bank shot

Hitting the ball along the side of something to score a point. Original derivation from pool where a ball is shot indirectly into the pocket by hitting it along the side wall or "bank." In basketball: an indirect shot into the basket using the backboard.

Minnesota Fats sank the ball in the corner pocket, banking it off the side rail. LeBron James banked the basketball off the backboard into the net.

An indirect approach to solving a problem, or completing a task.

After failing to convince the potential business partner to accept the deal at the meeting, Ashley landed a bank shot by talking to the representative privately afterwards and convincing them to accept.