A hook shot is a one-handed shot taken side-on to the basket. The shooter turns his off shoulder to the rim, keeps the ball back where his body shields it, and releases it up and over with the arm farther from the defender. To block it, the defender has to reach across the shooter, which is usually a foul.
Why coaches use it
Because it is the hardest close shot to block. A post player who can only shoot facing the rim needs space a good defender will not give him. With a hook, he can score over a taller defender from a standing start, without facing up first.
It also works with either hand. A post player who can hook to the middle and to the baseline makes the defender guess which shoulder to play.
The family
- Sky hook. The classic: off one foot, a long sweep of the arm, released at full height. The shot Kareem Abdul-Jabbar made famous.
- Jump hook. The version most coaches teach today: a step into the lane, a jump off both feet, the ball kept high and released at the top.
- Baby hook. The shortest, right at the rim, little more than a flick. The first hook young players learn.
How it is done
- Side-on. Off shoulder to the rim, the ball on the far side of the body.
- Off arm as a shield. Bent and up, not pushing the defender.
- Release at the top. Wrist flicks the ball over, soft off the glass from the block.
- Both hands. Middle and baseline, so the defender cannot sit on one shoulder.
Drills
The Mikan drill, continuous baby hooks or layups alternating sides under the rim, builds the touch and the footwork. The jump hook drill adds the catch on the block and the step into the lane. Paired with the drop step and the up and under, it gives a post player three answers to one defender.
Questions
What is a hook shot in basketball?
A one-handed shot taken with the shoulders side-on to the rim. The shooter keeps his body between the defender and the ball and releases it with the arm farther from the defender, so a block means reaching across him.
What is the difference between a hook shot and a jump hook?
The classic hook is taken off one foot with a long sweep of the arm. The jump hook is the modern, shorter version, taken off two feet after a step into the lane, with the ball kept high. Most coaches teach the jump hook first.
What age should players learn the hook shot?
The baby hook, a short hook right at the rim, can be taught as soon as players finish layups with both hands, usually around U12. The jump hook from the block follows once footwork in the post is steady.