Mastering the Behind the Backboard Shot: Develop Elite Touch and Arc
The Behind the Backboard Shot is more than just a playground trick shot; it is an advanced finishing drill designed to develop an unguardable high-arc release and superior court awareness. Used by legends like Larry Bird and Kobe Bryant, this drill forces players to manipulate the ball's trajectory and spin to score from "impossible" angles where the visual target is obstructed. It is an essential exercise for guards and wings looking to maximize their touch around the rim and build comfort playing deep along the baseline.
How to Perform This Drill
- Setup: Stand directly behind the basket, out of bounds along the baseline, positioning yourself so the backboard is directly between you and the rim.
- Stance: Adopt a balanced, athletic stance with your knees bent, ready to generate vertical power.
- Aim: Visualize the rim through the backboard or look up over the top edge to locate your target; you will not have a clear line of sight.
- Execute: Shoot the ball with an exaggerated vertical extension, launching it high over the top of the backboard.
- Follow-through: Hold your follow-through high (gooseneck) to ensure maximum arc and backspin.
- Finish: The ball should clear the top of the board and drop straight down into the cylinder without touching the rim or backboard.
Why This Drill Works
This drill works because it acts as a constraint-led approach to shooting mechanics, specifically targeting arc and trajectory. By placing a physical obstacle (the backboard) between the shooter and the hoop, the player is forced to abandon a flat shot and adopt a high-release point, which increases the ball's entry angle into the rim. This translates directly to game situations where you must finish over the outstretched arms of tall shot-blockers in the paint. Furthermore, shooting without a clear visual of the rim enhances a player's proprioception and spatial awareness, allowing them to "feel" where the basket is even when driving into traffic.
Pro Tips
- Rainbow Arc: Focus on shooting the ball up, not out; visualize the ball dropping from the ceiling to ensure it clears the backboard safely.
- Soft Touch: Use a sharp wrist snap to generate heavy backspin, which softens the ball's landing and increases the chance of a "shooter's roll" if you hit the rim.
- Corner Variation: Once you master the shot from directly behind, move to the deep baseline corner and practice shooting over the top corner of the backboard to simulate a fadeaway from the baseline trap.
- Elbow Above Eye: Ensure your shooting elbow finishes above your eye level to guarantee the release height necessary for this shot.