Why Don’t More NBA Players Use the Backboard to Bank in Shots Like Tim Duncan?

Have you ever wondered why more NBA players don't use the backboard to bank shots like Tim Duncan? The answer might lie in their training and the evolution of the game.

A Fundamental Skill Becoming a Lost Art

Tim Duncan, a NBA Bank Shots master, utilized this technique extensively due to its effectiveness. According to Patrik, one reason may be a lack of dedicated training in this specific skill set. However, the main issue likely lies in the way players are trained for shooting.

Most NBA players are trained to aim directly at the basket rather than utilizing the backboard. Over years of practice, they develop muscle memory for shooting into the specific area of the basket. While they may still practice bank shots, they do not do so to the extent that they practice shooting directly at the hoop.

Despite its practicality, the bank shot is considered less attractive due to its appearance. Much like the under-handed free throw, a once-popular but now largely forgotten technique, using the backboard simply doesn't look good. This has an impact on how players choose to shoot, especially given the current focus on high-flying dunks and three-point shots.

Why the Bank Shot is Less Common Today

For players like Tim Duncan, who mastered the bank shot, it was a strategic tool. However, the game has evolved, and the opportunities to use this technique are limited. Unless a player needs to alter their shot to avoid a block, the bank shot is not commonly utilized.

Moreover, bank shots require a different angle and a separate set of practice. This makes it less common in today's fast-paced, high-energy game. With players consistently aiming for higher scoring shots like dunks and three-pointers, the bank shot is often overlooked.

The Importance of Image in Basketball

As Wilt Chamberlain demonstrated with his under-handed free throws, the aesthetics of the shot can significantly impact a player's performance. Chamberlain improved his free throw percentage by nearly 20 percentage points by using an under-handed style, yet he reverted to a conventional style the following season because it looked cooler. Similarly, the bank shot, while effective, may be dismissed for its appearance.

The midrange jump shot, another effective but less glamorous shot, has also fallen out of favor. Today, basketball is dominated by dunks and three-pointers. This shift in focus has made the bank shot a less common sight on the court.

A Natural Skill or a Learned Technique?

Tim Duncan is a notable exception to the rule. He was one of the last players to master and regularly use the bank shot. This skill, while more difficult to block due to the higher angle and aimed side, requires specific practice.

Even though the bank shot isn't as common today, it remains a fundamental skill. As the game continues to evolve, there may be a resurgence of interest in this technique, especially as players and coaches recognize its strategic value.