Helena Frye
The shooting technique in basketball is a highly debated topic, with many coaches and players advocating for different methods. One of the most common points of discussion is the position of the elbow when shooting. The traditional advice given by many coaches is to keep your elbow in or to form an L-shape with your elbow when shooting. However, some argue that this advice can be misleading and that focusing on the position of the fingers and the hand is more important for achieving an accurate shot. The key to a straight shot is to ensure that the middle of the hand is parallel to the target line at the release of the ball, which will naturally bring the elbow into the optimal position under the basketball.
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What You'll Learn
Elbow positioning
One common cue that coaches often use is "get your elbow in". While this cue is not necessarily wrong, it can be misleading for young players if taken too literally. Saying "get your elbow in" may result in players bringing their elbow too far in, pointing towards their belly button, or resting against their ribs. This can restrict their shooting motion and affect their accuracy. Instead, coaches should focus on ensuring that the player's elbow is not touching the ball and that it is positioned optimally in relation to the shooting hand and the target line.
To achieve the correct elbow positioning, players should focus on getting their fingers and the middle of their hand parallel to the target line at the release of the ball. This will ensure that the force is applied evenly across the ball, resulting in a straight shot. By focusing on the position of the fingers and hand, the elbow will naturally fall into the correct position.
Additionally, players should aim to keep their elbow under the basketball rather than to the side or above it. This positioning helps to ensure that the shot travels straight and also provides a more comfortable shooting motion. It is important for coaches to communicate this effectively to their players, as incorrect elbow positioning can lead to inconsistent shooting and reduced accuracy.
Drills and exercises can help players improve their elbow positioning. For example, the Elbow Shooting drill helps players practice shooting from both elbows, with a focus on footwork and catching the ball on the move. Keeping a record of their progress and accuracy from each elbow can also help players identify areas for improvement and track their progress over time.
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Shooting form
While the elbow should not be the primary focus of shooting form, it is still important to ensure that it is not touching the ball. The elbow should be kept lower, under the ball, and off the body. This technique helps to achieve a smooth release and a comfortable body position. It is also important to note that the shooting hand should not end up on the back of the ball, as this can lead to a poor arc.
Some coaches suggest that the phrase "keep your elbow in" should be translated as "get your elbow lower on your shot" or "drop your elbow". This interpretation can help players understand the intended correction and avoid common mistakes, such as bringing the elbow too far in or resting it against the ribs.
To improve shooting form, players can perform a basketball shooting drill that focuses on elbow technique. This involves shooting ten shots from each elbow, adjusting the rebounder and passing-line positions accordingly. Players should use the correct pivot foot for each shot and aim to land in the same spot or slightly in front of their starting position.
In summary, achieving the perfect shooting form in basketball involves a combination of hand, finger, and elbow placement. While the elbow should not be the primary focus, keeping it under the ball and off the body contributes to a smooth release and comfortable shooting position. The key to a straight shot lies in the position of the shooting hand and fingers, which should be parallel to the target line at the release of the ball.
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Target line
The target line is an important aspect of shooting in basketball. It refers to the line that the ball follows when released from the player's hand towards the basket. The middle of the player's hand should be under the middle of the ball at the set point, which is when the ball is around the player's forehead height. This ensures that the player's fingers are parallel to the target line, enabling them to apply force evenly to the ball as it is released.
To improve shooting accuracy, coaches can employ target practice drills. This involves setting up targets at different heights and distances on a wall, with cones in front of each target. Players earn points by hitting the targets, with the coach keeping track of scores and offering prizes or praise to the winners. This drill helps players focus on correct shooting form while also adding an element of competition to the practice.
While achieving the perfect shot line is challenging, it's important to remember that great shooting is about consistent practice and finding what works for the individual player. Each player's body is built differently, so coaches may need to make small compromises and adjustments to find the optimal shot line for each player.
Additionally, the alignment of the player's shoulder is not as crucial as the contact point between the hand and the ball. Similar to how a pool cue doesn't need to be perfectly aligned with the cue ball and target, the key to a successful shot in basketball lies in the positioning of the hand relative to the ball.
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Pivot foot
The pivot foot is a fundamental aspect of basketball, and one that young players should master early on. It is the first foot to touch the floor when a player has control of the ball. The player can then spin or change position, as long as the pivot foot remains in its original position and in contact with the floor. The pivot foot can be established before dribbling or after the player has picked up their dribble. Once the pivot foot is established, the player must pass or shoot before their pivot foot returns to the floor.
There are two types of pivots: the forward pivot and the reverse pivot (or drop-step). In a forward pivot, the player pivots forward, spinning or stepping forward in a counterclockwise motion. In a reverse pivot, the player pivots backward, stepping backward in a clockwise motion. The pivot foot is also crucial for referees to correctly call travelling violations. Travelling is when a player takes more than a predefined number of steps while holding the ball. The rules around travelling can be challenging to understand, but knowing what the pivot foot is and watching what it does can make calling travelling violations much easier.
When teaching young players about the pivot foot, it is important to combine a theoretical introduction with a practical demonstration. Players should practice pivoting on both feet, as the optimal pivot foot can change depending on the situation. A simple drill is to have players get into an athletic stance while holding the basketball close to their chest. On a signal, the players pivot 90 degrees in one direction, and then the other, making sure to maintain the same height throughout the movement.
Pivoting is a basic skill in basketball, but one that is often overlooked. Learning to pivot correctly gives players an advantage and helps them develop their basketball IQ. It allows them to slow down the pace of play, giving them time to make the correct decision and avoid committing a travel or turnover.
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Shooting pocket
The shot pocket in basketball is a crucial aspect of shooting technique. It is the sweet spot where the ball rests just before releasing your shot. There is no one-size-fits-all shot pocket; it is unique to each player. The key is to focus on the fundamentals: wrist flexibility, hand positioning, and elbow mechanics.
To find your unique shooting pocket, you need to get comfortable with your shooting form. This means understanding the key components of shooting form, such as wrist snap, hand positioning, and elbow mechanics. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel to nestle the ball into that sweet shot pocket.
When discovering your shot pocket, it is important to keep the ball in line with your body. The ideal place for the ball to be aligned is with your right hip, so you can bring your shot straight up and out. This will allow for consistent shooting, as you are able to do the same thing every single time.
By focusing on proper form and technique, you can start to incorporate your shooting pocket into more game-like situations, such as shooting off the dribble or coming off screens. The goal is to make your shooting technique second nature, so you can rely on it under pressure.
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Frequently asked questions
The elbow should be under the basketball, not touching it.
If the elbow touches the basketball, it can affect the accuracy of the shot.
The fingers of the shooting hand should be parallel to the target line at the set point.
The left foot is the pivot foot, and the shooter should land in the same spot or slightly in front of the starting spot.
