Geometry In Basketball

An Introduction to the Parabolic Shot

A Davidian Lesson by Coach Robert

TYPE: Tool Lesson

The 3 Types of Lessons: Skills, Maneuvers, & Tools

What is Skill in basketball?
Skill is knowledge that allows you to solve a problem.
What are Maneuvers in basketball
Physical actions that serve a purpose on the court (i.e. hesitate or counter uphill/downhill).
What are Tools in basketball?
A skill and maneuver combined

The Davidian Process:

Instructions: HEADPHONES REQUIRED!!! Follow the 3 Tenets and complete the Davidian Worksheet at the bottom of this lesson.

(click the red terms to jump to each tenet):

LEARN | PRACTICE | APPLY

~ LEARN ~

1st Tenet: Identify the problem & purpose

The Problem:

Why Form Shooting and Traditional American Sports Are Holding Us Back

In the journey to develop students of the game, two significant barriers often stand in the way of mastering the craft: form shooting and the biases ingrained by traditional American sports culture. Let's break these down and understand why they are detrimental and how we can move past them.

1. The Problem with Form Shooting

Form shooting has long been hailed as a cornerstone of basketball training. Coaches and teachers preach its importance, drilling players on how their shot should look. However, this focus on appearance rather than outcome has done more harm than good. Here’s why:

It Prioritizes Image Over Function.
Form shooting teaches players to obsess over aesthetics—where their elbow is, how their wrist snaps, or how their body aligns. While there is some merit in biomechanics, the primary objective of shooting is to get the ball through the basket. What matters most is what the ball does, not how a player looks while shooting.

This obsession with form can create mental hitches and self-doubt, particularly in players who start to second-guess their natural rhythm and feel for the game. Many promising shooters have been derailed by this very fixation, losing the fluidity and confidence that make a great shot.
The Legacy of a Narrow Perspective.
Form shooting emerged from a time when the people in positions of authority, such as coaches and teachers, often shared a singular, unimaginative worldview rooted in bigotry. This was especially true in the mid-late 20th century when conformity was prized over creativity. Basketball, like society, was subjected to these rigid standards.

Unfortunately, those outdated ideas have lingered. Even as the original proponents of these techniques fade from relevance, their influence endures, shaping the game in ways that often hinder its evolution. The question is: why do we still cling to these old relics? Basketball is an art form, and no single idea should dominate its landscape for half a century or more unless it contains truth, not lies.

2. The Influence of Traditional American Sports

In the U.S., sports culture has historically emphasized brute strength, upper-body dominance, and straightforward, linear motion. Think of football, weightlifting, arm wrestling, and even boxing. While these sports have their virtues, they instill a mindset that can be counterproductive for basketball.

Arm-Dominance Over Leg-Involvement.

This cultural bias leads many players to believe that shooting is primarily an arm-driven action. They focus on their arms to generate power, neglecting the role of their legs and feet. In reality, the legs—specifically the balls of the feet—are essential for creating lift and establishing the parabolic arc needed for a successful shot.

Transitioning to this mindset can feel alien for many players raised in this arm-centric sports culture. Using the legs as the primary driver of power—and letting the arms and hands refine and aim the shot—requires reprogramming deeply ingrained habits.

A New Approach to Shooting

To create a reliable and effective shot, players must rethink the relationship between their feet, hands, and eyes:

Balls of the Feet: Get set and throw the ball in the shape of a parabola.
Hand-Eye Coordination: Simultaneously, target the front rim/links and control your ball to the intended target.

Think of shooting as riding a bike. Your legs provide the driving force, while your arms and eyes handle the steering. This integrated approach may feel unusual at first, but it’s the key to unlocking consistent, high-percentage shooting.

Moving Forward

It’s time to let go of outdated methods and cultural biases that limit players’ potential. Basketball is a dynamic, creative sport that thrives on innovation and adaptability. By focusing on what works rather than how it looks, and by embracing a holistic approach to movement, we can help players reach new heights—both literally and figuratively.

So, let’s challenge old norms and open our minds to fresh ideas. Basketball deserves nothing less.

More Insight on Learning

The Purpose:

The purpose of the Parabolic Shot is to offer an alternative to form shooting.

~ Practice ~

2nd Tenet: Study & rehearse the knowledge

Gaining Context of The Parabolic Shot

More Insight on Practice

My father, who retired as a ballistics engineer and physicist, told me when I was 13 years old there was a pathway the ball could travel when shooting that would render a high rate of success. Nearly 25 years later, I believe I found it! A Parabola is the pathway.

~ Apply~

3rd Tenet: Use the knowledge for the intended purpose & solve the problem

"Physics not Form"

In basketball, understanding geometry can elevate a player’s shooting game. The arc of a basketball shot is a perfect example of a parabola, with its upward trajectory, peak, and descent into the hoop. Mastering this arc allows players to optimize the angle of their shot, increasing the chance of scoring. This is where the concept of “parabolic shooting” comes into play. Unlike traditional "form shooting," which focuses on body mechanics and consistent form, parabolic shooting emphasizes the angle and target of the ball's trajectory. By aiming for a higher arc, players create a softer, more controlled descent, improving the shot's accuracy as it approaches the hoop from an optimal angle.

"The slingshot David possessed is akin to the parabolic shot." ~ Coach Robert

More insight on Applying this Tool

Lessons from Soccer. Interestingly, soccer offers a valuable counterpoint. It’s a sport that develops a profound connection between the mind and the legs. Playing soccer for just a year can transform how you understand footwork, balance, and body coordination. This experience can provide basketball players with a fresh perspective, helping them embrace the role of their legs in shooting and overall movement.