Definition

Noun: A pivot shot is a one-handed basketball shot made while the player spins or whirls around on their pivot foot. This move combines a pivot (a turn on one stationary foot) with an immediate shooting motion.

Usage

The term is used specifically in basketball to describe this particular shooting technique. It is a compound noun where "pivot" modifies the type of "shot."

Examples

• The center used a quick pivot shot to score over the defender.
• Mastering the pivot shot is essential for post players.
• Her signature move was a fadeaway pivot shot from the low block.

Advanced Usage

• The shot is often executed in the painted area near the basket. A player, typically with their back to the basket, uses a pivot to create space from a defender and then releases the shot in one fluid motion.

Variants and Related Words

• Pivot (n/v): The fundamental action of turning on one foot that is kept in a fixed spot on the floor. The pivot shot is an application of this move.
• Hook shot: Another one-handed shot, but distinguished by a sweeping, arcing motion of the arm, unlike the turning/whirling setup of the pivot shot.
• Fadeaway (jump shot): A shot taken while jumping backwards away from the basket. A pivot shot can be combined with a fadeaway element.

Synonyms

• Turnaround jump shot (This is a very close synonym, though a "turnaround" may emphasize the turn before the shot, while "pivot shot" explicitly includes the pivot foot action as part of the shooting motion.)

Notes

This is a specialized sports term. In general contexts, the word "pivot" has broader meanings related to a central point of rotation or a crucial central person or factor, but "pivot shot" refers exclusively to the basketball maneuver.

Noun

1. a one-handed basketball shot made while whirling on the pivot foot