is. Mindblowing.

[@2MuchSwag4Funzies]

At first I didn't think I'd learn much from an analytical point of view. But after watching this now I know where the flaw is in my shot, and it's my inconsistent jump force and release. Gotta aim for that korver perfection.

[@MaxPower-vf8kt]

You should look at wheelchair basketball. There is no jumping, players are shorter, yet they can make 3-point and some can sink half-court shots. It's all arms. There is an interesting "charge" players will do to add force to the shot; which involves starting with, in both hands, at lower chest height and with bent arms, pulling the ball quickly to the chest in a sweeping/arcing motion, raising their arms up and then pushing out. There is also the scenario where players are moving forward at a quick speed and, unlike standing players, don't/can't stop to plant their feet, so the forward momentum continues, so often players will just toss the ball up, versus throwing it at the net. It's would just be an interesting perspective of the different relative forces. Both games require the same force to put the ball in the net, but they achieve it in different ways. Also, due to the nature of the games, there are different considerations at play when releasing the ball.

[@justinyuuuu]

The thumbnail reminds me of the lady with all the math equations floating by her head lmao

[@lyndalovon]

brilliant!!

[@ab-15188]

Hey Scot Shot, I was wondering if you are going to make a tutorial video on how to apply step 6. That would be very very helpful.

[@davidfadairo4120]

Can you please do a video on steph curry's hands place ment on the ball when shooting and how he keeps his backspin straight to eliminate left and right(side) misses?

[@xIke1000x]

This is an awesome video! What's the difference between scenario #5 and #6? Isn't there an upward and forward force is both situations?...Also could you make a video about the rotational motion of the ball while shooting?

[@chencabanayan1235]

love your vids

[@ScotShotBasketball]

Thanks! Love your comment

[@harshasuresh4062]

Thank You So Much ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@HG-we3wt]

Awesome Video

[@ScotShotBasketball]

Thanks!

[@tobytootact]

Scot Shot Basketball great vid dude when are you going to do Russell Westbrooks mechanics

[@bradyolinger9457]

is there any way i can contact you directly for help on my jump shot? I really love the effort you are putting into these videos.

[@destructionwarriorevolved9248]

You are really good at math. I guess you are smartest at math in your math class.

[@theelysium1597]

Pulling N out of thin air you do, explanation must be given.

[@chencabanayan1235]

can you please do a video about how to shoot like different nba 3 pointers?

[@jajahardy9529]

If I wanted to use #6 can I still get to my setpoint and release like Curry?

[@eeveeritt15]

May i say though that curry despite only weighing like 190 something pounds at about 6'3, he can apparently deadlift close to 400lbs. That could explain why he can shoot so effortlessly from 30ft without much elevation. His leg muscles are very strong

[@rpaulkb248atwal9]

Its definitely not that look at trae young

[@takeoverthegame]

I don't really think the upward force comes from the jump. If so, you will see those high jumper can shoot longer than Curry. A good example is: shot put, which is more demanding in terms of force. But they don't jump, right? So how do they generate such force? Speed is the key, they use whole body to maximum the release speed, which is the wrist snap. Also you can try how much you can push a ball upward by only use your jump. You hold the ball with one hand and your arm stay still. The ball can not even fly 1 meter.

[@anbu1654]

So curry shoots in the air? Or does it reach his set point and release while he is going up?

[@justinyuuuu]

W0LFGUY m I think he shoots right when his toes leave the ground

[@ScotShotBasketball]

He releases in the air. His setpoint happens when he is still in contact with the ground

[@ScotShotBasketball]

watch my Steph Curry slow mo video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kH6VdI1sabWEm7M

[@timbo_c756]

when you mean jump forward do you mean like actually jump towards the basket or do you mean mid-air you slightly tilt your lower body towards the basket?

[@Manoverse]

do lamelo pls

[@richardj6593]

get the book by Fisher called Straightshooter if you want the physics of basketball.

[@slimphotog]

1:20 Yes, you can shoot a jump shot at the free throw line. There is no rule against it. Hal Greer (80.1% career FT%) did it.

[@JL85477]

So should I shoot like number 2 or number 6 for maximum power?

[@jordannewman3190]

Great video. Why do you believe that Curry has greater range than Korver?

[@Kombaiyashii]

Question about the physics you used: Comparing the two examples jumping up at 1m/s, and jumping up & forward at 1m/s, doesn't that mean in the second example you are putting twice as much force into the jump? If not, where are you getting the extra force from?

[@ScotShotBasketball]

I don't think it means putting twice as much force into the jump; it's about adjusting the angle of your jump to be slightly forward. This would require a little bit more force but not twice as much. Twice as much would be jumping twice as high vertically. Hope that helps.

[@Kombaiyashii]

Yeah, it makes sense but it seems like simply adding a forward movement and becoming about 33% more efficient seems a bit much. It's very interesting if it's true as I am a straight up style shooter, however physics states you can't create force out of nothing. However, like you say jumping twice as high is way harder than jumping the same height but adding forward momentum. Interesting video, I look forward to testing it out.

[@leonsonyao3921]

So which scenario should we follow? Please help me i am a bad shooter

[@100Jayp]

can you do one on Kyrie Irving please

[@TheDude-xp4vb]

I just don't know how high should I shoot

[@donnaw5013]

i like everything till u just threw in the end that kyle korver has an ideal shooting form

[@ScotShotBasketball]

I didn't say he has ideal form; I recommended his jumping and release timing. He has excellent form apart from that too...

[@nintendokid6485]

A lot of my friends say Michael Jordan has a one motion shot but I say has a two motion they say that because he shoots quick

[@John-ce2ie]

Can u explain too me how I can maximize my release timing i try to do it but it doesn't feel effortless like how steph curry shoots and my range is just inside the 3 point line I shoot on the way up but I can't shoot far is there like a drill to do this

[@hicow6075]

stephen curry may be weak compared to other nba guys. but he's still 6'3 185 pounds working out everyday. you cant really compare a normal person like yourself to him, especially if you're young still

[@karenbob3489]

If u don't have a strong finger and wrist then can u still shoot a deep three ?

[@ScotShotBasketball]

Yeah you can, but if you already have great technique then the limiting factor will be how strong you are. For example, Curry has almost flawless technique, so the limiting factor for him is his size. Strength is something to work on, just like your technique.

[@Glennericpough]

If i upload a video of me shooting can u tell me what im doing wrong

[@futurelegend1081]

Do you know if most good shooters use one eye shooting?

[@hicow6075]

no. you lose depth perception when you close one eye

[@yunginyingin2905]

Majority of great shooters do, curry, kobe, Jordan, etc.

[@swn25]

Hey I watch a lot of your videos and they're great is there any way I can message you I have a couple of questions I need help with my jumpshot

[@ScotShotBasketball]

Message me on KZbin from my about section on desktop

[@mnatilumbuffonk3082]

+scot shot basketball So Which number is the best?

[@ScotShotBasketball]

2 or 6

[@mnatilumbuffonk3082]

Scot Shot Basketball Thx man I hooping right now!!!

[@LeKuZi000]

can u do free throw please? how to shoot without jumping....

[@JoeBballen]

would JJ redick be the 5th or 6th example?

[@rileyf501]

Can u go in detail about how we can shoot like curry and transfer energy like him I'm having trouble even after watching your vids

[@ScotShotBasketball]

I'm planning on making another video about Curry soon, so make sure you Sub so you see when that comes out

[@T3KTONIT]

LOL 1m/s vertical jump speed

[@markdavis8198]

How do people like kd shoot

[@markdavis8198]

His body tilts back

[@JoeBballen]

also what would damian lillard be?

[@meemo0209]

what about the faid away

[@ezekielrasputin5331]

Can you do a Michael Jordan jump shot vid

[@ezekielrasputin5331]

Cause it seems like he releases like scenario 3 or am I wrong

[@ScotShotBasketball]

Ezekiel Rasputin I'm actually going to do a video on him next so stay tuned

[@darrenleong1551]

Scot Shot Basketball nice !! how jordan double clutch jumpshot at mid air and still get points lol

[@cynkauvanyau2059]

I think you should use momentum instead of force

[@chickendolo4437]

Can u do another curry video but in more depth

[@ScotShotBasketball]

Have you seen my Steph Curry Shooting Form Breakdown? (linked below) Or do you want another video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpataIqqd8SBipo

[@chickendolo4437]

Scot Shot Basketball I want another video but in more depth especially his release and the science and the physics

[@chickendolo4437]

Scot Shot Basketball I also just subscribed

[@chickendolo4437]

Scot Shot Basketball but can u do that video of his science and physics and more in depth release

[@ScotShotBasketball]

thanks for the sub, I'll try to get a video like that out soon. I'll probably analyse multiple players in that video, but we'll see

[@timothy1949]

pretty sure the math is wrong, plus how do you factor in the amount of force that eventually goes into propelling the ball to the basket? shooting on the way up create most power but does not guarentee 100% of the upward jumping force is pass on to your shot, if any at all. for example, if the ball slips out of your hand, then you lose all that up force from jumping. i think having a smooth shot that efficiently use up all the up force generate from the jump and your arms extension is the most important, and also the most difficult.

[@mike5861]

Could you... help me finish my science test?

[@zacharybressard7268]

You can jump on a free throw you just can’t jump over the line

[@ashlynsmith7655]

Dear scotshot i dont understand physics ty

[@alexisherrera4687]

Who said you can't jump on free throws? Players don't do it to conserve energy (and because they don't need to) but there is no rule against it.

[@wariorsblew3-1lead20]

Scot Shot Basketball can you please do a jaden newman shooting form video please please i want to become a better shooter😢

[@vibe9155]

Kyrie Irving Fan And you chose Newman? lmao 😂😂😂You like kyrie so why not examine his shot and see what you can take from him?

[@samobjio2450]

Scot Shot Basketball so scenario 2 is the reason why Curry's shot is so quick?

[@ScotShotBasketball]

There are other things that go into the speed. He bends his knees as he raises the ball so he is almost ready to release as he jumps. And then scenario 2 allows him to release quickly

[@ReaganThaBeast]

Sammy Sosa21BB quickness of a jump shot comes from footwork

[@denisvougioukas7334]

2nd

[@jaimejordan2013]

How do Kobe, MJ and Devin Booker shoot?

[@mickagwada3591]

3 is livingston haha

[@Esoeso933]

Stephen Curry also shoots like number 6.

[@hathawayamato]

So why do NBA players like Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook have inefficient jumpers where they need to exert more energy? And why doesn't Steph jump forward when shooting? Surely these are easy fixes that can improve their shot immensely.

[@markdavis8198]

Cause he doesn't jumps straight up and down

[@ScotShotBasketball]

Up and forwards, especially when he shoots from 3. He's also a physical freak of nature so getting power behind a shot for him is easier than it is for normal people like me, or most of the people watching these videos

[@markdavis8198]

Thanks

[@chiefplayz1335]

1st

[@benjaminpaige4644]

Your science is off. Jump power is trivial.

[@hicow6075]

Am i the only one who thought this was commen sense wtf

[@christianquingcong227]

Repent for your sins and believe in the Lord Jesus now he is coming

[@markdavis8198]

How do people like kd shoot