Amanda Knapp
The three-point shot is one of the most exciting plays in basketball. It can be a game-changer, but it's also one of the most challenging shots to master. To become a better three-point shooter, you need to develop a consistent shooting form and technique, which requires dedication and practice. This includes perfecting your stance, hand placement, wrist action, and follow-through, as well as building lower-body strength for jumping. With regular training and a commitment to refining your technique, you can improve your accuracy and become a reliable three-point shooter.
How to be a better 3-point shooter in basketball
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Elbow position | Keep your elbow at a 90-degree angle |
| Body position | Square up your body |
| Knees | Keep them loose and slightly bent to prepare for the jump |
| Eye position | Focus on the front of the hoop |
| Ball position | Hold the ball above your head |
| Fingers | Spread your fingers as far apart as possible and grip the ball with the pads of your fingers |
| Guide hand | Use your non-dominant hand as a guide, keeping it lightly on the side of the basketball |
| Jumping | Jump straight up and extend your shooting arm |
| Wrist | Snap your wrist forward at the height of your jump |
| Practice | Practice shooting from different places behind the 3-point line |
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What You'll Learn
- Keep your knees loose and bent, with most power coming from your legs
- Focus on the front rim of the hoop, visualising your shot
- Hold the ball above your head, with fingers spread and elbow at 90 degrees
- Use your non-dominant hand as a guide, keeping it lightly on the ball
- Jump, extend your arm and snap your wrist to follow through with the shot
Keep your knees loose and bent, with most power coming from your legs
To be a better three-point shooter in basketball, it is important to keep your knees loose and slightly bent to prepare yourself for the jump. The power for your three-pointer will come from extending your legs and jumping. This is a key part of shooting a basketball as it helps to generate the power needed to sink the basket.
To execute this effectively, you should focus on keeping your knees bent and loose throughout the shooting motion. As you jump, explode upwards by fully extending your legs and pushing off the ground. This leg extension will provide the majority of the power needed to shoot the ball with force and accuracy.
Additionally, ensure that you are jumping straight up as you extend your shooting arm. This means straightening your legs and pushing off the ground to create the necessary height and power for your shot. The combination of loose, bent knees and powerful leg extension will provide a stable base and generate the force required for an effective three-point shot.
Practicing this technique will help you develop a smooth and consistent shooting form, improving your accuracy and success rate when taking three-point shots in basketball.
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Focus on the front rim of the hoop, visualising your shot
To be a better 3-point shooter in basketball, one of the most important things to focus on is your visual focus and visualisation of the shot. While most coaches advise players to aim for the back of the rim, you can try something different and focus on the front rim of the hoop. This simple change of focus can make a big difference in your accuracy and success rate.
When you visualise your shot, imagine shooting the ball just over the rim. See in your mind's eye the ball sailing smoothly over the rim and into the net. This mental exercise helps to train your brain and body to understand the trajectory and angle required for a successful shot. It also helps you to develop a feel for the power and force needed in your shot.
To enhance this visualisation, look for the hooks that hold the net in place. You should be able to spot three hooks directly facing you, positioned at roughly the same width as the basketball, no matter where you stand. Make these hooks your target. Aiming for the hooks ensures that your shot is on point and gives you a concrete reference point to focus on.
As you prepare to shoot, hold the ball above your head with your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle. Spread your fingers wide and grip the ball with the pads of your fingers, allowing the bottom of the ball to rest on your palm. This grip gives you control over the ball and helps you direct your shot with precision.
By focusing on the front rim of the hoop and visualising your shot, you train your mind and body to work together harmoniously, resulting in more accurate and successful 3-point shots.
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Hold the ball above your head, with fingers spread and elbow at 90 degrees
Holding the basketball correctly is crucial to shooting with accuracy and power. To do this, hold the ball above your head, keeping your elbow at a 90-degree angle. This position allows you to generate power as you bring the ball down to shoot, and the angle of your elbow helps to guide the direction of the shot.
When holding the ball above your head, spread your fingers as far apart as possible. This will give you a better grip on the ball and help you control its spin and direction. The pads of your fingers should be doing most of the work, with the bottom of the ball resting on the base of your palm. This grip gives you a more natural release as you shoot and helps to prevent the ball from slipping.
You can also use your non-dominant hand as a guide, keeping it lightly on the side of the ball. This hand should not grip the ball but instead helps to steady it and keep it straight as you shoot. As you bring the ball down to shoot, your non-dominant hand should move away, leaving your dominant hand to do the work.
It is important to keep your eyes focused on the front rim of the basket as you shoot. This helps you visualise your shot and aim accurately. Practising this technique will help you to develop a consistent and powerful shot, improving your 3-point accuracy.
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Use your non-dominant hand as a guide, keeping it lightly on the ball
Using your non-dominant hand as a guide is a crucial technique to master when shooting three-pointers in basketball. This technique involves placing your non-dominant hand lightly on the side of the basketball. The role of this hand is to guide and stabilise the ball as you prepare for your shot, ensuring that it remains straight. It is important to remember not to grip the ball with the fingers on your non-dominant hand. Instead, let your dominant hand take control of the shot, while your non-dominant hand gently supports and directs the ball.
By using your non-dominant hand in this way, you gain greater control over the direction and accuracy of your shot. This technique is particularly useful for beginners or players who struggle with their shooting accuracy. It helps you develop a consistent and repeatable shooting form, which is essential for becoming a reliable three-point shooter. With your non-dominant hand guiding the ball, you can make subtle adjustments to the angle and spin of the ball, improving your chances of making the shot.
Additionally, this technique allows you to maintain a smooth and fluid shooting motion. When executed correctly, the non-dominant hand helps create a seamless transition from the backswing to the release of the ball. This fluidity not only improves the aesthetics of your shot but also enhances your accuracy and consistency. The guiding hand ensures that the ball follows a straight path towards the basket, increasing the likelihood of a successful shot.
It is worth noting that the role of the non-dominant hand is not just limited to guiding the ball. By placing it on the side of the ball, you also gain a better feel for the ball, improving your overall ball control. This enhanced ball control can benefit other aspects of your game, such as dribbling and passing. Thus, mastering this technique not only improves your three-point shooting but also has a positive impact on your overall ball-handling skills, making you a more versatile and well-rounded player.
Practicing this technique regularly will help you develop muscle memory, allowing you to execute it effortlessly during game situations. Remember, the key is to use your non-dominant hand lightly and gently, allowing it to guide the ball without interfering with your dominant hand's control. With consistent practice and a focus on perfecting this technique, you will notice improvements in your three-point shooting accuracy and overall shooting form.
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Jump, extend your arm and snap your wrist to follow through with the shot
Jumping is an essential part of shooting a basketball. It provides the power needed to sink a 3-pointer. Keep your knees loose and slightly bent to prepare for the jump, and then straighten your legs to push yourself off the ground. You don't have to jump extremely high to make a 3-pointer unless you're trying to shoot over another player.
As you jump, extend your shooting arm out and forward. Hold the ball above your head with your elbow at a 90-degree angle, and spread your fingers as far apart as you can. Let the bottom of the ball rest on the base of your palm.
At the height of your jump, snap your wrist forward. This will give the ball the necessary spin and arch to increase your chances of making the shot. Imagine you're reaching into a cookie jar on a tall counter and snapping your wrist so that your fingers point down to the floor.
Follow through with the shot by keeping your wrist snapped forward and trying to land in the same place you jumped from. This will help you maintain control of your body.
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Frequently asked questions
Hold the ball above your head with your elbow at a 90-degree angle. Spread your fingers as far apart as possible and grip the ball with the pads of your fingers, letting the bottom of the ball rest on your palm.
Most of the power for a 3-pointer comes from your legs. Keep your knees loose and slightly bent to prepare for the jump, then straighten your legs and push off the ground to jump.
While most coaches advise aiming for the back of the rim, you can also try keeping your eyes on the front rim of the basket and imagining shooting the ball just over the rim.
Keep your non-dominant hand lightly on the side of the basketball to help guide your shot and keep the ball straight. Don't grip the ball with any fingers on your non-dominant hand.
Practice shooting from different places behind the 3-point line. Start at the top of the key, where you can use the backboard if you overshoot, and gradually work your way down towards the corners to perfect your shots from every angle.
