The backboard is made to make things easier for players. After all it does have a square you could aim for if needed. However, when you watch basketball, you may realize that players rarely use the backboard for anything but layups (even then it’s not always the case). In this article, we are going to go over why basketball players don’t use the backboard.
Answer To The Question: Why Basketball Players Don’t Use The Backboard That Often
As a basketball player myself, the reason I never really used it was because of depth perception. When you are right in front of the hoop getting ready to shoot, it’s hard to gauge how far the backboard is and at what angle to hit it to ensure the ball goes in. Using the backboard often requires a precise touch and angle, especially from mid-range or further out. Shooting directly into the hoop, on the other hand, allows for a more consistent and controlled release, minimizing variables. The arc of a normal jump shot gives you more of a chance to make a shot that isn’t perfect, than if you were to try and bank it. This is because of the line drive type shot you have to shoot to hit the backboard.
However, if you’re a player that gets the ball on the block like Tim Duncan often did, the backboard could be your absolute best friend because that is the very best angle to shoot bank shots from.
So the only time using the backboard is a higher percentage shot is either on a layup, or when the angle is good. Otherwise, opt to shoot a normal jumpshot.
Who Utilized The Backboard the Best Out Of Any Basketball Player?
We already mentioned him above. Tim duncan. Coach Pop of the Spurs actually came out and said more players should use the backboard like Tim, but it “isn’t cool” anymore. Here’s a video the NBA put together showing how well Tim used the backboard.