Amanda Knapp
Perfecting the rotation on a basketball shot is a surefire way to improve your game. It's a combination of art and science, and while the best way to improve is to simply practise shooting, there are other methods to help you get those shooting form reps up. One way to do this is by isolating your shooting form, eliminating the basket or game situation to focus on your mechanics. You can also use a Perfect Rotation™ weighted basketball to shoot at a target on the ground or shoot into the air to build muscle memory and strength. When shooting, the ball should spin between 130 and 160 revolutions per minute (RPM), which is about two revolutions per second.
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What You'll Learn
The optimal arc for a basketball shot is 45 degrees
To put rotation on a basketball shot, the non-shooting hand should not add force or spin. This hand should not move on delivery and should come off the ball first. The ball should start its motion directly upwards from the waist, with the elbow positioned comfortably underneath it. The elbow and wrist should extend in a straight line to the target, with the off-hand staying to the side. The ball should come off the hand with a symmetrical backspin. This can be practised alone or with friends, with targets on the ground or in the air.
While a higher arc can make the rim bigger, it is not necessarily better. Shooting with too high of an arc can be detrimental, as players are more likely to lose control of the ball and begin missing short and long. When the arc is higher than 47-48 degrees, players have much less control over the depth of their shots. A difference of just one degree in the arc can make the ball miss by up to two inches.
On the other hand, flat shots are also not ideal as they reduce the surface area of the ball that can enter the hoop. The optimal entry arc is 45 degrees, but anything between 43 and 48 degrees is also good. This can be improved by focusing on the position of the hand on the ball at the set point and the move of the elbow leaving the set point. The shooting hand should be under the ball at the set point, and the elbow should be low enough to create a lifting motion.
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The non-shooting hand should not add force or spin
The non-shooting hand is also known as the guide hand. It is important to remember that the non-shooting hand should not add force or spin to your shot. This is because the non-shooting hand is only meant to provide support and balance to the ball until the shooting hand can fully get underneath it and support it by itself. The role of the non-shooting hand is to simply help hold the ball stable in the shooting hand as the two hands lift it. If the non-shooting hand pushes the ball in any way, it will push the ball off line. This is because the only way to truly push the ball on line is from the middle of the ball, and there isn't enough room for two hands there.
The non-shooting hand should start to come off the basketball when the shooting hand is in the correct position. The non-shooting hand should be completely off the ball before the wrist begins to snap forward. The non-shooting hand should not interfere with the release because it adds an extra variable to the shot and can cause unwanted side spin. Once the non-shooting hand is removed from the ball, the palm should be facing the shooting arm and maintain a relaxed position.
It is important to note that the positioning of the non-shooting hand on the ball will play a large role in how easily or well it can come off the ball. The goal is to make the movement as simple as possible, as simple is repeatable. Therefore, finding the most simple position for the non-shooting hand to assist in the lifting motion without interfering in the shooting motion is crucial.
Additionally, after removing the non-shooting hand, the non-shooting arm should remain as motionless as possible while the shot continues. This is another key to consistency in shooting, as minimizing excess motion during the shot helps to create a repeatable form.
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Practice shooting with a Perfect Rotation™ weighted basketball
To practice shooting with a Perfect Rotation™ weighted basketball, start by inflating the ball to 7-9 lbs. Place your index, middle, and/or ring fingers, or whichever combination feels most comfortable, into the patented channels on the ball. Make sure your fingers are spread wide enough to balance the ball, leaving some space between the ball and the middle of your palm. You should be able to fit a pencil between the ball and your palm. The ball should rest on your finger pads.
Your non-shooting hand is used to balance the ball and should not add any force or spin. It should remain still during delivery and come off the ball first. The ball should start its motion directly upwards from your waist, with no dipping. Position your elbow comfortably underneath the ball, keeping your elbow and wrist in a straight line with your target. The Perfect Rotation™ basketball should stay in front of you and not go behind your head.
When shooting, the ball should come off your hand with a symmetrical backspin, achieved through a finger flick. The patented channels will help you achieve the perfect rotation every time. You can practice with the Perfect Rotation™ basketball alone or with friends. When alone, pick a target on the ground or court and shoot at it, or lie on your back and shoot into the air to build muscle memory and strength. With a partner, you can simply pass the ball back and forth while taking steps backward to increase your range and strengthen your shooting arm.
Combining improvements in entry arc and ball spin rotation will help you shoot with better consistency. The optimal entry arc for the ball is 45 degrees, though slightly above this range is also acceptable. The ball should spin between 130 and 160 revolutions per minute (RPM), which is about 2 times per second.
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High arcing shots are the fastest way to increase shooting percentage
When it comes to basketball, shooting is an art and a science. While there are many variables to a perfect shot, one of the most important aspects is the arc of the shot. The higher the arc, the more the chances of the ball going into the hoop. This is because, with a high arc, there is more surface area available for the ball to pass through the hoop. A low shooting arc is usually not ideal and is often associated with being "flat".
The optimal arc for the ball to enter the hoop is considered to be between 43 and 47 degrees, with 45 degrees being the ideal entry angle. A lower arc has far less surface area for the ball to pass through, resulting in slim margins for error, especially from longer distances. This limits the player's ability to make shots from deep at a high rate.
However, a high arc also presents challenges with distance control and aim. Players need to generate more force to launch the ball at a higher arc, resulting in less control over their shot. Additionally, a high arc can cause the ball to miss short or bounce out due to the rapid descent from its peak.
To improve their arc, players should focus on their set point and the subsequent moves. The shooting hand should be positioned under the ball at the set point, with the elbow low enough to allow for a lifting motion. This ensures that the ball is lifted upwards instead of being pushed forward. By mastering the technique of creating a high arc, players can increase their shooting percentage and improve their overall performance on the court.
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The ball should spin between 130 and 160 revolutions per minute
The ball's spin rate is a crucial factor in achieving the perfect basketball shot. The ball should be spinning at a rate of between 130 and 160 revolutions per minute (RPM), which equates to about two full spins per second. This optimal range of RPM ensures the ball has the right amount of rotation to increase the accuracy and consistency of your shot.
To achieve this, you need to focus on your shooting technique. The release of the ball is critical, as it determines the rhythm and smoothness of your shot. A good release will compensate for other flaws in your shooting form. It is important to note that your non-shooting hand should not add any force or spin to the ball. This hand is there to guide and support, and it should come off the ball first.
The ball should start its upward motion from the waist, without any dipping, and your elbow should be positioned comfortably underneath it. Keep your eyes on the target, and ensure the ball stays in front of you—it should not go behind your head. Your elbow and wrist should form a straight line with your target, and your off-hand should remain by your side, ready to provide that perfect symmetrical backspin as the ball comes off your hand.
Practising your shooting form is essential to mastering the optimal RPM. You can use tools like the Perfect Rotation™ basketball to help you focus on your technique and get that perfect spin.
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Frequently asked questions
The ball should spin between 130 and 160 revolutions per minute (RPM). That's about 2 revolutions per second.
The best way to improve your shot rotation is to practice shooting. You can also use a machine like @drdishbball, which has a net that forces you to shoot with the necessary arc.
The optimal entry arc for a basketball shot is 45 degrees. Shots with a higher arc tend to have a higher shooting percentage.
Your non-shooting hand should not add force or spin to your shot. It should come off the ball first and not move during delivery.
You can use a Perfect Rotation™ weighted basketball to practice your shot rotation at home. You can pick a target and shoot at it, or lie on your back and shoot into the air to build muscle memory and strength.
