The HoopsKing Team on 08/02/2026
To shoot a fadeaway like Michael Jordan, you jump slightly backward off your inside foot, keep your shoulders square to the rim, and hold a high, balanced follow through so the ball leaves your hand at the top of the jump. The move buys you clean space over a defender, and it only works when your balance, footwork, and legs are strong enough to shoot on the way down.
Below, we break down the footwork, the release, and the exact drills that turn a fadeaway from a low percentage prayer into a shot you can trust in a game.
What is a fadeaway jumper?
A fadeaway is a jump shot where you lean and jump away from the basket as you rise, creating separation from the defender. Because you are drifting backward, the rim looks farther away and you cannot use your legs to push the ball forward. That is what makes it hard, and it is also why Michael Jordan owned the shot: he built the leg strength and balance to fade a little and still shoot with a clean, repeatable stroke.
Think of it as a normal jump shot with a small backward drift added on top. Master the normal shot first. Then layer the fade in slowly so your mechanics do not fall apart the moment you leave the ground.
How do you shoot a fadeaway like Michael Jordan?
Jordan's fadeaway looked effortless because every piece was in order before he ever left the floor. Build it in this sequence.
Perfect Jump Shot Strap (Off Hand)
Trains your off hand to ride along instead of pushing the ball, so your release stays clean even when you fade. The fix that keeps a drifting jumper straight.
Which drills build a reliable fadeaway?
Reps build the shot, but the right reps build it faster. Work through this progression before you ever try it against a defender.
| Drill | Reps | What it builds |
|---|---|---|
| Wall form fades | 3 x 10 | Square shoulders and a straight release while drifting |
| Two dribble pull back | 5 x 5 each side | Footwork and space creation off the bounce |
| Chair or cone fade | 5 x 8 | Fading over a fixed obstacle without drifting sideways |
| Balance landing hold | 10 shots | Controlled landings and repeatable balance |
Because the fadeaway leans on your legs, off court strength and jump training pay off directly. Stronger legs mean you can fade and still elevate to shoot over the top instead of falling away flat.
HoopsKing Vertical Jump Trainer Resistance Bands
Build the leg power that lets you elevate on the fade instead of falling flat. Train explosive jumps at home a few times a week.
Fadeaway questions players ask
Not when it is used as a counter. It is a low percentage shot if it is your first option, but a smart, high value shot when a defender takes away your drive.
Most players plant the inside foot and fade off both legs. Load evenly so you can push back and up rather than drifting sideways.
Almost always tired or weak legs, plus too much backward lean. Shorten the fade and build lower body strength so you can still elevate.
Expect a few weeks of daily form work before it feels natural in a game. Master your normal jumper first, then add the fade.
Build a straight, strong jump shot first. Add the fadeaway once a player has the leg strength and balance to keep good form in the air.
Build a fadeaway defenders cannot stop
A great fadeaway is footwork, balance, and leg strength stacked on a clean release. Train the stroke and the legs together, and the shot Jordan made famous becomes a weapon you can trust.
Tags: Basketball, Fadeaway, Michael Jordan, Shooting, Jump Shot, Training Equipment
