Ayrton Oneill
Shooting is the most important skill in basketball, and with the right form and habits, you will be well ahead of the game. There are several types of shots in basketball, including jump shots, hook shots, bank shots, and slam dunks. To shoot a basketball, you need to position your feet, hands, and body in a certain way, and then coordinate your legs, torso, and arms to take the shot. It takes time and practice to shoot a basketball correctly, so don't be discouraged if you don't get it right away.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shooting foot position | Very slightly ahead of the non-shooting foot |
| Feet position | No further than shoulder-width apart, preferably closer together and slightly staggered |
| Hands | Shooting hand underneath the ball with the palm facing up and out |
| Fingers on the shooting hand perpendicular to the seams on the ball | |
| Thumb of the shooting hand and the base of the thumb on the balance hand should form a 'T' | |
| All finger pads and hand pads touching the basketball | |
| Balance hand (non-shooting hand) rests on the side of the ball to steady it | |
| No force from the balance hand when a shot is taken | |
| Body position | Turn 20 to 90 degrees toward the non-shooting hand as you jump |
| Jump slightly forward | |
| Shoulders lean back and are relaxed | |
| Knees straightened | |
| Eyes | Look at the net or the spot on the backboard you want to hit |
| Practice | Drills, including spinning the basketball out in front of yourself, catching it, and then rising into a shot |
| Practice from different angles and distances | |
| Practice in a game setting |
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What You'll Learn
Hand and finger placement
As you push the ball up and forward, turn your body 20 to 90 degrees toward your non-shooting hand as you jump. Straighten your shooting elbow and release the ball toward your target just before reaching the full height of your jump. Your non-shooting hand should release flat off the side of the ball at this point, with no force applied to the ball. Follow through with your wrist so that the ball flies in an arc instead of going straight up or forward.
The shooting foot is the foot on the same side as your shooting arm. For right-handed shooters, the left hand is the non-shooting hand, and the right foot is the shooting foot. Your shooting foot should be placed very slightly ahead of your non-shooting foot.
Practising shooting from different angles and distances will help you improve your technique and make it feel more natural.
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Foot and body positioning
Additionally, you should bend your knees to allow for an explosive upward leap. This leap is crucial for generating power and elevating the ball towards the hoop. As you jump, your lower body will naturally move forward, while your upper body will shift slightly backward, so make sure to lean your shoulders back and keep them relaxed. It's important to avoid landing in the same position you started, as this can cause tension in your neck and shoulders.
Your shooting hand should be under or behind the basketball, with your palm facing up and out. The fingers on your shooting hand should be perpendicular to the seams of the ball. Meanwhile, your non-shooting hand, also known as the balance hand, should rest on the side of the ball to steady it. The thumb of your shooting hand and the base of the thumb on your non-shooting hand should form a 'T' shape. All finger pads and hand pads should be in contact with the basketball.
As you jump, straighten your shooting elbow and release the ball towards your target just before reaching the apex of your jump. Follow through with your wrist to create an arc in your shot. This arc is essential for generating the necessary momentum and spin on the ball.
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Using the backboard
To use the backboard effectively, you need to consider your position on the court. 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 side, aim for the top left corner. The optimal aim points make a "V" shape near the top centre of the backboard's square. These points are higher on the backboard and further from the rim when shooting from the wing areas between the three-point line and the free-throw lane. When shooting closer to the free-throw lane, aim for points lower on the backboard and closer to the rim.
When executing a bank shot, treat it as a jump shot but aim slightly higher by shooting for the backboard. Jumping higher may involve jumping slightly backward to prevent defenders from blocking your shot. The ball should bounce off the backboard with minimal contact with the rim, and then go into the net.
It is important to note that using the backboard is generally not recommended for straight-on shots from beyond 12 feet, as these are better suited for direct shots. Additionally, in the NBA, you cannot catch your own airball off the backboard, so consider the rules of the league you are playing in when deciding whether to use the backboard.
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The jump shot
To start, pick a comfortable shooting location. Many find it easiest to shoot from the free-throw line, the elbows of the key on either side, or close to the hoop. Turn your body to face the hoop and plant your feet on the ground. Your feet should be turned towards your opposite hand about 10-45 degrees to align your hip, shoulder, and elbow with the basket. Keep your feet no further than shoulder-width apart, preferably closer together and slightly staggered. Your shooting foot should be very slightly ahead of your non-shooting foot.
The fingers on your shooting hand should be perpendicular to the seams on the ball. Keep your shooting hand underneath the ball with your palm facing up and out. Rest the palm of your non-shooting hand (also known as the balance hand) on the side of the ball to steady it. Push the ball up and forward, and turn your body 20 to 90 degrees toward your non-shooting hand as you jump. Straighten your shooting elbow and release the ball toward your target just before you reach the full height of your jump. Follow through with your wrist so that the ball flies in an arc instead of just going straight up or forward.
At the top of your jump, snap your wrist and extend your arm. This will send the ball upward to the basket. The higher the shot, the better. Finish your follow-through on your shot and try to land in the same spot.
Remember, the jump shot requires a lot of practice. For this reason, the shooting technique is only suitable for advanced basketball players.
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Practising your shots
Solo Drills
- The Spin Drill: This involves spinning the basketball out in front of yourself, catching it with a hop or a 1-2 step, and then rising into a shot with perfect form. You can perform this drill from mid-range or beyond the three-point line, depending on your skill level.
- The Dribble Drill: Start several metres behind where you plan to shoot. Take 2-3 hard dribbles, then pull up for a jump shot, focusing on staying balanced throughout. After each shot, collect your rebound and return to the starting position.
- The Form Practice: Focus on your shooting form. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with your shooting foot slightly ahead of your non-shooting foot. Your shooting hand should be underneath the ball, with your palm facing up and out, and your fingers perpendicular to the seams. The non-shooting hand should steady the ball by resting on its side.
- The Backboard Practice: The backboard can be a useful tool, especially for shots close to the basket. If you're on the right side of the court, aim for the top right corner of the square on the backboard. If you're on the left, aim for the top left corner. Use the backboard when practising layups, which are taken off the dribble.
- The Jump Shot: This is a common technique for mid- to long-range shots. Face the basket, take a wide stance, bend your knees, and square your shoulders. Make an explosive upward leap and, at the apex, shoot the ball, ensuring your elbows are straight. Concentrate on your wrist action to provide the ball with momentum and spin.
- The Hook Shot: This shot is made when your body is not directly facing the basket. Face the basket sideways so that your shooting hand is facing away. This can be a powerful technique, as many famous players have demonstrated.
Group Exercises
- Scrimmage: Once you're comfortable shooting on your own, gather some friends for a basketball scrimmage or join a league to play games. Shooting during a game can be harder due to the pressure and the need to be aware of strategies and opponents.
- Online Communities: Join online communities like r/BasketballTips, where you can post videos of your shots and receive feedback and tips from fellow enthusiasts.
- Video Tutorials: Watch video tutorials by basketball legends like Pistol Pete and Steph Curry. While some tutorials may be behind a paywall, there are plenty of free options available on platforms like YouTube.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no single correct way to shoot a basketball. However, there are some general guidelines to follow. These include keeping your feet shoulder-width apart, bending your knees, and jumping during the shot to help propel the ball. Your shooting hand should be under the ball with your palm facing up, and your non-shooting hand (also known as the balance hand) should rest on the side of the ball to steady it. Finally, straighten your elbow and release the ball at the apex of your jump.
A good way to practice shooting is to start with basic drills. One such drill involves spinning the basketball out in front of you, catching it with a hop, and then rising into a shot. You can also practice shooting from different angles and distances to improve your accuracy. Practicing with a partner or as part of a team can also help you improve your shooting skills in a game setting.
Some common types of shots in basketball include the jump shot, the hook shot, the bank shot, and the slam dunk. The jump shot is typically used for mid to long-range shots and involves jumping and shooting at the apex of the jump. The hook shot is when the player's body is not directly facing the basket. The bank shot is when the ball hits the backboard before going into the net. The slam dunk is a high-jump shot where the ball is pushed through the rim.
The shooting hand in basketball is the hand that you use to shoot the ball. For right-handed shooters, the shooting hand is the right hand, and for left-handed shooters, it is the left hand. The shooting hand should be placed under or behind the basketball, with the fingers perpendicular to the seams of the ball.
Perfecting your form for shooting in basketball takes time and practice. It's important to find a shooting stance and technique that feels comfortable for you. Focus on keeping your body balanced and your elbows straight during the shot. You can also try posting a video of your shot on forums like r/BasketballTips to get feedback and advice from other players and coaches.
