Set Shot Versus Jump Shot | What’s the Difference?

The set shot and jump shot, are the same thing right? Wrong. Actually, there are a number of differences between the two. Something you may even be asking yourself is which shot you should be shooting in the game and why? This alone can increase your chances of scoring.

So you are probably wondering, what are the differences between the set shot versus the Jump shot? A set shot is a slow movement, used in a stationary position. A Jump shot is an explosive movement that is used to shot the basketball over the defender or get the shot off quickly by jumping first then shoot in mid-air.

So now that we know how they are different, which one is typically better? What situations call for each shot in-game and why? Let’s find out.

Set shot vs Jump shot | The differences

What is a set shot?

A set shot is the first type of shot you learn in basketball, and it involves one motion with your whole body, this includes legs, core, and arms working together to shoot the basketball.

Set shots are mostly known for their stationary setup when receiving the basketball. It is often used when a player catches a pass from the teammate and shots the basketball following the pass.

Set shots don’t require much of a jump in fact your feet are pretty grounded to the court. But most players do have a small hop when they are shooting the basketball. 

Set shooting involves the whole body working together to generate enough power to get the basketball to the rim. Not so with the jump shot, yes they all work in succession but it feels more like 2 parts, jump then shoot mid-air. 

Set shooters try to get open by being in a spot away from the defense, the further from the basket they are the more likely they will get an open shot.

Rarely are set shots used within 12 feet of the basket. This would be difficult to shoot such a shot as the defense is usually protecting the basket. You will need to use a jump shot in order to shoot over the defender.

The set shot is a slower less explosive move when compared to the jump shot, most players find set shots are easier to shoot, this is true for the set shot the further you are away from the basket. 

Form shooting is an excellent way to practice your set shot and practicing your set shot is an excellent way to perfect your jump shot as it improves shooting mechanics.

Types of set shots you take in games

• Three-pointers
• Free throws
• Open shots
• Also used as a pump fake
• To gain rhythm in game

If you can think back to when you played basketball for the first time yourself, the first thing you practice besides trying to dribble the ball is your set shot. Your set shot is the foundation of your basketball shooting. If you have a hard time shooting and making set shots, your jump shot will likely suffer.

Now, think about your triple threat stance the set shot is used along with the threat to pass and dribble. Good players if they can read the defense well can shoot off the triple threat with a simple set shot. They also used the set shot as a pump fake.

What is a jump shot?

A jump shot is exactly like it sounds you jump and then you shoot. For players, this feels as if you are jumping high into the air and while being in mid-air you then shoot the basketball.

This requires a lot more energy and power when compared to the set shot. Usually used when performing an explosive move or setting up a quick shot.

The key to scoring more points is to have this in your arsenal. Having a consistent jumper will make you more aggressive as a player which leads to more points.

Shooting a jump shot doesn’t mean you need to jump your highest or have a 40 inch vertical every time you shoot. But it does require to be explosive and quick when shooting.

These are difficult shots for a player to make consistently, a key attribute for a player to make more jump shots is increasing their conditioning for games.

There will be times in games when your legs are tired and shooting jump shots when tired makes it even more difficult to make because you are not able to put enough power behind the shot when shooting.

Your shooting fundamentals tend to break down in your jump shot the further you are from the basket, this is due to the lack of strength.

You can improve your chances of making the basket by using your forward momentum and speed as long as you are in control of your body and the shot.

Types of shots you take with jump shots

The reason the jump shot works is that it is quick and hard to guard. The player shooting the jump shot will have a slight advantage due to how explosive the movement is.

The jump shot is used to shoot over tall players to avoid being blocked. Guards use the jump shot far more than the forward and center position would need. The big man position doesn’t require it but can be used.

Jump shots are used in the following scenarios in basketball:

• Pull up jumper
• One on one situations involving dribble moves
• Fast breaks
• Beating a player to a spot
• Drawing fouls
• Difficult three-pointers
• Shooting in the key

Shooting a jump shot with no movement or forward momentum is difficult to do, and isn’t recommended if you can get the same shot up with a set shot. You will be a lot more relaxed and not have to worry about how high to jump while shooting.

The less you have to think about when you shoot the better. You minimize the risk of missing because there is more room for error while maximizing the potential for making the basket.

Which shot is better the set shot or jump shot?

There is a place and time for each shot in the game of basketball, for example:

You are wide open at the three-point line? Which shot should you use? Set Shot

You are just broke a player’s ankles with a killer crossover? Which shot should you use? Jump Shot

You are shooting free throws? What shot should you use? Set Shot

You blow by your man and the center helps and you are going to shoot the ball at the elbow, what shot do you use? Jump shot

There are positives and negatives to using each one during a basketball game, these are your tools to get the job done. This should give you a hint that you should be practicing each type of shot. 

Many players only have set shots and have a hard time shooting jump shots, so they just decide not to shoot them at all? There is a strong correlation between basketball players who have only one type of shot and their shooting performance.

Players who only shoot set shoots tend to have a higher shooting percentage but a lower number of average points. They basically rely on teammates passing them the ball when they are open rather than creating their own shot. Think of a player like Joe Harris who plays for the Brooklyn Nets.

A Jump shooter’s shooting percentage is generally worse than a set shooter’s. They generally shoot the majority of their shots with a jump shot and will even do so if they are not moving. Think of a Rusell Westbrook-type player.

A combination of the two is really what you need to have to be an excellent scorer, all the great players have both types of shots they use in their game.

The above examples are not always the case, a jump shooter named Ray Allen who I am sure most of you heard of before shoots almost all of his shots with a jump shot even from the three-point line, moving or not.

While he is one of the best three-point shooters in the history of the NBA behind Steph Curry, some may argue it’s his perfect form that allows him to do shoot so well.  

Most players will find they are better at shooting set shots than they are jump shots. Jump shots are difficult shots to master but coupled with set shots they are both required if you want to be able to score a lot of points.

Having a pull-up jumper is necessary to play at the next level. If you take a look at all the top scoring guards in the NBA, they all generally have a jump shot that they can use to score. 

Which is more accurate?

The accuracy of the shot will depend on the player, practice time, and mechanics. If you want an easier answer then it’s the set shot as it requires less energy while allowing you to relax and concentrate on the target.

Having to balance and straighten yourself mid-air, you are going to have a lot of jump shots missing left and right far more than a set shot. While also comparing the amount of power needed for both, the lack of power for a jump shot will have you always missing short.

The jump shot is an advanced shot that a player will use after acquiring shooting fundaments from their set shot. The difficulty of the shot is preventing form breaking down which will cause you to miss and being balanced while in the air and shooting.

How to know when to shoot either?

This can only be answered through experience. Yes, I provided you a list of what type of shots to use in different scenarios but the reality is that it will depend on the type of player you are and what you are looking to accomplish on the court.

If you are trying to score a lot of points you will more likely take more jump shots than set shots in a game, unless you are shooting a lot more deep range threes with no one guarding you.