Andrew Pace
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, shooting a basketball correctly is a crucial skill to master. While there are various techniques and mechanisms, the fundamentals remain the same. From mastering your grip and footwork to honing your eye coordination, there are several key aspects to focus on. The backboard, for instance, can be a useful tool when shooting close to the basket, allowing you to bank the ball off it and into the hoop. Practicing your shooting form and shooting often are also key to improving your technique.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance from the basket | 15 feet (4.6 m) |
| Stance | Feet hip-width or shoulder-width apart, staggered with shooting foot slightly ahead |
| Ball position | Underneath, seams horizontal |
| Arm position | Extend straight in front, then bring back to align elbow under the ball |
| Shooting hand | Dominant hand, fingers spread wide and pointing towards the hoop |
| Guide hand | Non-dominant hand on the side of the ball, palm not touching |
| Target | Net or spot on the backboard |
| Practice | Dribble or spin the ball a few times to develop a routine |
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What You'll Learn
Foot and body placement
Your shooting foot is the foot on the same side as your dominant hand and shooting arm. For example, if you are right-handed, your right foot is your shooting foot. Place your shooting foot in line with the centre of the rim, pointing your toes towards the basket. This alignment helps keep your shot straight.
Additionally, bend your knees and shift your weight to your toes, creating a slight squat position with your legs at a 45-degree angle. This lower body positioning provides a stable base for your shot. You can also try dribbling or spinning the ball a few times before releasing it to develop a consistent shooting routine.
Remember, the key to successful foot and body placement is finding a comfortable and relaxed stance that allows you to accurately aim and release the ball.
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Hand and finger placement
Your shooting hand is your dominant hand. When holding the basketball, position it so that the seams are horizontal. Spread your fingers wide on your dominant hand and grab the ball. Point your fingers towards the hoop, otherwise, you will shoot at an angle. Your palm may or may not be touching the ball as you prepare to shoot. You may have control of the ball with just your fingers and thumb. Leave a little space between your palm and the ball, so it can roll off your fingertips with ease. The ball should sit on your finger pads.
Your non-shooting hand is your guide for the shot. Place it on the side of the ball. You may not need to touch the ball with your palm at all, instead controlling it with your fingers and thumb. Spread your fingers wide for greater control.
Your shooting foot is the foot on the same side as your shooting arm. If you are right-handed, your shooting foot will be your right foot. Place your shooting foot in line with the centre of the rim. Angle your body so that your dominant side is closer to the hoop. Stagger your feet so that your hips and shoulders are slightly angled towards the basket.
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Where to look
When shooting a basketball, there is no single correct target that every player should be looking at. However, it is important to focus on a specific focal point to improve your aim. Most players focus on the front or back of the rim.
If you want the ball to go into the net, then you need to look at the net. If you’re planning to bank the ball in off the backboard, then look at the spot on the backboard you want to hit. Your eyes are an incredibly important part of a good shot in basketball.
Shooting coaches have differing opinions on the technique, but it is important to test all finger releases to see what works for you. For example, some coaches teach the fork method, where the index and middle fingers release at the same time, while others argue that the middle finger should be the last to touch the basketball.
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Free throws
To shoot a free throw, you need to first position yourself correctly. Stand with your toes just left of the centre of the line if you're right-handed, and vice versa if you're left-handed. Your shoulders should be square to the basket, or slightly turned if that's more comfortable. Your dominant hand side foot should be perpendicular to the centre mark, with your other foot shoulder-width apart and parallel to your dominant foot. Bend your knees slightly, and lean forward on your toes, keeping your back straight.
Next, you need to get a good feel and grip on the ball. Hold the ball with your fingertips, not your palm, with your thumb, pointer, and middle fingers pressing against the ball. Your other hand should be placed on the other side of the ball for balance. Hold the ball so the black lines are going across it, with a little pocket of space between your palm and the ball.
Now, you need to focus on the shot. Take a deep breath, and visualise the ball going through the basket. Keep your eyes on the target, focusing on the centre of the rim. Shoot the ball in a straight line, keeping your arm aligned with the centre of the basket.
Finally, follow through with a smooth, fluid motion. Keep your arm extended until the ball is in the basket, and finish with your hand in a "goose neck" position, with your index finger pointing to the centre of the basket.
It's important to develop a consistent pre-shooting routine and to practice regularly, so that shooting free throws becomes second nature.
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Practice techniques
The first step to improving your basketball shooting is to start close to the rim and make a lot of easy form shots. This allows you to get into a good rhythm, focus on your shooting technique, and build confidence by making shots.
When you are practising, hold your shooting form until the basketball has hit the rim so that you can look up and evaluate your technique. You can also film your shots and post them on forums like r/BasketballTips, where members will give you tips and advice on how to improve.
It is important to practice shooting as much as you can, so that taking a shot feels natural. Shoot from all sides of the basket and from a variety of distances, using the same form every single time. You can also practise free throws, which are taken from 15 feet (4.6 m) from the basket. This is a good distance to practice from as the ball will usually bounce back to you.
Once you are comfortable shooting on your own, get some friends together to have a basketball scrimmage, or join a league so you can play some games. Shooting during a game is harder than doing it by yourself as you have to catch passes, dodge steals, and be aware of the strategy your teammates and coach expect you to employ.
You can also try creating a small ritual or routine before you make your shot, like spinning the ball and dribbling three times, to relax and focus yourself.
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Frequently asked questions
Keep your feet no further than shoulder-width apart, preferably closer together and slightly staggered. Your shooting foot should be slightly ahead of your non-shooting foot, with the shooting foot being on the same side as your dominant hand.
Position your shooting hand so that your fingertips are perpendicular to the seams in the ball. Place your non-shooting hand on the side of the ball to guide the shot, leaving a little space between your palm and the ball so it can roll off your fingertips easily.
The backboard can be used to help direct your shots, especially those taken close to the basket. If shooting from the right side of the court, aim for the top right corner of the square on the backboard, and vice versa for the left side.
Your eyes play a crucial role in making a good shot. You can either follow the flight of the ball after releasing it, or maintain your focus on the rim.
Practice makes perfect! Shoot as often as you can, and find a shooting form that works for you.
