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Hook shot

A hook shot, also known as a running one-hander or one-arm shot, is a basketball offensive move in which a player, typically facing away from the basket, shoots the ball using one arm in a sweeping upward arc while keeping the body positioned to protect the ball from defenders.^[1] It is particularly effective in the post, close to the basket, due to the shooter's body shielding and the ball's high, arcing trajectory that is difficult to block.^[2] The hook shot was first documented in official competition in 1937, when Lithuanian-American player Pranas Talzūnas used it during the EuroBasket tournament, and gained widespread prominence in the 1940s through professional players like George Mikan.^[1]^[3] It evolved into key variations such as the skyhook and remains a reliable scoring option within 10–12 feet of the rim, though less common in modern play emphasizing perimeter shooting.^[4]

History

Origins

The hook shot in basketball traces its roots to the evolution of one-handed shooting techniques that emerged in the 1930s, particularly in amateur and college play, where players began experimenting with fluid, single-arm motions to improve scoring efficiency over the era's dominant two-handed set shots. The hook shot's earliest recorded use in competitive play dates to 1937 EuroBasket, where Lithuanian player Pranas Talzūnas utilized it effectively for the champion Lithuanian team.^[5] In the 1940s, Reece "Goose" Tatum of the Harlem Globetrotters is widely credited with inventing the modern hook shot, introducing a distinctive style executed without looking at the basket to add flair and unpredictability during exhibition games.^[6] Tatum, standing at 6'6" with exceptional arm length, perfected this ambidextrous shot as part of his athletic repertoire, often combining it with comedic elements that entertained audiences while demonstrating its effectiveness.^[7] His innovation helped elevate the Globetrotters' performances and influenced contemporary players seeking versatile scoring options. The hook shot saw its first prominent professional adoption in the mid-1940s through George Mikan with the Minneapolis Lakers, where it quickly became a cornerstone for tall centers navigating tight defenses.^[8] Mikan, who began refining the shot during his college days at DePaul before entering pro leagues in 1946, used its high arc and extended reach to counter zone defenses prevalent in early professional basketball, making him nearly unstoppable in the post and prompting rule changes like the widening of the lane.^[8] This integration marked the shot's transition from exhibition novelty to a reliable weapon in competitive play.

Development in the NBA

The hook shot emerged as a cornerstone of NBA offense in the 1950s and 1960s, adopted by prominent big men like Bob Pettit and Bill Russell, who leveraged it for consistent scoring amid tightening man-to-man defenses that emphasized physicality in the paint. Pettit, a two-time MVP with the St. Louis Hawks, employed the looping hook as a reliable weapon from the low post, averaging 26.4 points per game over his career and powering the team's upset victory over the Boston Celtics in the 1958 NBA Finals for their lone championship.^[9]^[10] Russell, meanwhile, utilized his signature left-handed hook shot to complement his defensive prowess, averaging 15.1 points across 963 games while anchoring the Celtics' dynasty that captured 11 titles in 13 seasons, often exploiting gaps created by double-teams on teammates.^[11]^[12] As the NBA expanded in the 1960s—adding franchises like the Chicago Bulls in 1966 and the San Francisco Warriors' relocation—the hook shot became integral to team strategies focused on post-up plays, enabling centers to draw fouls and convert at high rates in an era dominated by inside scoring. Before the three-point line's debut in the 1979-80 season, which initially served as a one-year experiment to stretch defenses, low-post execution via the hook allowed teams to control tempo and exploit narrower lanes without perimeter threats diluting interior focus.^[13]^[14] The shot's strategic value was underscored by its role in elevating scoring efficiency for dominant centers, as seen in Wilt Chamberlain's prolific usage during low-post possessions in the 1960s. Chamberlain posted field-goal percentages exceeding 50% in eight of his first ten seasons—including .540 in 1965-66—far surpassing the league average of around 43%, which facilitated his record-breaking outputs like 50.4 points per game in 1961-62 and helped sustain high-efficiency offenses amid physical, help-side defenses.^[15]

Decline in Modern Usage

The hook shot's prominence began to wane in the NBA following the 1980s, as the league shifted toward a perimeter-oriented style of play emphasizing speed, spacing, and outside shooting. This transition was accelerated by the introduction of the three-point line in 1979-80, which gradually revolutionized offensive strategies, with attempts rising from fewer than 3 per team per game in the early 1980s to over 35 by the 2020s, encouraging guards and wings to dominate scoring rather than traditional post play. Players like Michael Jordan exemplified this era's guard-centric approach, blending mid-range jumpers, drives, and occasional threes to lead the Chicago Bulls to six championships from 1991 to 1998, influencing a generation of athletes to prioritize versatility over specialized post moves like the hook.^[16]^[17] Contributing to the hook's decline were the evolving physical demands on big men and heightened injury risks associated with repetitive post positioning. Modern centers and forwards are required to defend across multiple positions, run the floor at a faster pace—up from about 90 possessions per game in the 1980s to over 100 today—and engage in constant screening and switching, which strains joints and increases lower-body injury rates, such as ankle sprains and knee issues that affected 20-25% of big men annually in recent seasons. The hook shot, reliant on precise footwork and body control in the post, exposes players to these risks without the payoff of quicker transition opportunities or perimeter creation, leading coaches to favor less taxing options like pick-and-rolls or face-up drives.^[18] Defensive adaptations further marginalized the hook shot, as athletic forwards and improved team schemes neutralized post isolation. The rise of help defense, where off-ball defenders rotate to contest interior shots, combined with shot-blockers like Hakeem Olajuwon in the 1990s and later stars such as Rudy Gobert, made hooks vulnerable to swats. More mobile bigs, capable of switching onto perimeter threats, disrupted traditional post entries, forcing offenses away from low-block setups where hooks thrive.^[19] Statistical trends underscore this decline, with post-up possessions—many of which historically featured hooks—dropping from roughly 9-10% of plays in the mid-2010s to under 6% by 2021-22, generating just 0.97 points per possession on average, below league efficiency norms. In the NBA, hook shots now comprise a tiny fraction of overall attempts, often under 5% for most teams, compared to their staple role in earlier eras when post play dominated big-man scoring.^[20]^[21]

Technique

Fundamentals

The hook shot begins with effective post positioning, where the player establishes themselves deep in the paint with their back to the basket to maximize space and leverage against defenders. This setup typically involves feet positioned shoulder-width apart and knees flexed for stability, allowing the player to receive the ball securely while facing away from the hoop. Footwork such as the drop step—pivoting on the foot nearer the lane (opposite the shooting hand for baseline moves) and stepping backward with the baseline-side foot (same side as the shooting hand)—helps create separation from the defender by dipping the knee and turning the body fluidly toward the basket.^[4]^[3] Balance and pivot are crucial for maintaining control during the shot, requiring a strong base with one foot firmly planted as the pivot foot to anchor the movement. The player must shield the ball using their head, shoulders, and body to protect it from swipes or steals, keeping the non-shooting elbow extended parallel to the floor for added protection and distance. This positioning ensures the body stays between the defender and the ball, promoting a low and wide athletic stance that supports fluid pivoting without losing equilibrium.^[4]^[3]^[22] The arm extension and release emphasize a high arc trajectory to navigate over outstretched defender arms, achieved by fully extending the shooting arm in a sweeping, ear-to-ear motion overhead. A sharp wrist snap at the point of release imparts backspin and a soft touch on the rim, with the ball departing off the index finger for precision and control. This technique relies on fingertip control and a smooth follow-through to ensure the shot's consistency near the basket.^[4]^[23]^[22] These core principles form the basis for variations like the skyhook or jump hook, which adapt the positioning and release for heightened difficulty or mobility.^[3]

Step-by-Step Execution

The execution of the hook shot begins with receiving the ball in the post position, typically with the back to the basket near the low block or mid-post area, establishing a strong base with feet shoulder-width apart and knees flexed for balance.^[24] From there, pivot toward the basket using the inside foot— the non-shooting foot, such as the left foot for a right-handed shooter—to turn the body sideways while keeping the defender behind and the ball protected on the shooting side.^[4] This pivot creates separation and aligns the body to shield the shot path.^[3] Next, square the shoulders slightly to the basket while maintaining the defender on the back, ensuring the body stays between the opponent and the ball to prevent swats or steals.^[24] Simultaneously, raise the ball high above the head with the shooting hand underneath for support and the non-shooting hand on top or behind initially, flexing the shooting elbow at hip level in a locked position to prepare for the upward motion.^[4] This high elevation arc protects the release point from defensive reach.^[3] Finally, extend the shooting arm fully in a smooth arc motion from hip to above the head—often described as ear-to-ear—releasing the ball with the fingertips and a wrist snap to impart backspin for a soft, accurate finish off the backboard or rim.^[24] Emphasize a complete follow-through by holding the shooting arm extended and flicking the wrist downward, landing balanced and ready to pursue any rebound, while the non-shooting arm remains raised to ward off the defender without fouling.^[4] The standard form assumes right-hand dominance for right-side post-ups, with the pivot and arm motion mirroring for left-hand usage to add versatility against switching defenses.^[3] Ambidextrous execution enhances unpredictability, as players align the elbow with the hip on either side to avoid crossing the arm over the head.^[4]

Common Drills

Common drills for the hook shot emphasize repetitive practice to build muscle memory, footwork, and finishing ability under varying conditions. These exercises target the core mechanics of pivoting, protecting the ball, and releasing smoothly, progressing from isolated repetitions to contested scenarios. Players typically perform them in sets of 10-20 makes per side to ensure consistency and fatigue resistance. The Mikan Drill, named after Hall of Famer George Mikan who developed it to perfect his ambidextrous hook shot during his time at DePaul University and with the Minneapolis Lakers, involves alternating hook shots from close range directly under the basket.^[8]^[25] Starting on the right side, the player shoots a right-handed hook off the backboard, immediately rebounds, pivots to the left side for a left-handed hook, and continues without dribbling until achieving a predetermined number of consecutive makes, such as 10 per side.^[26] This drill builds rhythm through continuous motion, enhances ambidexterity by forcing off-hand usage, and improves touch and coordination around the rim, making it ideal for beginners to develop foundational finishing skills.^[25] The Chair Drill uses a chair placed in the low post to simulate a defender's body, allowing players to practice pivoting and releasing the hook shot under simulated contact and pressure.^[27] The player begins in the middle of the lane, curls around the chair toward the baseline or middle while facing the sideline, retrieves the ball from the floor or a spot near the chair, executes a drop step or jump stop for balance, protects the ball with the off-arm, and shoots a hook shot over the imaginary defender.^[27] Variations include drop-stepping to the baseline for angle adjustment or curling to the middle for straight-line finishes, performed in reps of 5-10 per side to reinforce footwork and arc protection. This exercise specifically targets the ability to maintain balance and elevation despite contact, translating to effective post play.^[27] The One-on-One Post Drill incorporates live defense to apply hook shot technique in game-like situations, with a focus on footwork counters against active resistance.^[28] The offensive player receives a pass in the low post above the block, reads the defender's position, and executes moves such as a drop step baseline or lane jump hook, using pivots and counters like up-and-under fakes to create space for the shot.^[28] The defender contests without fouling, and play continues until a score or turnover, rotating roles after each possession for 5-10 reps. This drill enhances decision-making, footwork adjustments like the drop step to evade help defense, and finishing under pressure, bridging individual practice to competitive scenarios.^[28]

Variations

Skyhook

The skyhook is a specialized one-handed hook shot in basketball, executed from the low post with the shooter's back to the basket, involving maximum arm extension to release the ball at an extreme height over the defender's outstretched arms. This creates a distinctive high-arcing, rainbow-like trajectory, typically attempted from 8 to 12 feet from the hoop, allowing the ball to descend softly into the cylinder. Mechanically, the shooter pivots perpendicular to the rim after catching the pass, protects the ball with their body and off-arm while fully elongating the shooting arm upward, and imparts backspin via a wrist flick for controlled rotation and accuracy. Unlike the conventional hook, the skyhook dispenses with a two-handed guide hand on the ball, relying instead on precise timing and balance—often with a slight hop off the pivot foot and raised opposite knee—to generate the upward sweep. Popularized by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who developed it in his youth.^[29]^[30] The shot's effectiveness stems from its defensive elusiveness, as the elevated release point, combined with the ball's spin and unpredictable arc, renders it nearly impossible to block, even by elite rim protectors who must contest from awkward angles below the trajectory. This height advantage, achieved through full shoulder turn and arm length, keeps the ball far from reaching hands while the body shields against swipes or bumps. For proficient users, the skyhook was a highly reliable isolation move in contested post scenarios, providing a counter to zone or help defenses. Its soft landing also minimizes rattles on the rim, enhancing consistency under pressure. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's career field goal percentage was 55.9%, with the skyhook being his signature shot.^[29] Historically, the skyhook was developed in the mid-1960s by Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) and refined during his professional career in the 1970s, as post players adapted to tougher interior matchups by vertically extending the motion for superior elevation and speed. This evolution shifted the emphasis from the sweeping, horizontal arm path of earlier hooks—common in the 1950s and 1960s—to a more streamlined, one-armed launch that prioritized arc over lateral travel, making it quicker to deploy and harder to anticipate. By the decade's end, the technique had solidified as a hallmark of post dominance, honed through repetitive drills focusing on footwork and release consistency to exploit its inherent unguardability.^[31]^[30]

Jump Hook

The jump hook represents a dynamic adaptation of the hook shot, incorporating a vertical jump to generate separation from defenders while maintaining the shot's fundamental arcing release. This variation enhances the offensive player's ability to score in contested spaces by combining pivoting footwork with airborne execution, making it a high-percentage option near the basket.^[32]^[27] Mechanically, the jump hook begins with a quick pivot to align the body perpendicular to the basket, drawing from the core setup of standard hook techniques. The player then explodes into a one- or two-foot jump, typically off the foot farther from the basket, while bringing the ball to shoulder height for protection. Mid-air, the shooting arm extends upward in a hooking motion, culminating in a wrist flick at the jump's peak to propel the ball toward the rim, creating elevation over the defender's contest.^[33]^[27] This shot proves effective against aggressive fronting defenders who position themselves between the ball handler and the basket, as the jump allows the player to rise above their reach and arc the ball downward. It is most often utilized from mid-post positions, roughly 5 to 10 feet from the hoop, where defenders crowd the lane but cannot fully deny the vertical threat.^[33]^[32] For optimal ball handling, the player secures the ball tightly against the body—ideally at shoulder level—during ascent to shield it from swats, employing the non-shooting arm and torso as barriers. Emphasis is placed on a controlled, soft landing to absorb impact, preserve balance, and prepare for rebounds or secondary moves amid physical contact.^[27]^[32]

Running Hook

The running hook is an off-balance variation of the hook shot executed during movement, particularly suited for guards and forwards penetrating the lane in transition or fast breaks. To perform it, a player dribbles toward the basket, gathers the ball with a jump stop or one-footed plant, and releases a one-handed hook while still in motion, sweeping the arm high across the body to arc the ball over defenders. This technique leverages momentum from the dribble penetration to generate power, often finishing with a push off the non-pivot foot for elevation.^[27]^[4] For smaller players like guards, the running hook requires adaptations such as a lower release point and increased body torque to compensate for limited height and reach. Point guard Steve Nash, standing at 6 feet, exemplified this by using a crafty running hook to score against taller interior defenders, relying on quick footwork and hip rotation to shield the ball and elevate the shot. This adaptation emphasizes protecting the ball with the body during the drive, allowing perimeter players to finish effectively near the rim without relying on vertical leap.^[27] While highly effective for evading help defense—the high, arcing release path makes it difficult for rotating defenders to contest without fouling—the running hook carries a higher risk of turnovers due to its reliance on speed and balance under pressure. The moving execution can lead to stripped passes or lost control if the gather timing is off, but its reward lies in creating separation in crowded lanes during fast breaks, turning potential help defense traps into scoring opportunities.^[27]^[4]

Notable Users

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar first encountered the foundations of his skyhook through the Mikan drill in the fifth or sixth grade, a technique named after early NBA star George Mikan that emphasized shooting hooks with loft from close range under the basket.^[34] A local coach introduced him to the drill via a college student from the neighborhood, allowing the young Lew Alcindor (Abdul-Jabbar's birth name) to develop an unblockable shot against taller opponents in New York City gyms.^[35] He continued practicing the move extensively, gradually extending its range while adapting it into a more fluid, high-arcing motion. At UCLA, under legendary coach John Wooden, Abdul-Jabbar refined the skyhook into a cornerstone of his offensive arsenal, particularly after a 1967 college rule change banned dunking, which forced reliance on mid-range and post shots.^[29] The technique powered UCLA to three consecutive NCAA championships from 1967 to 1969, where Abdul-Jabbar averaged over 20 points per game in his varsity seasons.^[36] Upon entering the NBA as the No. 1 overall pick of the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969, he debuted the skyhook professionally, quickly establishing it as his go-to scoring weapon and earning Rookie of the Year honors with 28.8 points per game.^[36] Throughout his 20-year NBA career, the skyhook accounted for a substantial portion of Abdul-Jabbar's then-record 38,387 points, contributing to six championships— one with the Bucks in 1971 and five with the Lakers from 1980 to 1988— and a record six MVP awards.^[37] More than 70% of his points came from two-point field goals, many executed via the skyhook, which bolstered his career field-goal percentage of 55.9%, eighth-highest in NBA history.^[38] The shot's mechanics—releasing with shoulders perpendicular to the rim and an extended arm to ward off defenders—rendered it virtually unblockable, as Abdul-Jabbar later noted it was never swatted by a direct opponent, even against elite shot-blockers like Manute Bol.^[29] Abdul-Jabbar's mastery of the skyhook solidified its status as the defining move for dominant centers during the 1970s and 1980s, shifting coaching emphases toward intricate post play and footwork to exploit interior scoring.^[31] By the mid-1980s, as peers like Bob Lanier and Willis Reed retired, he remained the last prominent user of the hook as a primary weapon, influencing generations of big men while underscoring the era's focus on efficient, paint-bound offense over perimeter shooting.^[31] This legacy endures, with the skyhook symbolizing unparalleled precision and dominance in basketball history.

Other Prominent Players

George Mikan, a pioneer of the post-World War II era, revolutionized the center position in the 1940s and 1950s with his ambidextrous two-handed hook shot, which he executed with remarkable accuracy and soft touch off the backboard.^[8] Standing at 6'10", Mikan dominated the paint for the Minneapolis Lakers, leading them to five NBA championships in 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, and 1954 while averaging over 23 points per game in his career.^[39] His hook shot was so effective that it prompted the league to widen the key from six to 12 feet in 1951 to counter his inside dominance.^[40] In the 1990s, Hakeem Olajuwon elevated the hook shot through integration with his signature "Dream Shake," a series of footwork feints that created space for one-handed hooks and up-and-unders.^[41] Olajuwon's finesse and body control made the move nearly unblockable, contributing to his offensive output as he led the Houston Rockets to NBA championships in 1994 and 1995, earning Finals MVP honors both times.^[42] Complementing his scoring, Olajuwon's defensive prowess—highlighted by two Defensive Player of the Year awards in 1993 and 1994—allowed him to anticipate and counter opponents' attempts at similar post moves.^[41] During the 1960s, centers Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell employed the hook shot as a high-volume scoring tool, though their styles contrasted sharply: Chamberlain's powerful, sweeping hooks emphasized raw athleticism and volume, while Russell's finessed, one-handed versions prioritized precision and efficiency within team play.^[43] Chamberlain famously showcased the shot in his 100-point performance on March 2, 1962, where numerous field goals, including hooks from various angles, powered the Philadelphia Warriors to victory.^[43] Russell, known for his defensive intensity, used hooks to complement his rebounding and passing, helping the Boston Celtics secure 11 championships across his 13 seasons.^[44] Tim Duncan, a power forward for the San Antonio Spurs from 1997 to 2016, frequently utilized a reliable hook shot, often banked off the backboard, as part of his fundamental post game. This move contributed to his efficiency in the paint, helping the Spurs win five NBA championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014) and earning him three Finals MVP awards.^[45] Magic Johnson, the Los Angeles Lakers' legendary point guard, incorporated a "baby skyhook" or junior hook shot into his repertoire, exemplified by his game-winning shot in Game 4 of the 1987 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. This variation added versatility to his playmaking, aiding in five championships during the 1980s.^[46] In modern basketball, players like Nikola Jokić have revived the hook shot in hybrid offenses, blending it with playmaking and mid-range touch to exploit spacing.^[47] Jokić's one-handed hooks, often delivered after dribble handoffs or post-ups, have become a reliable weapon in the Denver Nuggets' system, contributing to his three MVP awards from 2021 to 2024 and the 2023 NBA championship. Despite the shot's decline due to the emphasis on perimeter play and zone defenses, such adaptations demonstrate its enduring versatility.^[31] James Harden has also incorporated hook shots for scoring in tight spaces, enhancing his versatility as a guard in various systems throughout his career.^[48]

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Top Moments: Magic's 'junior sky hook' lifts Lakers over Celtics - NBA
The 'junior, junior sky hook' from Johnson helps the Lakers seize control in Game 4 and go on to win the series in 6 games.
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Nikola Jokic hook shot | NBA.com
Nikola Jokic hook shot. ... NBA BAL Icon. Basketball Africa League. Schedule; NBA Cup; League Pass; Games