hook shot

noun

, Basketball.

1. a shot with one hand in which a player extends the shooting arm to the side and brings it back over the head toward the basket while releasing the ball.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hook shot¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Center Robin Lopez, a fan of Wizards and wizards, has an unorthodox but extremely effective hook shot.

From Washington Post

During Washington’s devastating 16-0 second-quarter run, Lopez hit consecutive hook shots and only took a seat after making 4 of 5 attempts in the period.

From Washington Post

The hook shot has always been a part of Simmons’s repertoire.

From FiveThirtyEight

Instead of developing a jumper to become more productive from the perimeter, Simmons is leaning on a hook shot to become more effective from close.

From FiveThirtyEight

In other words, if Simmons is indeed going to lean on the hook shot, then Rivers would likely prefer that mark to be closer to 60 percent.

From FiveThirtyEight