Alley oop (basketball)

An alley oop in basketball is an offensive play where a player jumps, catches the ball in mid air and immediately makes a slam dunk. It is an impressive way to score and often electrifies the spectators. The alley oop combines elements of teamwork, pin-point passing, timing, and dunking. During the 90s NBA stars turned the alley oop into the game's ultimate quick strike weapon.

Related Topics:
Basketball - Slam dunk - NBA

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The most common alley oop is done by having a player other than the dunker throw the ball into mid-air. Outside of official basketball games, such as in a slam dunk contest, the thrower has more choices as to how he/she can throw it. For example, at the 2005 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Steve Nash employed soccer techniques to get the ball to teammate Amare Stoudemire.

Related Topics:
2005 - NBA - Slam Dunk Contest - Steve Nash - Soccer - Amare Stoudemire

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A less common version of the alley oop is done by having the dunker himself throw the ball, often bouncing it off the floor or backboard. In official competition, this is incredibly hard to do without committing a travelling violation.

Related Topics:
Backboard - Travelling violation

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Alley oops are often combined with other tricks, such as a tomahawk, or a 360° spin.

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Alley oops can also be when a player shoots or lays the ball up rather than dunking it. This is generally considered an alley oop since the player's feet are off the floor when the shot is attempted.

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