Ayrton Oneill
Shooting a basketball is a fundamental skill to master if you want to play the game. While it may seem simple, there are a number of techniques and tips that can help improve your shooting accuracy and form. Whether you're practising free throws, layups, or long-distance shots, there are key elements to keep in mind, from your hand placement and foot position to your eye movement and follow-through. With consistent practice and a good understanding of the fundamentals, you can develop a smooth and effective shooting technique that works for you.
| 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 |
| Grip | Fingertips of the shooting hand perpendicular to the seams in the ball; non-shooting hand on the side of the ball to guide the shot |
| Eyes | Look at the target (net or spot on the backboard) |
| Body movement | Straighten knees and jump, propelling the ball with legs and shooting hand; jump slightly forward, leaning back with relaxed shoulders |
| Practice | Shoot often, in a variety of settings |
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What You'll Learn
Foot and body positioning
To start, set your feet in the correct position. Position your feet squared towards the rim, with your feet about shoulder-width apart, preferably closer together. If you're right-handed, place your right foot very slightly ahead of your left foot; if you're left-handed, do the opposite. This slight stagger will give you a more stable base to shoot from.
When you're ready to shoot, bring the ball slightly in front of and above your face. This position should be slightly offset, closer to the shoulder of your shooting arm, so you don't block your view of the rim. Keep your eyes on the target, whether it's the net or a spot on the backboard.
As you shoot, straighten your knees and jump slightly forward, leaning your shoulders back and keeping them relaxed. This motion will help relieve tension in your neck and shoulders and give your ball a better arc.
Remember, the key to a good shot is coordination and balance. Move your legs, torso, and arms together in a smooth, natural motion. Practice analysing the angles of your body and adjusting your technique to improve your shooting form.
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Hand grip and placement
Firstly, position your shooting hand so that your fingertips are perpendicular to the seams of the basketball. This hand is responsible for propelling the ball forward. Ensure your fingers are spread wide for greater control over the ball.
Your non-shooting hand is also important. Place it on the side of the ball to guide your shot. You may or may not touch the ball with the palm of your non-shooting hand; control can be maintained with just your fingers and thumb. Leave a slight gap between your palm and the ball so that it can roll off your fingertips effortlessly. The ball should rest on your finger pads.
The placement of your hands in relation to the ball is critical. When you begin your shot, bring the ball slightly in front of and above your face. Keep it slightly offset, closer to the shoulder of your shooting arm. This positioning ensures you have a clear view of the rim or hoop.
The foot on the same side as your shooting arm should be placed very slightly ahead of your non-shooting foot. For right-handed shooters, this means your right foot is forward, and the opposite for left-handed shooters.
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Using your eyes
Your eyes play a crucial role in making a successful shot in basketball. It is important to train your eyes to focus on the target. 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, focus on the spot on the backboard you want to hit. Most shooters find they have the most success when they focus on the middle hook on the back of the rim as their target.
It is also important to practice shooting with your eyes closed. This may sound challenging, especially when you are just starting to get comfortable with your shooting technique. However, once you develop a good technique and it starts to feel natural through practice, you should be able to close your eyes, shoot, and make the basket.
When shooting a free throw, your shooting arm should be aligned with the basket. If you are right-handed, your toes will be just to the left of the centre of the line, with your shoulders squared up or slightly turned towards the net, depending on what feels most comfortable for you.
To help you focus on the target, you can draw an invisible line from the ball in your hand to the rim of the basket. This will help you visualise the trajectory of the ball and make the necessary adjustments to your stance or arm placement.
Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you practice shooting from different angles and distances, the more natural it will feel, and you will be well on your way to mastering the art of shooting in basketball.
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Practising free throws
Free throws, or foul shots, are taken from the free-throw line, located 15 feet (4.6 m) from the basket. This is a good distance to practice from, and since it's located in front of the backboard behind the basket, the ball will usually bounce back to you, meaning you won't have to chase after it as frequently.
When taking a free throw, follow through with your dominant arm. "Think of reaching your fingers into a biscuit jar on the top of a fridge", advises former basketball player Jamie Hagiya. It's important to practice your free-throw technique while on the court. Ideally, you should spend at least 10 to 15 minutes practising free throws before or after each training session.
Once you get the hang of the technique, develop a free-throw routine. Play around to find the approach you're most comfortable with and use it when you practise. Having a routine can help you shoot consistently and quell nerves during game time.
There are also tricks you can use to get into a confident mindset when taking free throws. For example, you could devise a cue word that triggers the memory of a place where you practised free throws a lot. This word should take you back to a place of minimal distractions, where you feel confident.
Finally, remember that shooting a basketball is a whole-body process, from the balls of your feet to the tips of your fingers. Start by setting your feet in the correct position – squared towards the rim, shoulder-width apart, but with the shooting foot half a step forward. When you start a shot, bring the ball just slightly in front of and above your face.
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Shooting form
First, align your body with the basketball hoop. Position your feet hip-width or shoulder-width apart, whichever is more comfortable for you. If you are right-handed, place your right foot very slightly ahead of your left foot, and turn your feet 10 to 45 degrees to the left. If you are left-handed, turn your feet slightly to the right. This stance will allow your elbow and shoulder to align with the rim more comfortably.
Next, grip the basketball correctly. Hold the ball from underneath, extending your arm straight in front of you. Place your dominant hand and elbow in the centre of and directly behind the ball, with your non-dominant hand on the side of the ball. Your fingertips should be perpendicular to the seams of the ball. This is your 'shot pocket'—the area from which you will begin your shot.
Now, bring your hand with the ball back towards your body, aligning your elbow with your shoulder and keeping it in line with the basket. Avoid positioning your elbow directly under the ball. You can also align your elbow with your hip. At this point, if someone passes you the ball, dip the ball to your waist or thigh. If you receive a bounce pass or shoot off the dribble, you don't need to dip as you are already in a dipping motion.
Finally, elevate into your shooting position and focus on your release follow-through. Your fingers dictate where the ball goes, so make sure your fingertips are in the correct position to launch the ball. Practice this form until it becomes second nature, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a skilled shooter.
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Frequently asked questions
Keep your feet shoulder-width apart or closer together, with your shooting foot slightly ahead of your non-shooting foot. Your shooting foot is the foot on the same side as your dominant hand.
Position your shooting hand so that your fingertips are perpendicular to the seams of the ball. Place your non-shooting hand on the side of the ball as a guide. Leave a little space between your palm and the ball, allowing it to roll off your fingertips easily.
Your eyes play a crucial role in making a successful shot. Look at the target, whether it's the net or a specific spot on the backboard for bank shots. After releasing the ball, you can choose to follow its flight or keep your focus on the rim.
Practice, practice, practice! Shoot as often as you can, experimenting with different techniques to find what works best for you. Study the form of great shooters like Klay Thompson, and consider watching educational videos like Pistol Pete's 'Homework Basketball Shooting' on YouTube.
