Programming the Jump Shot: Clearing the Misconceptions

Marvin Harvey
Jul 28
3 min read

By Marvin Harvey, The Original Shot Doctor

🚫 The Jump Shot Misconception

One of the most misunderstood elements in basketball shooting is the jump shot. Many players are taught—or assume—that the jump shot is about elevating high enough to shoot over defenders. But that’s a myth, and it’s hurting shooting percentages everywhere.

The truth is, a jump shot is simply the momentum created by the coiling and uncoiling of the body—after the ball has been released. The jump isn’t the goal, it’s a byproduct of good timing and mechanics.

That’s why I loved studying Michael Jordan. His form stayed intact—whether he was shooting a set shot or a jumper. He only jumped as high as he needed to for balance and release—not to out-jump defenders. He didn’t force shots through elevation. He let balance and timing do the work.

The Smart Shooter: Jordan & Jerry West

Through years of study, I observed that Jordan often shot set shots from the three-point line when left open. But when defenders were on the move—off-balance in speed or direction—he would plant his inside foot and pull up for a controlled, balanced jump shot.

This technique wasn’t exclusive to Jordan. Jerry West was a master of it. He’d drive a defender in one direction, stop on a dime, and rise up for a jumper—no elevation war, just high-level footwork and awareness.

Yes, Jordan could sky over defenders—but those weren’t jump shots. They were often dunks or athletic finishes at the rim. The controlled jump shot was something else entirely.

✅ How to Program a True Jump Shot

If you're going to include the jump shot in your training, here are two golden rules:

Jump as the ball is leaving your fingers, not before.
Avoid jerks, snaps, or tension in the form.

Any sudden or forced motion—especially when the ball is added—will show up immediately in the flight. Pure form leads to pure flight.

Practice Drill: The Semi-Circle Jump Shot Drill

This drill teaches timing, sequencing, and the body’s natural release rhythm.

🔁 Steps:

Start in your set-shot position
- Make sure everything is aligned inside the shoulder-width lane.
Go through the 3 R’s: Ready → Rhythm → Release
- Focus on smooth, connected motion.
As the hands rise to the top of the forehead, program the jump
- Let the jump follow the upward motion of the ball—not lead it.
Arms should move in a semi-circle and then extend outward
- This natural motion transmits power from the body to the fingertips.
Program your levels of arc
- This is critical. Remember, different shots require different arcs.

Repeat the drill until your balance feels natural and your release is repeatable.

📖 Pg. 86 – Tamika Catchings: A case study in jump shot sequencing and smooth power.

The Role of the Non-Shooting Hand Elbow

One of the most overlooked aspects of jump shot mechanics is the non-shooting hand elbow.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s perfectly fine—even beneficial—for the non-shooting elbow to open up outside the lines of the body. Why?

It creates space between the arms.
That space improves vision to the target.
It supports better eye-hand coordination.

As the semi-circle arm movement becomes more natural, you’ll notice an increase in target clarity. Your subconscious mind uses the position of the non-shooting hand to monitor alignment. Even if you're unaware of it, that information is constantly relayed to your brain to help fine-tune your motion.

✍️ Final Thought: Master the Movement, Then Add the Ball

Don’t chase elevation. Don’t force the jump. Instead, focus on balance, sequencing, and smooth release. Let the ball leave the fingertips as the body flows upward—not before. That’s how you program the jump shot, and that’s how great shooters separate themselves from the rest.