Discover the Different Kinds of Shots in Basketball to Elevate Your Game

Having watched the Fighting Maroons and Soaring Falcons stumble in their season openers last weekend, I couldn’t help but notice one glaring issue: poor shot selection. As someone who’s spent over a decade analyzing basketball at both amateur and professional levels, I’ve seen firsthand how mastering different types of shots can completely transform a player’s—or a team’s—performance. Let’s be real: losing your first game stings, but it also offers a perfect moment to recalibrate. For these squads, and honestly for any aspiring player, understanding the full arsenal of scoring options isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

When I first started coaching youth basketball, I was amazed how many players relied almost exclusively on layups or basic jump shots. They had no idea how much more was possible. Take the Maroons, for example. In their opener, they attempted roughly 65 field goals, but nearly 70% of those were either contested layups or mid-range jumpers. That’s just not efficient in today’s game. One of my favorite shots to teach—and one I believe both these teams underutilize—is the floater. It’s a game-changer against taller defenders, especially when driving into the paint. I remember working with a point guard who added this to his repertoire; his scoring average jumped from 8 to nearly 14 points per game in just one season. The Falcons, who shot below 40% from the field, could seriously benefit from integrating more floaters and runners to break down defensive schemes.

Now, let’s talk about the three-pointer. I’ll admit, I’m a bit biased here—I love the long ball. But it’s not just about launching from deep; it’s about knowing when and how. Statistics from the NBA show that teams attempting at least 35 threes per game win nearly 58% more often than those who don’t prioritize outside shooting. In the UAAP last season, squads that hit 10 or more threes in a game had a win probability of over 75%. Both the Maroons and Falcons attempted fewer than 20 threes each in their openers, which tells me they’re leaving points on the table. Personally, I’ve found that incorporating corner threes into set plays can catch defenses off guard, and it’s something I’d love to see these teams experiment with. The key is balance—you don’t want to become overly reliant, but ignoring it is a missed opportunity.

Then there’s the post game. Hook shots, drop steps, up-and-under moves—these are becoming lost arts, and it shows. During the Falcons’ opener, their big men combined for only 4 post-up attempts. That’s shockingly low. I’ve always believed that a reliable hook shot, whether with the left or right hand, can demoralize an opponent. I recall a center I trained years ago; after focusing on his baby hook for six months, his field goal percentage in the paint rose from 48% to 64%. It’s all about footwork and touch, and honestly, it’s one of the most satisfying shots to master. If the Maroons want to control the tempo, they should look inside more often. Post moves create fouls, open up perimeter shooters, and just grind down the defense.

Of course, we can’t forget about free throws. It might seem basic, but I’ve seen too many games decided at the charity stripe. The Falcons shot just 65% from the line in their opener—that’s unacceptable at this level. My philosophy? Treat every free throw like it’s the game-winner. I’ve spent countless hours drilling players on repetition and mental focus, because those one-point opportunities add up. In close matches, which both these teams are likely to face, free throws can be the difference between a win and a loss. Last season, UAAP teams that shot above 80% from the line won over 60% of their games decided by 5 points or fewer. It’s that significant.

Transition scoring is another area where I see room for improvement. Fast breaks and pull-up jumpers in early offense can catch defenses before they’re set. The Maroons, in particular, had only 6 fast-break points in their first game. That’s not enough pressure. When I played in college, our coach emphasized sprinting the floor after every missed shot, and it led to at least 10 easy baskets per game. It’s exhausting, sure, but it pays off. Incorporating pull-up jumpers off the dribble—especially from the elbow—can keep defenders guessing. I’ve always preferred that over forced drives, because it maintains spacing and rhythm.

As both the Fighting Maroons and Soaring Falcons look to bounce back, refining their shot selection could be the key. It’s not just about making shots; it’s about choosing the right ones at the right time. From my experience, teams that diversify their scoring methods tend to be more resilient and harder to defend. Whether it’s adding a reliable floater, taking more calculated threes, or dominating inside, each shot type brings a new dimension to the game. So next time you’re on the court, think about what’s in your arsenal—and what’s missing. Because in basketball, as in life, having more tools at your disposal usually leads to better outcomes.