Kristian Ferrell
Basketball is a fast-paced game that requires a lot of practice to master. While there may be no true correct way to shoot a basketball, there are a number of techniques that can help you improve your shooting form and accuracy. Shooting is a whole-body process, and it's important to practice as much as possible so that your shooting stance, grip, jump, and release become second nature.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Foot position | No further than shoulder-width apart, preferably closer together, and slightly staggered. The shooting foot is placed very slightly ahead of the non-shooting foot. |
| Shooting form | The ball is brought slightly in front of and above the face, closer to the shoulder of the shooting arm. The elbow is kept close to the body, and the wrist is snapped to follow through with the shot. |
| Practice | Shoot from various angles and distances, using the same form each time. Practice free throws and utilize the backboard to your advantage, especially for shots taken close to the basket. |
| Learning resources | Learn from professionals and coaches, such as Pistol Pete's YouTube videos, or seek advice from online forums like r/BasketballTips. |
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What You'll Learn
Foot and body positioning
Start by setting your feet in the correct position. Your feet should be squared towards the rim, with your shooting foot very slightly ahead of your non-shooting foot. Your feet should be placed no further than shoulder-width apart, preferably closer together, and slightly staggered.
When you start to shoot, bring the ball just slightly in front of and above your face. This should be slightly offset, closer to the shoulder of your shooting arm, so you're not blocking your view of the rim with the ball.
Shooting is an essential part of the game, and it's important to practice as much as you can. You should practice from many angles and distances until it starts to feel natural. Practice free throws from the free-throw line, located 15 feet (4.6 m) from the basket. You can also practice using the backboard, which can be useful for shots taken close to the basket.
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Wrist and finger technique
Firstly, the ball should rest on your fingers, not the palm of your hand. This provides a stable platform for releasing the ball with the right amount of spin and control. Your fingers should be spread out comfortably, with the ball resting on the pads of your fingers, not the tips. This provides a more stable base and prevents the ball from slipping.
Secondly, the wrist plays a crucial role in generating power and accuracy. As you release the ball, snap your wrist downwards in a smooth, fluid motion. This snapping motion propels the ball forward with force. It is important to follow through with your wrist, ensuring that the ball flies in an arc towards the hoop, rather than going straight up or forward. This arc is crucial for increasing the chances of the ball going through the hoop.
The wrist snap should be combined with a forward push from your fingers. This combination of wrist snap and finger push provides both power and precision to your shot. The finger push also helps to guide the direction of the ball, ensuring it goes where you want it to.
Practising this wrist and finger technique is essential. It might feel unnatural at first, but with repetition, it will become more comfortable and fluid. Practise from different angles and distances to improve your accuracy and consistency. Over time, your shooting will become more natural and instinctive, allowing you to shoot with confidence and success.
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Using the backboard
The backboard is particularly useful when shooting layups, which are taken off the dribble rather than from a stationary position. It is also effective for free throws, which are taken from the free-throw line located 15 feet (4.6 m) from the basket. This distance is ideal for practicing with the backboard, as the ball will usually bounce back to you, reducing the need to chase after it.
To master the technique of using the backboard, it is essential to understand the concept of "sweet spots." Researchers have identified that angled shots are generally more suitable for bank shots, while straight-on shots from more than 12 feet away are better for direct shots. The ideal target spot on the backboard depends on the angle between the baseline and a line from the basket to the shooter. By imagining a vertical line behind the backboard, you can determine the "sweet spot" where your bank shot should hit to score a basket.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the rules regarding the use of the backboard may vary slightly depending on the basketball organization and level of play. While it is generally considered a violation to intentionally throw the ball against the backboard to yourself, there are exceptions. For example, in the NBA, hitting the backboard is not considered an airball, and you can rebound your own shot if it misses the rim but hits the backboard.
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Practising from different angles
Understanding Launch Angles
The launch angle refers to the angle at which you release the basketball towards the basket. Your arm parallel to the floor creates a 0-degree angle, while a 90-degree angle is achieved when your arm is straight up, pointing to the ceiling. The ideal launch angle depends on your distance from the basket. For instance, a 6-foot player shooting a free throw would use a launch angle between 47-55 degrees, while a 7-foot player would use a slightly lower range of 46-53 degrees.
Practising from Various Distances
It's important to practice shooting from different distances. The closer you are to the basket, the higher your launch angle should be. For example, a two-foot shot from 8 feet away requires a launch angle of about 72 degrees. As you move farther away, your launch angle decreases; a free throw is approximately 51 degrees, and a 3-pointer is around 45 degrees.
Adjusting Your Angle Based on Height
Taller players generally need a lower launch angle to achieve the same entry angle as shorter players. For instance, a 6-foot player shooting an NBA 3-pointer has a launch angle range of 63-65 degrees, while a 7-foot player's range is 62-64 degrees. Experiment with different angles and find the ones that work best for your height.
Creating a Larger Target
You can opt for a higher launch angle to aim for a larger target area of the rim. This strategy is similar to what Stephen Curry does, as he releases with a higher-than-average launch angle, sacrificing a slower-moving ball for a bigger target. This approach can increase your chances of making the shot.
Practising with Screens
Using screens, such as downscreens and backscreens, can help create angles that make it harder for defenders to guard you. Downscreens, for example, should be set at an angle that prevents the defender from sliding over or under easily. Backscreens, on the other hand, should be set almost straight on the defender's back, with a slight angle to anticipate their movement.
Remember, the key to mastering shooting from different angles is to practice consistently. Over time, shooting from various angles will become second nature, and you'll be able to make those shots with ease during a game.
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Learning from professionals
Firstly, it is important to practice as much as possible. Shooting should become second nature, so that you don't have to think about the mechanics when playing in a game. Practice from a variety of angles and distances, and use the same form every time. This will help you develop a consistent shooting style.
Footwork is also important. Keep your feet flat and no further than shoulder-width apart, with your shooting foot slightly ahead of your non-shooting foot. Bend your knees slightly for balance and position the ball so that your elbow is not away from your shoulder.
When shooting, the power should come from your legs. Explode off your heels to release the ball in a fluid motion, keeping your shoulders and hands relaxed. This will help you achieve good rotation on the ball, improving the chance of it bouncing off the net and falling in.
There are also some common mistakes that professionals advise against. For example, Coach Beez notes that players should avoid swaying their bodies forward when preparing to shoot, as this can cause you to fall off-balance. He also recommends keeping your shoulders and hands relaxed to avoid tightness, which can affect the release of the ball.
Finally, it is important to practice shooting under pressure. This can help you fine-tune your mindset and approach the shot with confidence.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no single correct way to shoot a basketball. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you shoot better. 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. Your shooting foot is the foot on the same side as your shooting arm. Next, bring the ball just slightly in front of and above your face. When shooting, you can use a mix of snapping your wrist, and pushing the ball with your fingers.
Practice shooting from many angles and distances until it starts to feel natural. Shoot from all sides of the basket and from a variety of distances, using the same form every single time. You can also practice free throws, which are taken from the free-throw line located 15 feet (4.6 m) from the basket.
You can learn from professionals by watching videos of their shooting drills. For example, Pistol Pete’s (5x NBA All-Star in the 70’s) shooting drills are available on YouTube. You can also post a video of your shot on forums like r/BasketballTips, where members will give you tips and advice.
