Does the “dip” increase the accuracy of the jump shot in highly skilled basketball players?

Abstract

The present study assessed the jump shot performance of elite high-school and university students to determine whether or not the “dip” increased shot accuracy. There remains a debate between coaches who believe “dipping” is too slow and coaches who believe “dipping” increases accuracy. A mixed design was used for the present study with high-school and university players all performing shots with and without the “dip” at four distances: 3.125m, 4.925m, 6.025m, and 6.75m. Thirty-six athletes completed the study with accuracy being measured using Hardy-Parfitt’s (1991) six-point scale. Secondary dependent variables were collected, including shot speed and shot arc. The results of the present study indicate that the “dip” led to increased accuracy of the jump shot, showing a larger effect among high school shooters, compared to university shooters. This means that the shooter must determine whether using the “dip” and increasing shot accuracy, but reducing shot speed, which was also statistically significant, will be beneficial.