What is a finger roll in basketball
A finger roll is a type of layup shot that occurs when an offensive player in possession of the basketball near the basket jumps in the air and rolls the ball over the front of the rim with an underhanded shooting motion.
An offensive player would typically shoot a finger roll when it is not particularly feasible to shoot a basic layup off the backboard, which would usually happen when the offensive player is directly in front of the basket.
Additionally, because the finger roll is a close-range shot, it is one of the easiest shots to make in basketball, especially if there are no defenders that could potentially contest or block the finger roll.
It should be noted as well that the finger roll is a type of field goal shot and it is worth two points in most forms of organized competition.
What is the difference between a basic layup and a finger roll
The major difference between a basic layup and a finger roll is that a basic layup makes use of the backboard while a finger roll does not use the backboard at all.
Furthermore, the palm of the basic layup at the end of the shooting release could face up or down while the palm of the finger roll layup always faces up.
Besides that, the flicking of the wrist is strongly recommended when executing a finger roll.
However, the flicking of the wrist is not absolutely necessary with the basic layup, particularly because the offensive player primarily uses the backboard to guide the ball into the rim.
What are general instructions to execute a finger roll
These are general instructions to execute a basic finger roll, particularly for a beginner.
Additionally, to keep things simple, the instructions below apply to an offensive player executing a finger roll while dribbling.
Also, the offensive player described in the instructions will be indicated as player 1 for simplicity purposes as well.
Left hand finger roll
To perform the left hand finger roll, player 1 should start at the top behind the three-point line, which is also directly in front of the basket.
Next, player 1 should begin dribbling the ball with the left hand while moving towards the front of the basket in a straight line.
From there, upon reaching the free throw line area, player 1 should take the penultimate step (which is the first step prior to the finger roll) with the left foot and grab hold of the ball with both hands as well.
Additionally, it is strongly suggested that player 1 take the penultimate step within the lane itself, particularly below the center of the free throw line.
Following that, player 1 should take the final step (which is the second step prior to the finger roll) with the right foot in the middle of the lane as well, directly in front of the basket while still holding the ball with both hands.
Moreover, after taking that final step with the right foot, player 1 should immediately jump in the air with that same foot.
Afterwards, as the momentum carries player 1 towards the front of the basket, player 1 should let go of the ball with the right hand and take an underhanded shot directly over the front of the rim with the left palm facing up to complete the left hand basic finger roll action.
It is also important to note that player 1 should flick the left wrist while taking the underhanded shot as well, which could potentially create a softer touch to swish the ball through the net without touching any part of the rim.
Right hand basic finger roll
The general instructions to perform the right hand finger roll are similar but inverted when compared to the left hand.
To execute the right hand finger roll, player 1 should start at the top behind the three-point line, which is also directly in front of the basket.
Next, player 1 should begin dribbling the ball with the right hand while moving towards the front of the basket in a straight line.
From there, upon reaching the free throw line area, player 1 should take the penultimate step (which is the first step prior to the finger roll) with the right foot and grab hold of the ball with both hands.
In addition to that, it is highly advised that player 1 take the penultimate step within the lane itself, particularly below the center of the free throw line.
Afterwards, player 1 should take the final step (which is the second step prior to the finger roll) with the left foot in the middle of the lane as well, directly in front of the basket while still holding the ball with both hands.
Moreover, after taking that final step with the left foot, player 1 should immediately jump in the air with that same foot.
From there, as the momentum carries player 1 towards the front of the basket, player 1 should let go of the ball with the left hand and take an underhanded shot directly over the front of the rim with the right palm facing up to complete the right hand basic finger roll action.
It is also important to note that player 1 should flick the right wrist while taking the underhanded shot as well, which could potentially create a softer touch to swish the ball through the net without touching any part of the rim.