Andrew Pace
The follow-through is a critical component of shooting a basketball. The direction of the follow-through is equally important as it determines the success of the shot. The follow-through is influenced by the position of the arm and wrist angles, which control the S-Curve and the path of the ball. The shooting process begins when the ball rises up the Shot Line, and the efficiency of the shot is determined by the movement of the arm and wrist during this process. The wrist angle at the set point, for instance, can cause the ball to loop up and back before heading towards the basket. The positioning of the shooting hand and the grip on the basketball are also critical factors in determining the direction of the follow-through.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shooting hand placement | Fingers pointing directly toward the basket |
| Non-shooting hand placement | On the side of the ball to steady it |
| Elbow position | In line with the shoulder |
| Body position | Squared up with the basket, feet hip- or shoulder-width apart |
| Shooting motion | Fluid, forward motion |
| Release point | Just before reaching the height of your jump |
| Follow-through | Straighten your wrist so the ball arches |
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What You'll Learn
Keep your shooting arm in line with your shoulder
Keeping your shooting arm in line with your shoulder is a key part of shooting a basketball. The shooting motion involves a lot of different factors, but getting the basics right will help you develop and improve your scoring ability.
First, you need to get into the correct position. Place your feet hip- or shoulder-width apart, whichever is more comfortable, with your shooting foot very slightly ahead of your non-shooting foot. Your shooting foot is the same side as your shooting arm, so if you're right-handed, it will be your right foot. Your knees should be bent, and your shoulders back, with your body squared to face the basket.
Next, grip the ball. Hold the ball from underneath, with your shooting hand underneath the ball and your palm facing up and out. Your non-shooting hand should be placed on the side of the ball to steady it. Your fingers should be about 90 degrees away from each other, with the dominant hand's fingers pointing directly toward the basket. The fingers of your shooting hand should be perpendicular to the seams on the ball, and your elbow should be in line with your shoulder.
Now you're in position, it's time to shoot. Push the ball up and forward, and turn your body 20 to 90 degrees toward your non-shooting hand as you jump. As you reach the height of your jump, straighten your elbow and release the ball toward your target. Follow through with your wrist so that the ball flies in an arc.
The position of your elbow is important. It should be in line with your shoulder, but you don't want to overthink this. Use the elbow as a cue to get your finger into the correct alignment. If you can get your shooting hand's finger parallel to the target line, it will remain on the very bottom of the ball throughout the wrist snap. This will help you to avoid pushing the ball offline.
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Guide the ball with your non-shooting hand
To shoot a basketball, it is important to guide the ball with your non-shooting hand. The non-shooting hand is used to get you into the final shooting motion without losing control of the ball. It is important to grip the basketball correctly, and the non-shooting hand plays a crucial role in this.
The non-shooting hand should be placed on the side of the ball to act as a guide for the shot. The palm of the non-shooting hand can touch the ball, or you can control it with your fingers and thumb. Leaving a little space between your palm and the ball will allow the ball to roll off your fingertips more easily. The ball should sit on your finger pads, and you should spread your fingers wide for greater control.
The non-shooting hand should not push the ball, as this will cause it to go offline. Its role is to help hold the ball steady while the shooting hand exerts force. As you release the ball, your guiding hand should move to lightly touch your shooting arm just below the wrist. This will help you follow through, which is a crucial part of shooting a basketball.
The non-shooting hand is also important for getting into the correct shooting position. When jumping to shoot, you should turn your body 20 to 90 degrees toward your non-shooting hand. This will help you keep your balance and aim accurately.
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Shoot in a fluid, forward motion
Shooting a basketball correctly is the most important skill you need to master to play the game. It is important to keep your movements simple and fluid, and to follow through with your wrist so that the ball arches in an arc rather than going straight up or forward.
To shoot in a fluid, forward motion, start by aligning your body with the basket. Place your feet either hip- or shoulder-width apart, whichever is more comfortable, with your shooting foot very slightly ahead of your non-shooting foot. Your shooting foot is the foot on the same side as your dominant hand. For example, if you're right-handed, your right foot will be your shooting foot.
Next, grip the basketball with your dominant hand, keeping your fingers perpendicular to the seams on the ball. Your non-dominant hand should rest on the side of the ball to steady it. The position of your hands on the ball is critical to a consistent release. You want to avoid the shooting hand and the guide hand pushing the ball in opposite directions, which will make it harder to be consistent. Instead, try to build a one-handed release with one hand pushing the ball towards the target.
Now, bring the ball up over your head, keeping the elbow of your dominant arm in line with your shoulder. Push the ball up and forward, and turn your body 20 to 90 degrees toward your non-shooting hand as you jump. As you reach the height of your jump, straighten your elbow and release the ball toward the basket. Follow through with your wrist, allowing the ball to fly in an arc.
Remember, it takes time and practice to shoot a basketball correctly, so don't get discouraged if you don't master it right away. Keep working on your form and technique, and you'll see improvement in your shooting ability.
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Release the ball at the height of your jump
Releasing the ball at the height of your jump is a crucial aspect of basketball shooting technique. This technique, known as the "jump shot", is a fundamental skill for players to master. The jump shot allows players to increase their shooting efficiency and success rate by utilising the height and power generated from their jump.
When releasing the ball, players should aim to straighten their elbow and push their wrist, creating an arch in the ball's trajectory rather than a straight line toward the basket. This arch is important as it increases the margin for error, making it easier to get the ball into the basket. Additionally, players can increase the spin rate on the ball, particularly with backspin, to further enhance the arch and reduce the required release speed.
The height of the jump shot is influenced by several factors, including the player's height, jumping ability, and coordination. Taller players tend to have an advantage as they can release the ball from a higher point, requiring less strength to make a successful shot. However, shorter players can compensate by developing faster segmental velocity and utilising wrist flexion to generate more spin on the ball.
Releasing the ball at the height of your jump also allows for better control and adjustment of your shot. By releasing the ball later in the jump, players can take advantage of the hang time to adjust their shot in the air, especially when dealing with defenders. This technique is crucial for mid-to-close-range shooting, where a slight pause before releasing the ball can lead to more accurate shots.
Practicing different shooting forms, such as the one-motion and two-motion shots, can help players find their preferred style. The one-motion shot is generally faster and has more arc, making it suitable for long-range shots, while the two-motion shot allows for a higher release point and is preferred for mid-to-close-range shooting. Ultimately, the release of the ball at the height of the jump is a critical skill in basketball, and with consistent practice, players can improve their shooting accuracy and success rate.
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Follow through with your wrist
To shoot a basketball, the follow-through is a critical component. The follow-through is the final part of the shooting process, where the wrist snaps and the ball is released toward the basket. The wrist angle and movement during the follow-through influence the ball's path and the accuracy of the shot.
To execute an effective follow-through with your wrist, several key techniques should be applied. Firstly, the wrist should snap or cock during the follow-through, propelling the ball forward. This wrist action creates a whipping motion that imparts speed and spin on the ball. The snap of the wrist should be fluid and powerful, contributing to the force behind the shot.
Additionally, the position of the wrist in relation to the forearm is crucial. As the ball is released, the wrist should be aligned with the forearm, creating a straight line. This alignment ensures that the force generated by the wrist snap is efficiently transferred to the ball, resulting in a more accurate and controlled shot.
The follow-through should also be coordinated with the rest of the body's movements. As the wrist snaps, the shooting elbow should be straightened, and the non-shooting hand should guide the ball by lightly touching the shooting arm below the wrist. This coordination helps to stabilise the shot and improve accuracy.
Furthermore, the follow-through should be practised with a focus on consistency and muscle memory. Each player may have a unique wrist angle and technique, but consistency in their own form will lead to more accurate and repeatable shots. Drills and exercises can help to ingrain the proper follow-through technique, improving a player's scoring ability over time.
Lastly, the wrist angle during the follow-through can be adjusted to influence the trajectory of the ball. For instance, a more pronounced wrist cock can create a higher arc on the shot, which is useful for shooting over defenders or from longer distances. Conversely, a slightly reduced wrist cock can result in a flatter shot trajectory, useful for quick releases or shots from closer range.
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Frequently asked questions
The follow-through arm in basketball should go in a fluid, forward motion. The shooting hand should be aimed at the basket, with the wrist and elbow straightened so that the ball arches toward the basket in an S-Curve.
Before shooting a basketball, position your body so that your feet are hip- or shoulder-width apart, whichever is more comfortable. Your shooting foot should be slightly ahead of your non-shooting foot. Hold the ball with your dominant hand underneath it, with your fingers pointing toward the basket.
The best way to release the basketball is to jump slightly forward, keeping your shoulders back and relaxed. As you reach the height of your jump, release the ball with your shooting hand, following through with your wrist so that the ball arches toward the basket.
