JUMP SHOT Stance, Bridge, and Stroke Variations Useful to Know

[dr_dave]

FYI, I just posted a new video that discusses, demonstrates, and analyzes various jump shot stance and stroke technique alternatives including the normal under-hand stroke, the over-hand dart stroke, and the sidearm stroke, which is commonly used among pro players. I also look at useful stance and bridge variations for jump shots that are difficult to reach:

Contents:
0:00 - Intro
0:43 - Sidearm Stroke
2:17 - Stroke Comparison
4:42 - Tough to Reach Jumps
6:04 - Highly Elevated Jumps
7:14 - Wrap Up

As always, I look forward to your feedback, comments, questions, complaints, and requests.

Enjoy!

 

[dr_dave]

FYI, here's the earlier video mentioned at the beginning that covers all jump shot technique basics:

 

[Jimmorrison]

Excellent vid

 

[dr_dave]

Excellent vid

Thanks! I enjoyed making this, and now I can jump using the sidearm stroke, which I had never really tried much before making the video.

 

[MitchAlsup]

Thank you, I enjoyed that.

 

[dr_dave]

Thank you

You're welcome.

I enjoyed that.

I'm glad to hear it.

 

[Rocket354]

Dave,

I enjoyed the video, but have a couple of constructive thoughts:

1) The explanation that most pros use the sidearm method because "most pros are short" was unsatisfying. I feel like the pros would use whatever method gives them the best chances of success which might mean a variety of techniques depending on the needs of any particular jump. I do think you ended up indirectly answering the question at the end when you point out that the sidearm is the most versatile--that combined with only having to learn one technique might be why so many use it.

2) My personal issue with sidearm was not discussed. My concern is that it's hard to center my stroke on the cue ball. By going sidearm, my natural arm motion gives the cue sideways movement, essentially make it either a) hard for me to hit the cue ball center, or, b) hitting in a swiping motion (or some combination of both) which results in a lot of unintended spin and a resulting masse effect. Now, perhaps this is just my jump stroke in general--I usually use and am most proficient with underhand, in which case a similar poor stroke would just mean something like more draw on the cue ball. But I have a decent normal stroke when I'm playing, so I imagine many other proficient players might encounter a similar issue when attempting the sidearm stroke. Methods for account for this issue, beyond the suggestion to keep your upper arm fixed, would be helpful information. Or maybe I'm just being too selfish to my own needs for this second criticism.

Thanks, as always. Your work is always greatly appreciated.

 

[dr_dave]

Dave,

I enjoyed the video, but have a couple of constructive thoughts:

1) The explanation that most pros use the sidearm method because "most pros are short" was unsatisfying.

Understood, especially if I just left it at that. Later in the video (and especially at the end) I point out how versatile the sidearm stance and stroke are. That's the main reason why pros use it.

2) My personal issue with sidearm was not discussed. My concern is that it's hard to center my stroke on the cue ball. By going sidearm, my natural arm motion gives the cue sideways movement, essentially make it either a) hard for me to hit the cue ball center, or, b) hitting in a swiping motion (or some combination of both) which results in a lot of unintended spin and a resulting masse effect.

That's why it is so important to keep the shoulder, upper arm, and elbow as still as possible during the stroke (which I did mention). It is also helpful to have the forearm perpendicular to the cue at CB address (which I should have mentioned but didn't). Just as with a pendulum stroke, this results in the tip moving very straight both before and immediately after tip contact.

Thanks, as always. Your work is always greatly appreciated.

You're welcome.

 

[Jimmorrison]

Anyone working on this? Success, failure, comments or insights?

 

[justnum]

Will you sell the jump bridge? Will you provide a 3d printable model attachment of the jump bridge available for free download?

 

[bbb]

dave
do you realize you "normal" elbow up stroke is at a approximate 45 degree angle ?

 

[dr_dave]

dave
do you realize you "normal" elbow up stroke is at a approximate 45 degree angle ?

It varies with cue elevation, but it is very different from the sidearm stance and stroke. At lower elevations, the forearm is more vertical. Getting the elbow as high as I can for a given elevation, with a less closed stance (as compared to the sidearm stance and stroke), makes the stroke feel more "normal."

 

[trob]

I’ll have to give this a watch. I struggle with jumping accuracy. Hitting the ball isn’t a problem but I struggle to hit center ball.

 

[dr_dave]

I’ll have to give this a watch. I struggle with jumping accuracy. Hitting the ball isn’t a problem but I struggle to hit center ball.

FYI, the advice in my early jump technique video might also be helpful:

 

[Maxx]

Anyone working on this? Success, failure, comments or insights?

I’ve been trying it for a few weeks. It seems like I have more control over the jump, as far as how high and the landing zone. Still trying to dial in my aiming. Short jumps are okay, but not where I was on the longer ones.

It is a less stressful (physically) setup and I feel like I can reach more jumps. I’m going to continue practicing and see where it leads.

 

[EddieBme]

It varies with cue elevation, but it is very different from the sidearm stance and stroke. At lower elevations, the forearm is more vertical. Getting the elbow as high as I can for a given elevation, with a less closed stance (as compared to the sidearm stance and stroke), makes the stroke feel more "normal."

Great video Dave. Some valuable info.

 

[dr_dave]

Great video Dave. Some valuable info.

Thanks. I’m glad you found it helpful.

 

[kling&allen]

FYI, I just posted a new video that discusses, demonstrates, and analyzes various jump shot stance and stroke technique alternatives including the normal under-hand stroke, the over-hand dart stroke, and the sidearm stroke, which is commonly used among pro players. I also look at useful stance and bridge variations for jump shots that are difficult to reach:

Contents:
0:00 - Intro
0:43 - Sidearm Stroke
2:17 - Stroke Comparison
4:42 - Tough to Reach Jumps
6:04 - Highly Elevated Jumps
7:14 - Wrap Up

As always, I look forward to your feedback, comments, questions, complaints, and requests.

Enjoy!

I'm tall like you, but apparently with much less flexibility. I've never been able to use the underhand jump stroke as I can't comfortably rotate to get the necessary angle. That's always limited me to the dart stroke and I hadn't bothered trying the sidearm stroke until your video. So thanks for the excellent content!

 

[dr_dave]

I'm tall like you, but apparently with much less flexibility. I've never been able to use the underhand jump stroke as I can't comfortably rotate to get the necessary angle. That's always limited me to the dart stroke and I hadn't bothered trying the sidearm stroke until your video. So thanks for the excellent content!

Per the info and demonstrations in my earlier jump technique video, it helps to get as forward as possible, with the front arm bent and the head almost over the CB:

But if you can jump effectively with a dart stroke, there is no reason to change.