6 ms·

Isn't it just that if you're half a step away from 3 points, you might as well take the half a step back and try for 3 instead of 2 with a shot that's pretty mu

Isn't it just that if you're half a step away from 3 points, you might as well take the half a step back and try for 3 instead of 2 with a shot that's pretty much the same in difficulty?

exDM69 11y ago
Yeah, but a jump shot is more difficult after a step backwards. Perhaps it isn't if you're Kobe Bryant? :)
- lportion 11y ago
  It definitely isn't if you're James Harden.
- ohitsdom 11y ago
  > But the situation isn't really any better if you take a single step forwards. Not following your logic...
  - exDM69 11y ago
    A step forward doesn't take you that much closer to make the shot significantly easier. Of course, you're a little closer but not that much. A step backwards moves your balance and you have momentum backwards so getting an immediate upright jump shot without losing power/accuracy is more difficult. Two different things at play here. At least this is my experience as a former competitive basketball player...
    - eitally 11y ago
      I think it's situational and individual. For a big man catching the ball at the top of the key, looking for an opportunity to drive is the logical thought, but if you're a point/shooting guard, you're much more likely (through a combination of training, psychology and physical attributes) to move laterally or take a step back. And beyond the individual level, there's the near-universal truth that a spread floor is better than cramping everyone in the lane.
SherlockeHolmes 11y ago
Wing players that are trying to represent a consistent dual threat of slashing or shooting shoot a high volume from that range. Often times you only have half a second to get the shot off with good balance.
overcast 11y ago
I think it's more like they are going for a three point shot, and want to make sure it's actually in the three point area. Pretty wasteful being just over the line, and only getting two for the effort.
- theseatoms 11y ago
  You two are saying the same thing (and are both right). He's (presumably) trying to maximize points per possession. His shooting percentage is a decreasing function with respect to distance from the basket. And there's a jump in the "shot made reward function" at the 3 point line.

Isn't it just that if you're half a step away from 3 points, you might as well take the half a step back and try for 3 instead of 2 with a shot that's pretty much the same in difficulty?

exDM69 11y ago

Yeah, but a jump shot is more difficult after a step backwards. Perhaps it isn't if you're Kobe Bryant? :)

lportion 11y ago
It definitely isn't if you're James Harden.
ohitsdom 11y ago
> But the situation isn't really any better if you take a single step forwards. Not following your logic...
- exDM69 11y ago
  A step forward doesn't take you that much closer to make the shot significantly easier. Of course, you're a little closer but not that much. A step backwards moves your balance and you have momentum backwards so getting an immediate upright jump shot without losing power/accuracy is more difficult. Two different things at play here. At least this is my experience as a former competitive basketball player...
  - eitally 11y ago
    I think it's situational and individual. For a big man catching the ball at the top of the key, looking for an opportunity to drive is the logical thought, but if you're a point/shooting guard, you're much more likely (through a combination of training, psychology and physical attributes) to move laterally or take a step back. And beyond the individual level, there's the near-universal truth that a spread floor is better than cramping everyone in the lane.

SherlockeHolmes 11y ago

Wing players that are trying to represent a consistent dual threat of slashing or shooting shoot a high volume from that range. Often times you only have half a second to get the shot off with good balance.

overcast 11y ago

I think it's more like they are going for a three point shot, and want to make sure it's actually in the three point area. Pretty wasteful being just over the line, and only getting two for the effort.

theseatoms 11y ago
You two are saying the same thing (and are both right). He's (presumably) trying to maximize points per possession. His shooting percentage is a decreasing function with respect to distance from the basket. And there's a jump in the "shot made reward function" at the 3 point line.