Amanda Knapp
Shooting a basketball is a fundamental skill to master in basketball, as the game revolves around putting the ball in the hoop to score points. There are several techniques to improve your shooting, such as gripping the ball correctly, using your legs to propel the ball, and practising in a game setting. Additionally, it is important to locate your target by looking at the net or the backboard, depending on your shot. Practising your shooting form and shooting frequently are also recommended to improve your shooting ability.
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Foot and body placement
Keep your feet active and dynamic. A good starting stance is to have your feet no further than shoulder-width apart, with your shooting foot very slightly ahead of your non-shooting foot. Your shooting foot is the foot on the same side as your shooting arm—if you're right-handed, it will be your right foot. This stance provides a solid base for shooting, allowing you to generate power and maintain balance.
As you shoot, straighten your knees and jump slightly forward, making sure your shoulders lean back and are relaxed. Jumping is essential as it helps to propel the ball upward and gives your shot more arc. Avoid leaning forward as you jump, as this can cause tension in your neck and shoulders. Instead, focus on keeping your body balanced and coordinated during the shooting motion.
When shooting, it's important to use the backboard effectively. The backboard can be especially useful for shots taken close to the basket. Depending on your position on the court, you'll need to bank the ball off the backboard differently. If you're on the right side, aim for the top right corner of the square on the backboard, and vice versa for the left side. Utilizing the backboard can increase your chances of making a shot, especially when shooting layups.
Remember, foot and body placement are just one aspect of shooting a basketball. Combining proper footwork with good hand placement, eye movement, and practice will help you develop a consistent and effective shooting form.
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Grips and hand placement
Placement of the Guide Hand
Place your guide hand on the side of the basketball, near its base. This placement provides stability and balance, minimising any unwanted wobbling or tilting of the ball. Ensure that your guide hand is aligned with your shooting arm throughout the shooting motion. This alignment ensures proper coordination between both hands and promotes a fluid release. It is important to keep your guide hand vertical on the side of the basketball with the fingers pointing up. This position ensures that your hand does not interfere with the shooting motion.
Grip and Finger Placement
Spread your fingers wide apart on the guide hand to create a larger surface area for contact with the basketball. This helps distribute pressure evenly and enhances your grip. Avoid placing your guide hand too far forward on the ball, as it can add unnecessary rotation to your release and decrease accuracy. Keep your fingers spread evenly across the side of the ball for a balanced grip. Ensure that your guide hand is relaxed and does not grip the ball too tightly, as it can disrupt your shooting form and accuracy.
Dominant Hand Placement
Position your dominant hand on top or slightly behind the basketball, closest to you. The index fingertip, middle fingertip, or the space between them is where your dominant hand should be centred. Keep your wrist bent backward, creating a "shooting platform" for the ball to rest on your fingers and finger pads, not your palm. This position allows for more control and enables you to snap your wrist without wasting movement.
Drills and Practice
To improve your grip and hand placement, practice drills that focus on catching and releasing the basketball. Start by dribbling the ball in front of you and then catching it with your dominant hand, placing your non-dominant hand on the side as support. Shoot the ball with your dominant hand, and then alternate by dribbling and shooting with your non-dominant hand. These drills will help you develop muscle memory and enhance your accuracy.
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Using your eyes
Your eyes play a crucial role in making a good shot in basketball. It is important to locate your target before releasing the ball. If you want the ball to go directly into the net, look at the net. If you plan to bank the ball off the backboard first, focus your gaze on the spot you want to hit on the backboard.
Once you have released the ball, you have two options: follow the flight of the ball or keep looking at the rim. Many great NBA shooters opt to follow the ball's trajectory after releasing it. This technique may help you improve your shooting skills.
It is important to keep your body balanced and relaxed when shooting. Your shoulders should be relaxed and leaning back, and your feet should not land in the same position they started. Jumping forward will give your ball a higher arc.
By focusing your gaze and coordinating your body movement, you can improve the accuracy and balance of your shots.
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The jump
Stance and Footwork
Position your feet shoulder-width apart or slightly closer together, with a slight stagger. Your shooting foot—the foot on the same side as your shooting hand—should be placed very slightly ahead of your non-shooting foot. This setup provides a stable base for jumping and shooting.
Jumping Technique
Use your legs to generate power by jumping upward as you release the ball. Coordinate the movement of your legs, torso, and arms to ensure a smooth and fluid motion. As you jump, lean your shoulders back slightly and maintain a relaxed posture. Avoid leaning forward, as this can cause tension in your neck and shoulders.
Forward Momentum
Jump slightly forward as you shoot to increase the arc of your shot. This forward movement also helps relieve tension in your body. Your feet should not land in the same position they started, indicating a balanced and natural jumping motion.
Practice and Consistency
Practice your jump shot regularly to develop muscle memory and consistency. Focus on your form and technique during each repetition. Shoot from various distances and angles to improve your overall shooting ability.
Individual Variation
Remember that everyone's shooting form may vary slightly. Find a technique that works best for you and makes you comfortable. Study the forms of great shooters like Klay Thompson and adapt their techniques to suit your body and playing style.
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Practising
The best way to improve your shooting technique is to practise, practise, practise. Shoot every day, even if it's just for 5–10 minutes. If you're struggling, move closer to the hoop and focus on your form.
Free throws, or foul shots, are a good place to start. Taken from 15 feet (4.6 m) in front of the backboard, you won't have to chase the ball as frequently. Practising layups is another good option, as these are taken off the dribble, helping you to focus on your shooting form.
When you're shooting, make sure your feet are no further than shoulder-width apart, with your shooting foot very slightly in front of your non-shooting foot. Your shooting hand should be positioned so that your fingertips are perpendicular to the seams in the ball, while your non-shooting hand is placed on the side to guide the shot. Leave a little space between your palm and the ball so that it can roll off your fingertips with ease. Spread your fingers wide for greater control.
Keep your eyes on the target. If you want the ball to go into the net, look at the net. If you're aiming for the backboard, look at the spot you want to hit. Once you've released the ball, you can either follow its flight or continue looking at the rim.
Use your legs to propel the ball by jumping upward while your shooting hand launches the ball and your shoulders lean back. Jump slightly forward, ensuring your shoulders are relaxed and lean back. Your feet should not land in the same position, as this will cause tension in your neck and shoulders.
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Frequently asked questions
Your feet should be 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, with your non-shooting foot being on the same side as your shooting arm.
Your shooting hand should be positioned so that your fingertips are perpendicular to the seams in the ball. Your non-shooting hand should be placed on the side of the ball to guide the shot. Your palm may or may not be touching the ball, but there should be a small space between your palm and the ball so it can roll off your fingertips easily.
Your eyes are very important when shooting. You can either follow the flight of the ball or continue looking at the rim after releasing the ball.
Practice shooting as much as you can, from various distances and in different settings. You can also watch videos on YouTube to learn about shooting form.
