Ayrton Oneill
Shooting a basketball is a skill that even the most seasoned players are constantly refining. While there are many techniques and drills to improve your shooting accuracy, there is no one correct way to shoot. Practice is key, and the more you refine your shooting form, the more natural it will feel during a game. It's important to practice shooting from different angles and distances, and to pay attention to the mechanics of shooting, from your stance and grip to the jump and release.
Characteristics of a good basketball shot
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hand position | Place your non-shooting hand on the side of the ball to act as a guide for the shot. Spread your fingers wide so you have greater control over the ball. |
| Eye position | Locate the target. If you want the ball to go into the net, then you need to look at the net. |
| Ball position | Hold the ball just above your waist, lined up to the basket. |
| Grip | Place the ball's air hole between your middle and index finger while spreading your fingers enough to feel like you can balance the ball. |
| Elbow position | Keep your shooting hand's elbow underneath the ball. |
| Wrist position | Straighten your wrist and push it so that the ball arches, rather than moving toward the basket in a straight line. |
| Practice | 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. |
| Backboard | Use the backboard when you shoot layups, which are taken off the dribble rather than from a standing position. |
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What You'll Learn
Hand and finger placement
Firstly, you need to find the right grip. Place the basketball in your shooting hand, just above your waist, lining it up with the basket. Position the ball's air hole between your middle and index finger. Spread your fingers wide enough so that you can comfortably balance the ball. This is known as the ''shot pocket'. Your palm may or may not be touching the ball at this point; you may have control of it with your fingers and thumb. Leave a little space between your palm and the ball to allow for an easier release. The ball should sit on your finger pads, with your fingers spread wide to ensure greater control.
Your non-shooting hand should be placed on the side of the ball to guide your shot. This hand should not affect the ball's spin and should remain still upon release. When releasing the ball, straighten your elbow and push your wrist so that the ball arches towards the basket. As you release, your guiding hand should lightly touch your shooting arm just below the wrist. The ball should roll off your fingertips towards the basket.
After releasing the ball, keep your wrists relaxed and your fingers pointing at your target. Hold this position until the ball hits the basket. Landing in the same spot you jumped from will help you maintain balance. Following through is crucial for shooting accuracy. If you shoot from your wrist without following through, your shot will be less accurate.
Remember, practice is key. The more you practice, the more natural your shooting form will become. Work on your hand and finger placement during your practice sessions, ensuring that your fingers are spread wide enough and that you have a comfortable grip on the ball. With consistent practice, you will develop strong habits that will improve your shooting accuracy.
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Using the backboard
When shooting layups, which are taken off the dribble, make use of the backboard. This is particularly effective when you are closer to the basket. The key is to identify the ideal spot on the backboard to aim for, which will vary depending on your position on the court. By aiming for the right spot, you increase your chances of scoring by up to 20%. This is because shooting from certain angles towards the backboard can be more effective than shooting directly at the hoop.
To improve your accuracy when using the backboard, you can visualise a "V" shape taped onto the backboard with a vertical rod at its centre. The ideal target spot is where one side of the "V" intersects with the vertical rod. This technique provides a clear reference point for your shots. It is worth noting that this method may not be suitable for free-throw shooting, where jumping is not necessary.
Practising with the backboard can be incorporated into your training routine. After mastering the technique on your own, you can progress to scrimmages or join a league to practice in a game setting. Shooting during an actual game is more challenging due to the added pressure of catching passes, avoiding steals, and adhering to team strategy. However, with dedicated practice, you can become proficient at using the backboard to your advantage and improve your scoring abilities.
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Practising accuracy
Accuracy in basketball shooting comes with practice and consistency. It is important to practice shooting as much as you can, so that taking a shot feels natural. Start with the basics: your stance, grip, jump and release.
Begin with easy shots, closer to the basket, and work on your shot technique. You can use the backboard to help guide the ball into the basket. The backboard is especially useful for shots taken close to the basket. If you are on the right side of the court, aim for the top right corner of the square on the backboard. If you are on the left, aim for the top left corner.
Next, you will want to work on your grip. Place the ball's air hole between your middle and index finger, with your fingers spread wide enough that you can balance the ball. Your non-shooting hand should be on the side of the ball, acting as a guide. Your palm may or may not be touching the ball as you prepare to shoot. Leave a little space between your palm and the ball so that it can roll off your fingertips with ease.
Now you are ready to shoot. As you jump, bring the ball up from the balanced position, keeping your shooting hand's elbow underneath the ball. Just before you reach the height of your jump, release the ball, with your shooting hand aimed at the basket. Straighten your elbow and push your wrist so that the ball arches towards the basket. As you release, your guiding hand should touch your shooting arm just below the wrist. After the ball is released, try to land in the same spot you jumped from, to ensure you are balanced. Keep your wrist relaxed and your fingers pointing at where you wanted to shoot. Hold this position until the ball hits the basket.
You can also try a drill to improve your accuracy: start just under the basket and make five shots. Then take a step back and make five more shots, and so on. The power should come from your legs and you should follow through on every shot, keeping your arm up after the shot.
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Jump shots
Footwork
The way you position your feet and lower body can impact your shooting accuracy. Your feet should be turned towards your opposite hand about 10-45 degrees to align your hip, shoulder, and elbow with the basket. A wider base, slightly wider than shoulder width, is good for stability and consistency.
Practice Standing Throws First
Before attempting jump shots, get comfortable with standing throws. Practice free throws or close and medium-range throws to develop a feel for throwing the ball.
Hand and Arm Positioning
Keep your shooting hand's elbow underneath the ball, and bring the ball directly up from a balanced position. Your other hand, or "non-shooting hand", should be on the side of the ball and should not affect the ball's spin or move upon release. The ball should lie on your fingers, not your palms. Your elbows should be at least at shoulder height, and your shoulders and elbows should form a 90-degree angle.
Jumping and Releasing the Ball
Jump and release the ball at the same time to maximize power and range. The higher the shot, the better. Keep the ball in front of you and release it at the highest point, aiming for the back of the hoop or the front of the hoop, depending on your tendency to under or overshoot. The ball should be in a backspin.
Follow-Through
After releasing the ball, snap your wrist and extend your arm. Finish your follow-through by holding your wrist relaxed and your fingers pointing at where you wanted to shoot until the ball hits the basket. Try to land in the same spot you jumped from to maintain balance.
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Drills and exercises
The Perfects Drill
This drill is great for individual shooting workouts. It involves players beginning in a stationary position with the basketball in their shot pocket, focusing solely on executing each shot with perfect form. The goal is to make a set number of perfect swishes from different positions in front of the rim. This helps players develop a consistent and accurate shooting form.
Practice from Different Angles
Shooting from various angles and distances is essential. Shoot from all sides of the basket and from different ranges, maintaining the same shooting form each time. For longer shots, remember to turn more and jump farther forward than you would for a shorter shot. This drill helps you become comfortable shooting from anywhere on the court.
Backboard Practice
The backboard can be a valuable tool for shots taken close to the basket. During practice, focus on banking the ball off the backboard in different ways depending on your position on the court. For instance, if you're on the right side, aim for the top right corner of the square on the backboard. This drill enhances your ability to use the backboard effectively during games.
Start Close and Work Your Way Back
When practicing, start with easier shots closer to the basket rather than attempting three-pointers right away. Gradually work your way back, taking a few shots from each spot. This drill helps you build your range and consistency. Remember to focus on your technique and make adjustments as needed.
Nike Basketball Camp Drills
Nike Basketball Camps offer a variety of shooting drills to improve your accuracy. One example is starting just under the basket and making five shots. Then, take a step back and make five more, gradually increasing the distance. Ensure that your power comes from your legs and follow through on every shot. This drill improves your accuracy and helps you locate your target faster.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no single correct way to shoot a basketball. However, there are a few fundamental techniques that can help you improve your shooting accuracy. These include finding the right grip, locating your target, and following through on your shot.
Hold the ball just above your waist, lining it up to the basket. Place the ball's air hole between your middle and index finger, spreading your fingers wide enough to balance the ball. Your non-shooting hand should be placed on the side of the ball, acting as a guide.
As you release the ball, straighten your elbow and push your wrist so that the ball arches towards the basket. Your guiding hand should touch your shooting arm just below the wrist. After releasing the ball, try to land in the same spot you jumped from, keeping your wrists relaxed and your fingers pointing at your target.
