Astronomer Carl Sagan once wrote of basketball: "It is a game of finesse . . . a coordination of intellect and athleticism, a harmony of mind and body." In this philosophical consideration of the art and beauty of the jump shot, high school basketball coach John Fitzsimmons Mahoney works that turf. The author, who has translated several books on psychiatry and religion, believes "any physical or mental activity that's constructive and creative and aims for perfection helps in our quest for the spiritual foundations of existence."
According to Mahoney, the origin of the jump shot seems to have been a controlled accident, since no one knows who was the first to use it. He analyzes the five major movements in executing it: crouch, stretch, lift, stroke, and descent. Years of practice and hard work go into mastering this "efficient, graceful and accurately articulated gesture." The Tao of the jump shot involves being in the zone, effectiveness, and harmony. It also is predicated upon humility — a quality that is often lacking in professional basketball players and even successful high school and college players.