Amanda Knapp
Finding your set point in basketball is crucial for developing a consistent and accurate shooting form. The set point refers to the position of the ball prior to releasing it for a shot, and it greatly influences the arc and distance of the ball. Players need to identify a set point that is in front of their forehead, allowing them to get their shooting hand under the ball while maintaining elbow room to generate upward force. Drills are essential for mastering the set point, as they train players to synchronise the movement of the ball to the set position with the extension of their legs and jump. This coordination ensures proper timing and rhythm in the shooting motion, resulting in more accurate shots.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Set point | In front of the forehead, high enough to get the shooting hand under the ball, but low enough that the elbow has room to lift and generate force |
| Shooting motion | Players need to identify a pause in their body movement, usually at the start or the set point, and isolate the habit to improve it |
| Drills | The Tuck and Set Point drills are vital for developing a shooting motion, helping with coordination, timing, and rhythm |
| Leg extension | The ball should reach the set point before extending the legs to jump, to avoid an awkward rhythm and less accurate shooting |
| Elbow position | The elbow should not be lifted before the shooting motion starts, or it will impact the player's distance control |
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What You'll Learn
Shooting drills for the Tuck and Set Point
Developing a shooting motion like the best shooters in the world requires mastering the Tuck and Set Point. This involves getting the ball to the set point before extending your legs to jump, which ensures proper coordination, timing, and rhythm for the shot. Here are some shooting drills to help you improve your Tuck and Set Point:
The Triple Threat Drill
This drill helps you develop the rhythm, timing, and coordination that players like Trae Young and Steph Curry use to make long-range shots. Spin the ball to yourself, then jog or run a few steps. Gather the ball and come to a quick stop, either in one step or two. You can also practice this with a dribble: run and take one or two dribbles, gather the ball, and then come to a quick stop.
The Tuck, Set, Go Drill
This drill focuses on the top half of the shooting motion. As soon as the ball reaches approximately shoulder position, you extend your legs. This progression ensures that you don't develop "rushed shots," which can result from jumping and bringing the ball up simultaneously, causing inconsistencies in your shooting. Keep your elbow above your eyes and push the ball through your fingers, finishing with your index finger or index and middle fingers pointing at the hoop.
Form Shooting Drill
Great shooters like Stephen Curry and Ray Allen practice "form shooting" drills every day. To start, shoot 10 free throws and aim to make at least 5. Then, progress to 3-point shooting. This routine develops consistency in your form and makes you a better shooter.
Set Position Drill
This drill trains you to raise the ball to the set position before extending your legs to jump, which is what elite shooters do. When you gather the ball, immediately tuck/cushion it and transition it to your set position. At the same time, drop your hips and load your legs. This is your ending position for the drill. This drill helps you develop a smooth and quick transition to the set position, improving your shooting accuracy and range.
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Common shooting flaws
There are many ways to shoot a basketball, and even shoot it well, but most shooting styles fall into a few categories. Here is a breakdown of some common shooting flaws and how to correct them:
Unnecessary Jerky Movements
Twisting the body, fading backward, or moving to the left or right can cause a player to become an inconsistent shooter. To fix this, evaluate when and how this movement is happening. This may mean video-taping your shot or asking someone to watch your shooting form. Two reasons for this could be that your feet are not aligned correctly or that you bring your guide hand down too early. To correct this, make sure your feet are lined up properly before each shot, and keep your guide hand extended in the correct position.
Thumb on Guide Hand
Some players flick the ball with their thumb on the guide hand, causing the ball to spray left and right. This often develops when players are too weak to get the ball to the rim, and the habit continues into their teenage and adult years. To fix this, squeeze your thumb against the index finger on your guide hand, or take your guide hand off the ball by about half an inch and shoot with one hand. You can also use a shooting strap to keep your thumb still.
Poor Balance
Many young players finish a shot with rotated feet or on one foot, creating negative energy for no reason. This is often due to poor body posture or the position of the set point. To correct this, players need to be taught to focus more and be held accountable for their actions.
Incorrect Set Point
Taking the set point of your shot back over or behind your head is a common habit, especially among male players. This can cause players to develop flat shots or struggle with distance control. To correct this, players need to identify a set point that is in front of their forehead, high enough to get their shooting hand under the ball, but low enough that the elbow still has room to lift and generate force.
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Shooting form analysis
A player's shooting form should be comfortable and tailored to what works for them. However, there are some fundamental aspects to consider when analysing and refining shooting form. Firstly, balance is key. Players should focus on maintaining a balanced stance, keeping their body aligned with the basket throughout the shooting motion. Leaning forward or backward can disrupt shooting mechanics and lead to inaccurate shots.
The set point is another critical aspect of shooting form. The set point refers to the position of the ball at the start of the shooting motion. A common mistake is for the set point to be over or behind the player's head, which can lead to flat shots or struggles with distance control. Instead, the set point should be in front of the forehead, high enough to allow the shooting hand to get under the ball, while still leaving room for the elbow to lift and generate upward force.
Footwork is also important. Players should ensure their feet are properly positioned, with toes pointing towards the basket. Misaligned or sideways-facing feet can negatively impact shooting accuracy. Additionally, a weak or improper grip on the ball should be avoided. The shooting hand should have a firm grip, with fingers spread out evenly.
Lastly, patience is vital. Rushing a shot can lead to inaccuracies and inconsistencies. Players should take their time to set up their shot, align their body, and execute the proper shooting motion. Through practice, focus, and attention to detail, players can refine their shooting form and significantly improve their performance on the court.
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Shooting motion
The shooting motion in basketball is a complex action that can be broken down into several components. One of the most important aspects is the set point, which is the position of the ball just prior to releasing the shot. The set point is crucial because it determines the arc and accuracy of the shot.
To find the ideal set point, it is recommended that the ball be positioned in front of the forehead, high enough to allow the shooting hand to get under the ball, but low enough for the elbow to have room to lift and generate upward force. This set point helps create an arched shot, which has a better chance of going in as the hoop appears wider for a ball coming in from above compared to a line drive.
It is important to avoid taking the set point back over or behind the head, as this can lead to flat shots and struggles with distance control. By keeping the set point in front of the forehead, the elbow can lift naturally during the shooting motion, creating an arc in the shot.
Additionally, the thumb position is crucial during the shooting motion. The thumb should point upward at approximately a 45-degree angle to the left for right-handed shooters, ensuring the elbow falls naturally under the ball. Incorrect thumb placement can cause the elbow to fly outward, affecting the accuracy of the shot.
The shooting motion should be a quick and fluid action, starting with the ball tucked and cushioned, and transitioning smoothly to the set point. Simultaneously, the hips drop, the legs load, and the body prepares to extend for the jump. This ending position is vital, as it sets the proper coordination, timing, and rhythm for an accurate and powerful shot.
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Rhythm and timing
Firstly, understand the concept of the "set point". The set point refers to the position of the ball in front of your forehead, just before you initiate the shooting motion. It is the highest point the ball reaches before it starts descending towards the basket. Finding the right set point is crucial because it allows you to generate the necessary force and arc for an accurate shot.
To find your optimal set point, you need to ensure that it is high enough for your shooting hand to get under the ball comfortably. This position helps you avoid releasing the ball too early, which can cause the ball to go too high or come up short. However, be careful not to set the point too high, as this can lead to issues with distance control. The ideal set point should provide enough room for your elbow to lift and generate upward force.
Next, focus on the coordination between your legs and the set point. The ball should reach the set point before you extend your legs to jump. This sequence is vital for proper timing and rhythm. If you extend your legs or jump before reaching the set point, your shooting motion can become awkward, resulting in less accurate shots and a reduced shooting range.
To master this coordination, practice the tuck and set point drills. These drills emphasize the quick and fluid motion of tucking the ball and transitioning it to your set position while simultaneously dropping your hips and loading your legs. This drill trains your body to feel the correct position and timing, improving your rhythm and consistency.
Additionally, observe and analyze the techniques of elite shooters. Watch slow-motion footage of top players like Steph Curry, Diana Taurasi, and Larry Bird. Study their shooting motions, paying close attention to how they time their leg extensions with their set points. This can provide valuable insights into achieving the right rhythm and timing for your shots.
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Frequently asked questions
A set point in basketball refers to the position of the ball prior to extending your legs to jump and shoot the ball.
Finding the set point is important for developing proper coordination, timing, and rhythm for the shot. It also helps with generating force for the shooting motion.
A common mistake is taking the set point of the shot back over or behind the head, which can lead to flat shots and struggles with distance control.
Players can correct their set point by identifying the proper position, which is in front of the forehead, high enough to get the shooting hand under the ball, allowing room for the elbow to lift and generate force. Drills can also help players get accustomed to the correct set point.
