If you are just starting to play basketball or follow the NBA you may have heard the term jumper thrown around often in conversation.
But, what is a jumper in basketball? The term “jumper” in basketball is short for jump shot. Generally, it is used when a player attempts a jump shot, but can be used for any shot that isn’t a layup or dunk attempt.
Now that you know what a jumper isn’t, such as someone running around jumping to block shots or rebounding the basketball, let’s look at some examples of how the term jumper is used.
Examples of Jumper used during a Game
The jumper is a term used by commentators during a live basketball game. Broadcasters will use jumper for short when a player takes a shot from 12 to 15 feet away from the basket.
For example in the NBA, the best shooter in the league Steph Curry may dribble the ball twice and takes a 15 ft jumper, which can also be entwined with the step-back shot or in this case the step-back jumper.
Another example would be if Steph Curry receives the outlet pass and immediately dribbles down the court, he looks as if he wants to shoot the three but instead continues his dribble and takes the 15-foot jumper.
A coach may use this terminology to tell their players to take the jumper if they were open during the game and missed the opportunity to take the shot.
A baby jumper is the same concept, it is just a shorter shot in comparison to a jumper. For example, a shot within the free-throw line or 10 feet out could be called a baby jumper.
Can a 3 point shot be a jumper? Yes! But the further the shot, the less likely the term jumper is used and something along the lines of ” From the Parking Lot” or “From Down Town” is used.
The term jumper isn’t used for floater, layups, or dunks either.
Is the jump shot and set shot the same?
No, they are actually two different types of shots that are used in the game taken by a basketball player in different situations or circumstances depending on how the defense is playing.
For example:
The set shot is used in situations where the player knows they can take their time to shoot the basketball without having to worry about the defense.
They may receive the pass when they are wide open for a shot and have all the time in the world to shoot.
A player shooting the set shot will generally jump very little when compared to the jump shot.
A jump shot is a much quicker shot that a player will take. The shot looks like a jump and then shoot. Players release the ball at the peak of their jump.
The player may feel like they are hanging in the air and then shoot the basketball.
The jump shot is a much more difficult shot to make when compared to the set shot but the trade-off of the jump shot is it’s much harder for a defender to block.
Both are used by players when the game presents the needed shot. Both types of shots would be considered a jumper.