Tim Duncan's Bank Shot
Features of TD's signature
- TD holds the ball high above his head for sudden release
- He only shoots at his sweet spot, which is 45 degrees off the baseline, a mind game on the d
- Poker face and mind game
Here is a step-by-step guide of using TD's signature
1. Stand still at an area between the high post and the low post, 45 degrees off the baseline
2. Catch the ball from your teammate and hold it above your head in shooting position
3. Keep a poker face and pretend to look around for someone to pass
4. Observe your d's position and see if there is enough distance to shoot
5. If not, do a jab-step and quick release a bank shot with minimal arc
Physical requirement
- Indifferent in the face of immense pressure
- Leveled or taller than your opposing defender
- strong wrist for quick release
Skill requirement:
- Bank-shot
- Positioning
- Triple Threat
Applicability 9/10
Well, except for the rare case that your defense is a lot taller than you, this
move has proven to be useful by TD. It is almost the quickest release of
the game because you don't need to go for arc or strength. Furthermore,
there's no cooperation required from the teammate except for yelling "off!!
get the rebound, dammit."
Flexibility 9.5/10
It is flexible in that you have not committed yourself to anything until the
very last minute of your release. When he is able to read that you are
going for the bank, you can always put the basketball back down and reestablish
the triple threat stance.
Flash-ability 7/10
Well, after all, it's just a bank shot. Nothing flashy about it. It
is, however, Mr. Fundamental's signature move. So, if you look like Duncan
(which is kinda unfortunate), then, it's somewhat flashy.
This is a very nice addition to your game because bank shots are, at certain angles towards the basketball hoop, somewhat easier to make. If you get to an angle and a position that causes your defender to immediately become aware of a possible bankshot (i.e.: You have classically conditioned that poor d to believe that at this moment in this position, you will shoot a bank shot and it will 100% go in; just like so psycho scientist made a dog drool when it hears a bell) Then you have succeeded in screwing his mind. Hence, the power of this basketball move lies in its mind game. This makes TD that hard to guard.
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