Andrew Pace
Shooting a high percentage in basketball is a skill that requires both mechanical and mental aspects. The single most important statistic in basketball is your shooting percentage, which is the number of times the ball enters the hoop. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to improving your shooting percentage, as it varies from person to person, there are several techniques and tips that can help you increase your chances of scoring more points.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of shots | The more shots you take in practice, the better |
| Muscle memory | Shoot to make 300 shots from various spots on the floor and at game speed. When that becomes easy, go for 500 |
| Target location | Get in the habit of locating your target (the rim) earlier. This gives your brain more time to subconsciously calculate distance and focus on your objective |
| Technique | Keep a close to perfect technique to get your shot off twice as fast as your average player |
| Mentality | During games, train yourself to think about other things or nothing at all |
| Negative thoughts | Eliminating negative thoughts can dramatically improve your shooting percentage |
| Arc | Shoot the ball from the same point yet add curvature and height to the path of the ball |
| Weight distribution | Place your feet shoulder-width apart and point your toes to the basket |
| Practice speed vs game speed | Good shooters hit above 85% in practice, but this drops to 50-65% in games |
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What You'll Learn
Practice shooting from various spots on the floor
Shooting is a skill that improves with repetition. The more you shoot, the better you get at it. It is important to practice shooting from various spots on the floor, at different angles and distances from the basket. This helps you develop muscle memory and improve your shooting form and technique.
When you are practising, focus on replicating the mechanics of the shot over and over again. Your intention should always be to make the shot, and you should shoot to make 300 shots, and then 500 shots, from various spots on the floor and at game speed. This will help you develop muscle memory, so that shooting becomes second nature and you don't have to think about it during a game.
You can also practice shooting with a defender in your face, or with other game-scenario drills, to help you decide when to shoot. This is an important skill that is often neglected by coaches. You need to be able to analyse your surrounding environment and make a decision in a fraction of a second.
It is also important to practice locating your target (the rim) as early as possible. This gives your brain more time to subconsciously calculate the distance and focus on your objective.
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Learn the correct mechanics of shooting
Shooting in basketball is a repetition skill. The more you shoot, the better you get at replicating the mechanics of the shot. But it's not just about the number of attempts; it's also about developing good habits and muscle memory. Here are some tips to help you learn the correct mechanics of shooting:
Evenly distribute your weight between both feet to achieve a balanced athletic stance. Place your feet shoulder-width apart and point your toes towards the basket. This fundamental step in your shot setup will help you maintain balance and stability when shooting.
Locate your target (the rim) as early as possible. By doing so, you give your brain more time to subconsciously calculate the distance and focus on your objective. This will help improve your accuracy and shot selection. Keep your eyes on the rim throughout your shooting motion.
Add an arc to your shot by shooting the ball with curvature and height. This increases the circumference of the hoop from the ball's perspective, making it easier for the ball to go through the basket. Ask a friend to stand directly in front of you during practice to force yourself to shoot upwards and create an arc.
Work on your follow-through. Hold your follow-through to maintain good shooting technique. Avoid following through with a tense wrist; instead, keep your wrist as relaxed as possible, and allow your hand to finish on the line, even bouncing slightly during the follow-through.
Practice shooting from various spots on the floor and at game speed. Start with a goal of making 300 shots, and when that becomes comfortable, increase your goal to 500 shots. This will help improve your accuracy and consistency from different areas of the court.
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Develop a habit of locating the rim early
Developing a habit of locating the rim early is crucial to improving your shooting percentage in basketball. This simple trick can significantly enhance your accuracy and overall performance. Here are some essential insights to help you master this skill:
Firstly, understand the science behind it. Locating the rim early gives your brain that extra split second to unconsciously calculate the distance and trajectory to the target. This extra bit of time may seem insignificant, but it can make a huge difference in the precision of your shot. Your eyes should be fixed on the rim as early as possible, even before you begin your shooting motion.
Next, practice makes perfect. Integrate this technique into your regular training sessions. During practice, focus on developing a consistent shooting form that includes locating the rim early. This way, it becomes second nature and carries over into actual games. Remember, the goal is to make it a habit, so the more you practice, the more instinctive it will become.
Additionally, be mindful of your technique. While locating the rim early is beneficial, it's just one aspect of a successful shot. Ensure that you're also maintaining proper shooting form, including a relaxed wrist and a smooth follow-through. A common mistake is to tense up during the shot, which can negatively impact your accuracy.
Finally, vary your practice routines. It's essential to keep your body and mind engaged during practice. Try shooting from different spots on the court, simulating game-time pressure, and practicing with a friend. These variations will help you improve your overall shooting skills and make locating the rim early more instinctive.
By following these steps and consistently practicing, you'll develop a natural instinct for locating the rim early, which will ultimately lead to an improved shooting percentage in basketball.
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Shoot with a relaxed wrist
Shooting with a relaxed wrist is an important aspect of achieving a high shooting percentage in basketball. A tense wrist during the follow-through is a common mistake among players. Here are some tips to help you shoot with a relaxed wrist and improve your overall shooting accuracy:
Firstly, focus on keeping your wrist relaxed throughout the shooting motion. This may feel unnatural at first, but it is crucial for improving your shot. A relaxed wrist allows for a smoother release and a more natural shooting motion. Think of your wrist as a hinge that simply guides the ball towards the basket, rather than forcing or pushing it. This will help you achieve a more fluid and accurate shot.
Next, ensure that your shooting form is correct. Proper technique is essential for improving your shooting accuracy and developing a relaxed wrist. Work on perfecting your shooting form, from your footwork to your release. Practice shooting with a smooth, consistent motion, ensuring that your wrist remains relaxed throughout the entire process. This will help you develop muscle memory for the correct shooting form.
Additionally, incorporate wrist exercises into your training routine. Strengthening and stretching your wrists can help improve flexibility and reduce tension. Try wrist rolls, wrist stretches, and wrist strengthening exercises using light weights or resistance bands. These exercises will help you develop stronger and more controlled wrist movements, leading to a more relaxed wrist during shooting.
When practising your shooting, focus on developing a smooth and consistent follow-through. Allow your hand to finish in line with the basket and even bounce slightly during the follow-through. This helps reinforce a relaxed wrist and improves your overall shooting form. The follow-through is just as important as the release, as it completes the shooting motion and affects the trajectory of the ball.
Finally, remember that practice makes perfect. Shooting with a relaxed wrist takes time and repetition to master. Dedicate yourself to consistent practice, aiming for a high volume of shots during each session. Over time, your wrist will naturally relax as your muscle memory develops and your shooting technique improves. So, get out on the court and keep shooting!
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Practice shooting with a defender closing in
Shooting is a repetition skill. The more you practice, the better you will become at replicating the mechanics of the shot. When you're practicing, it's important to not overthink your technique. Instead, focus on mastering one element at a time. For example, you can practice dipping the ball and then bringing it up to create upward momentum, which will make it easier to elevate and deliver the shot. You can also get in the habit of locating your target (the rim) earlier, which will give your brain more time to calculate distance and focus. Your wrist should be as relaxed as possible during your follow-through.
To practice shooting with a defender closing in, you can try a few different methods. First, you can simulate game pressure by incorporating cardio and endurance training into your routine. For example, you can try shooting ten shots after running five sprints, focusing on maintaining your form while your body is fatigued. You can also try to make yourself uncomfortable by setting up trash cans or other obstructions near you.
Another method is to practice with a partner. Have your partner rebound for you and close out at you. You can also play pickup games, which will help you practice shooting under pressure. If you don't have a partner, you can buy a "defensive dummy" to use for solo shots.
Finally, you can try a pressure shooting drill. Set up five stations around the 3-point line (corner, elbow, top, and elbow corner). To move on to the next spot, you must hit three shots in a row. This will help you practice staying calm and focused under pressure.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few things to keep in mind when trying to shoot a high percentage in basketball. Firstly, focus on integrating both the mechanical and mental aspects of shooting into your practice. Understand the correct mechanics and reinforce the movement patterns through repetition. Secondly, ensure you are shooting with the optimal arc and depth. Add curvature and height to your shot to increase the circumference of the hoop from the ball's perspective, making it more likely to go in. Lastly, train your brain to locate the target (the rim) earlier, giving your brain more time to subconsciously calculate distance and improve your accuracy.
A good practice tip is to take a minimum of 50 shots from anywhere on the court and record where each shot ends up. Analyse the recordings to identify patterns and determine which areas you need to work on. Another tip is to practice shooting with a friend standing in front of you, forcing you to shoot upwards and create an arc in your shot. Additionally, focus on developing a relaxed and consistent follow-through with a relaxed wrist, finishing on the line, and allowing for a slight bounce.
During games, it is important to adopt a mindset of not overthinking and eliminating negative thoughts. Trust your muscle memory and the practice you have put in. Don't focus on shooting for a specific percentage; instead, shoot with the intention of making every shot. Additionally, try to simulate game-like conditions in your practice, such as pretending there is a defender closing out, to get used to taking shots quickly.
