Fadeaways

Fadeaway is a basketball shooting technique in which the shooter releases the ball while leaning or fading away from the defender. The move typically involves an airborne or elevated leap while the body is angled backward, creating space and making it harder for the defender to contest the shot. Fadeaways are most common in one-on-one situations or close to the post, where the defender has leverage to block a straight-on attempt but may have difficulty with a shot released over the shoulder.

Technique: Effective fadeaways require balance, footwork, and timing. A shooter plants an inside foot, uses a quick shoulder and torso rotation, and releases while the body is fading, often with the shooting arm extended and high behind the defender. The shot is usually released at the apex of the jump to maximize separation, with the non-shooting hand guiding the ball.

Variations and strategy: Common forms include the turn-around fadeaway and the one- or two-foot fadeaway, performed with either hand. Fadeaways are prized for their ability to create space against length and reach, but they can be difficult to execute consistently and may reduce shooting efficiency if overused. They are a hallmark of several famous scorers, such as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, who used the move to score over taller defenders. Dirk Nowitzki also popularized a high-arching fadeaway with a distinct shooting style.

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