The Most Difficult Shot in Basketball, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the shot you think is the most difficult!

Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:25

In the fast-paced whirlwind of a basketball game, amidst the blur of dribbling, passing, and shooting, certain shots challenge even the most skilled players. These challenging attempts often make for the most thrilling game moments and heated discussions among fans regarding their level of difficulty. By providing a space for fans to vote and voice their opinions, each enthusiast gets a shot at shaping how these spectacular moments are viewed and ranked. Such rankings not only fuel exciting dialogues within the community but also celebrate the extraordinary skills displayed by players on the court.

What Is the Most Difficult Shot in Basketball?

1

48
votes
Half-court shot

This is considered the most difficult shot in basketball because it requires an immense amount of strength and accuracy to shoot the ball from the halfway point of the court.
The half-court shot is a basketball shot taken from the mid-court line, also known as the half-court line. It is considered one of the most difficult shots in basketball due to the long distance and the need for high accuracy.

Distance: Approximately 47 feet or 14 meters

Scoring: Made shot counts as 3 points

Difficulty: Considered a highly challenging shot

Technique: Mostly requires a two-handed overhead shot

Timing: Often attempted at the end of quarters or games
2

24
votes
Behind-the-backboard shot

This shot is difficult because it requires the shooter to shoot the ball from behind the backboard, which means that they need to have an excellent sense of spatial awareness and accuracy.
The behind-the-backboard shot is a difficult basketball shot where the shooter releases the ball from behind the backboard, aiming to score. It involves shooting the ball at an extreme angle to avoid hitting the backboard or the structure supporting it.

Difficulty Level: High

Angle: Extreme

Target: Rim

Required Precision: Very High

Release Point: Behind the Backboard
3

30
votes
Reverse layup

Nate Archibald

This shot is challenging because it requires the shooter to shoot the ball with their non-dominant hand while moving in the opposite direction.
The reverse layup is a skillful shot in basketball where the shooter approaches the basket from one side, dribbles the ball around their body, jumps off the opposite foot, and uses the backboard to finish the shot on the opposite side of the rim.

Difficulty: High

Execution: Requires excellent coordination and body control

Speed: Typically performed at high speed

Footwork: Involves jumping off the non-dominant foot

Ambidexterity: Requires good control with both hands
4

9
votes
Fadeaway shot

This shot is challenging because it requires the shooter to shoot the ball while jumping backward and away from the basket.
The Fadeaway shot is a difficult basketball shot where the shooter jumps backwards away from the defender while simultaneously releasing the ball. This technique creates separation from the defender and makes it more challenging to block or contest the shot.

Difficulty Level: Very challenging

Body Positioning: Shooter jumps backwards while maintaining balance

Seperation: Creates space from defenders

Jump Shots: Typically used with jump shots

Off-balance: Shooter is often off-balance during the shot
5

21
votes
Rick Dikeman (Copied to Commons from the English Wikipedia.) · CC BY-SA 3.0

Hook shot

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

This shot is difficult because it requires the shooter to shoot the ball using a one-handed hook motion while facing away from the basket.
The hook shot is a basketball shooting technique where the player uses a sweeping motion to release the ball from a high, arcing angle towards the basket. It is considered one of the most difficult shots in basketball due to its unique mechanics and precision required.

Difficulty: High

Release Angle: High and arcing

Arm Motion: Sweeping motion

Hand Placement: Positioned on the side of the ball

Dominant Hand: Typically the shooting hand
6

9
votes
Jump shot off the dribble

This shot is challenging because it requires the shooter to shoot the ball while jumping off one foot and in motion.
The jump shot off the dribble is a challenging basketball shot where the player jumps into the air and releases the ball while in mid-air, after dribbling the ball. This shot requires a combination of timing, balance, and accuracy. It is often used when the player is closely guarded or when there is limited time available for shooting.

Degree of difficulty: High

Technique: Release the ball with proper form while jumping.

Speed: Quick release is crucial to catch defenders off guard.

Balance: Maintaining body control during the shot is essential.

Footwork: Proper footwork enables quick elevation.
7

8
votes
Floater

This shot is difficult because it requires the shooter to shoot the ball with a soft touch while moving towards the basket in a crowded key.
The floater is a type of shot in basketball that involves a player releasing the ball into the air with a soft touch, usually from about 5 to 8 feet away from the basket. This shot is typically used when a player is driving towards the basket and is confronted by taller defenders or shot blockers. The floater allows the shooter to avoid having their shot blocked by quickly releasing the ball over the outstretched arms of the defenders. It requires excellent coordination and touch to execute successfully.

Distance: 5 to 8 feet

Purpose: To avoid shot blockers and taller defenders

Execution: Player releases the ball with a soft touch

Shooting hand: Either hand can be used

Footwork: Usually performed off one foot while driving
8

4
votes
Bank shot

This shot is challenging because it requires the shooter to shoot the ball off the backboard at an angle to score.
The bank shot is a basketball shooting technique where the ball is purposely aimed to rebound off the backboard before entering the basket.

Difficulty: Medium to difficult

Usage: Often employed by players in situations where shooting directly at the basket is challenging due to defense or distance

Accuracy: Requires honed shooting skills and precise timing

Angles: Requires understanding and utilization of different angles based on position and distance from the basket

Banking point: Depend on the player's shooting style, but generally around the junction of the backboard and the rim
9

8
votes
Three-point shot

This shot is difficult because it requires the shooter to shoot the ball from a distance of 23 feet and 9 inches from the basket.
The three-point shot is a scoring opportunity in basketball where a player shoots the ball from beyond the three-point line, which is located approximately 23.75 feet (7.24 meters) away from the center of the hoop. It is considered one of the most difficult shots due to the increased distance and the need for precise shooting technique.

Distance from the hoop: Approximately 23.75 feet (7.24 meters)

Point value: 3 points

Introduced in: 1967 (ABA) / 1979 (NBA)

NBA three-point line distance: 22 feet (6.71 meters) in the corners and 23.75 feet (7.24 meters) elsewhere

Shooting technique: Players typically use a jump shot or set shot
10

5
votes
Free throw

This shot is challenging because it requires the shooter to shoot the ball from the free-throw line without any defenders but with a lot of pressure in a critical moment of the game.
The free throw is a basic basketball shot that is taken from the free throw line, located 15 feet (4.6 meters) away from the basket. It is an unguarded shot and is typically taken after a foul is committed by an opponent. The player shooting the free throw stands alone at the free throw line and attempts to score a point by shooting the ball into the basket without any interference from defenders.

Location: The free throw is taken from the free throw line, which is 15 feet (4.6 meters) away from the basket.

Distance: The shooter must accurately shoot the ball into the basket from the designated distance.

Unguarded: The shooter is not allowed to be defended by any opponent during the shot.

Foul Shot: The free throw is typically taken after a personal foul is committed by an opponent.

Point Value: A successful free throw awards the shooting team one point.

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Ranking factors for difficult shot

Distance from the basket

The further away a player is from the basket, the more difficult it is to make the shot. Three-point shots, half-court shots, and full-court shots all require more strength, accuracy, and skill.
Defense

The presence and intensity of the opposition's defense can impact the difficulty of a shot. If a player is closely guarded or faces multiple defenders, they may have to adjust their shooting form or take a contested shot, which generally has a lower chance of going in.
Body control and balance

Shots taken off-balance, while fading away, or when the shooter's momentum is moving in a different direction are more difficult to make. Players must possess excellent body control and balance to make these types of shots consistently.
Degree of difficulty and shot type

Some shots are inherently more difficult due to the mechanics and level of precision required. For example, hook shots, bank shots, and runners are less common and often more challenging than a standard jump shot.
The shooter's ability

A player's skill level and shooting proficiency play a significant role in the difficulty of a shot. A high-percentage shooter may find certain shots less challenging than a player with a lower shooting percentage.
Game situation and pressure

The context of the game, such as the score, time remaining, and playoff implications, can impact the difficulty of a shot. Making a shot in a high-pressure situation, such as a game-winner, can be more difficult due to the increased mental and emotional factors.
Fatigue

Physical and mental fatigue can affect a player's ability to execute difficult shots. As players become more tired, their shooting form may suffer, and their focus may wane, making shots more challenging than they would be at the beginning of a game.
Shooting angle

The angle at which a player is attempting a shot can affect its difficulty. Shots from the corner or at a sharp angle from the sideline are more difficult due to decreased margin for error.
Hand in face and shot contest

If a defender is able to get a hand in the shooter's face or contest the shot, it becomes more difficult to see the basket and accurately aim the shot.
Off-hand and off-foot shooting

If a player is attempting a shot with their non-dominant hand or while jumping off their non-dominant foot, the level of difficulty increases due to the decreased control and power in the shot.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult shot in basketball. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or shot is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

3104 views
164 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each shot once every 24 hours. The rank of each shot is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most difficult shot in basketball

Basketball is a game of precision, agility, and skill. It requires players to make split-second decisions and execute them flawlessly. Shooting is one of the most important skills in basketball, and it's also one of the most difficult. While some shots may seem easy, such as a layup or a free throw, others require a high level of accuracy and finesse. One of the most challenging shots in basketball is the "fadeaway," a jump shot taken while moving backwards or sideways, often with a defender closely guarding the shooter. This shot requires not only precise footwork and body control but also a great deal of practice and confidence. Other difficult shots include the "step-back," the "floater," and the "alley-oop," each of which requires a unique set of skills and techniques. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, mastering these shots can take your game to the next level.