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Basketball tips how to shoot
How to shoot a basketball like a pro: The top 6 tips
Learn the basic fundamentals on how to shoot a basketball with this easy how-to guide.
Whether you want to learn how to play basketball for fun or want to become the next Steph Curry, you need to have proper shooting technique. Arguably the most important skill in this worldwide sport, being able to shoot provides you with several benefits on the basketball court. To strengthen your knowledge of this skill, consider what shooting entails, the simple shooting method, how to shoot, the importance of being a great shooter, and various shooting drills to help you perfect your form.
To play basketball, it's important to know the basic rules of the game, the layout of the court, player positions, and various skills that can help you improve your game. Shooting, in particular, is widely considered one of the most essential skills of the game. This is because it can set a strong foundation for your knowledge of the sport.![]()
For example, knowing how to shoot properly can increase your knowledge of the game regarding strategic gameplay and other fundamental skills such as dribbling and passing. Ultimately, correctly shooting a basketball can establish you as a well-rounded athlete in this sport.
1. Get into a proper stance
Placing your feet in the right position can help you maintain balance and ensure you're able to handle the ball with ease. To shoot the basketball into the basket, keep your legs apart and extended. Your feet need to be in a comfortable position and approximately shoulder-width apart. This can help you support your weight rather than falling over when you shoot the basketball.
Anthony Davis
© Robert Snow/Red Bull Content Pool
If you plan on moving forward, bend your knees and move your dominant foot a little ahead of the other. For example, if you're right-handed, your right foot needs to be slightly in front of your left foot. Get balanced before the ball is in your hands so you can take a shot as quickly as possible without having to regain balance before shooting.
In addition, slightly flex your knees to make it easier for you to jump when you shoot the ball. Though this step takes practice, once you've mastered it, it can help you take a stance and make the shot more quickly.
2. Grab hold of the ball
Along with knowing how to stand, you need to maintain control of the ball. Grab hold of the ball using your fingertips of your shooting hand. Ensure that the ball and your eyes form a straight line leading to the hoop.
Keep your elbows aligned and make sure your hands are stable enough to ensure the ball heads in the right direction. Keep your lower arm vertical and at a 90-degree angle. Your elbows need to be in line with your shoulder as you raise them slightly to aim for the shot.
Once you have the ball, make sure you have it under your control using at least your fingers and your thumb. This helps the ball leave your hand with ease.
3. Focus on your target
Keep your eyes on the target by narrowing your focus on where you want the ball to go.
For example, consider directing your attention to the backboard or the back rim of the net a little before shooting. This can help you avoid outside distractions that may hinder your ability to make the shot.
4. Take the shot
With the previous steps in mind, your hands need to be on the ball as your wrists flick forward to drive it toward the net. Be sure to arch your arms to propel the ball upward and into the net. Your arm needs to extend completely and your elbow needs to lock.
The more practice you receive with these steps, the easier it can be to execute them in the future without thinking ahead of time.
Anthony Davis
© Dustin Snipes/Red Bull Content Pool
5. Understand the Simple Shooting Method: BEEF
Whether you're playing one-on-one basketball or as part of a team, one simple shooting method to consider learning is the BEEF principle. This concept improves your form, balance, control, and overall shooting ability on the court.
To refine your free throw and jump shooting, consider the following elements of the BEEF principle:
Balance: Maintain a solid, balanced base that will help set the foundation for a perfect jump shot. Weight should be equally distributed between both legs with a slight bend in your knees.
Eyes on the target: Most pros say that the ball will go wherever your eyes are looking, so make sure you're looking at the basket. Where you focus exactly is up to you, but focusing on the front of the rim or the back is a good place to start.
Elbows aligned: Your elbow should be at a 90-degree angle with your torso as you prepare to shoot. The elbow should be underneath the basketball and your shooting hand fingertips should be on the ball with your off hand making light contact on the side of the basketball.
Follow-through: The crucial last step of the BEEF Method is the flicking of the wrist to follow through on the shot. Upon release, the ball should roll off the tips of your pointer and middle finger.
If you've done it correctly your wrist will be flexed with your fingers pointed down at the ground.
Shooting is hands down one of the most crucial parts of the game, and even a slight improvement in shooting percentage can make a huge difference in winning percentage. Practice, practice, practice in the form of strategic shooting drills is the way to increase skills and get better. Here are individual shooting drills to add into your basketball training routine.
6. Shooting Drills to Help Your Form
To perfect your form, it's important to practice specific shooting drills. These drills will develop your technique, improve your consistency, and increase your confidence on the court. Here are some shooting drills that can help you perfect your form and make you a better shooter:
1-2 step shoot: This drill involves stepping into your shot with one foot at a time and can help you develop your offensive skills. To perform this drill, begin by taking your stance.
As you receive the pass, step with one foot in the pass's direction. If you're right-handed, step with your left foot, and vice versa. Then, step with your other foot to complete the 1-2 step shoot.
Set to go: This drill involves you standing a few feet away from the basket. Once you're in a set position, keep your arm angle at 90 degrees with the ball positioned under your shoulder. Then, extend your legs and shoot at the same time.
Off-dribble shooting: To perform this drill, take two 45-degree angle dribbles to your right and shoot the ball. Then, do the same to your left. The goal is to perform this drill at high speed and to maintain proper footwork and dribbling throughout.
One hand form shooting: Stand 2 to 4 feet in front of the rim and establish your base and position your feet properly to line up to shoot. Bring your arm up into an L position, your upper arm parallel to the ground and your forearm pointing to the ceiling. Your upper arm and forearm are at about a 75 to 90 degree angle.
Shoot 5 to 10 reps then move to a new spot
Add off hand: Stand 2 to 4 feet in front of the rim. Establish your base and position your feet properly to line up to shoot. Bring your arm up into an L position, your upper arm parallel to the ground and your forearm pointing to the ceiling. Your upper arm and forearm are at about a 75 to 90 degree angle. Place your off hand on the ball. Shoot 5 to 10 reps then move to a new spot. Tip: Make sure your four fingers are pointing up to the ceiling when you put your hand on the ball.
Block shooting: Block shooting drills help you practice the same skill over and over and are excellent for developing shooting technique, developing rhythm and building confidence. They can also serve as warm up drills.
Importance of becoming a great shooter
Red Bull Reign 2019 India Finals
© Ali Bharmal
Knowing how to shoot a basketball has several benefits that can help you stand out on the court. Although you don't need to be an expert shooter, this highly coveted athletic skill can help you advance your overall technique.
Here are some of the benefits and overall importance of becoming a great basketball shooter:
Helps your team score points: Being able to shoot a basketball increases your team's chances of winning a game. This is because making baskets is the way you score points in a game of basketball. Therefore, the better shooter you are, the greater your chances are of gaining points and helping your team win the game.
Increased shooting percentage: When your team has a higher shooting percentage, it can help you devise a strategy to win games more frequently. For example, if you need a certain number of points to win, being a great shooter can help your team understand the types of shots — and the number of shots — it needs to win. A team with a higher shooting percentage requires fewer shot attempts to win the game because they're more apt to make every shot. A lower shooting percentage may cause your team to rely on rebounds or forced turnovers.
More playtime: Coaches value basketball players with strong shooting skills.
Often, this skill is hard to come by, so honing your shooting skills can give you more time on the court during a game
How to Shoot a Basketball Perfectly (10-Step Guide)
Every young basketball player grows up wanting to learn how to shoot a basketball at a world-class level.
This is obvious to anyone who steps foot into a gym.
The first thing you'll look around and see are players as young as 5-years-old throwing up shots from behind the three-point line.
With the rise of players like Steph Curry and Damian Lillard, as well as the game of basketball developing to take more advantage of the three-point shot, learning how to shoot a basketball at a high level has never been more important.
There's only one issue with this...
Becoming a great shooter isn't an easy thing to do!
When I was a lot younger, I remember spending hundreds of hours in the backyard of our family home trying to perfect my shooting form.
I would sit in front of the TV and memorize the shooting techniques of my favorite player and then sprint outside and try to recreate it.
I would watch instructional shooting videos trying to diagnose the problems with my jump shot and then fix them.
Over time, I was able to improve a lot.
But as I started getting older and playing for different coaches, I kept running into obstacles in regards to my basketball shooting form...
Every coach wanted me to shoot the basketball a different way!
- Some coaches wanted me to dip the basketball. Some didn't.
- Some coaches wanted me to focus on the front of the rim. Some didn't.
- Some coaches wanted me to completely face the rim. Some didn't.
As soon as I'd become comfortable with one variation, another coach would step in and demand I change it.
It's nearly impossible to become a consistently good shooter when you're constantly making these changes.
And that's why I created this 10-step guide...
My goal with this article is to clear up all confusion when it comes to learning how to shoot a basketball at a high level.
I'm going to give you detailed, step-by-step instructions on exactly how players should be shooting the basketball.
This article will be broken up into 9 sections...
Quick Navigation
3 Important Shooting Facts
The BEEF Method (and who shouldn't use it)
How to Shoot a Basketball Perfectly in 10 Steps
Why Becoming a Great Shooter is Important
5 Basketball Shooting Form Mistakes (and how to fix them)
3 Basketball Shooting Drills For Perfect Form
6 Common Shooting Technique Questions
11 Basketball Shooting Tips
A Special Note for Basketball Coaches...
Conclusion
3 Important Shooting FactsBefore we get into the details on exactly how to shoot a basketball, there are three important things I want you to always keep in mind...
Fact #1 - Shooting is the Most Important Skill in Basketball
Let's not kid ourselves...
There is no skill more important in the game of basketball than shooting.
- Rebounding isn't more important.
- Footwork isn't more important.
- Passing isn't more important.
All those skills are still important, sure... but they're not as important as being able to shoot the basketball at a high level.
The sooner we can all admit this, the sooner we'll start creating better shooters at all levels of basketball.
Being a great shooter will result in not only more points for yourself, but more points for your teammates, too (we'll talk more about this later).
Fact #2 - Shooters are NOT born. They ARE developed
Not a single person on Earth was born with the ability to shoot a basketball at a high level.
- Not Steph Curry.
- Not Ray Allen.
- Not Reggie Miller.
- Not Kevin Durant.
All of these players began their lives with the same shooting ability as you, me, and all others players did…None.
"So, what separates them from the rest of us?"
They became some of the greatest shooters to ever step foot on a basketball court through hours and hours and hours of smart shooting repetitions in the gym.
Any basketball player who wants to become a great shooter one day must be willing to put in years of hard work to develop a great shot.
Fact #3 - There Are Very Few Players Willing to Put in the Work Required to Become a Great Shooter
I've been around the game of basketball for many years...
During all that time, I've seen very few truly great shooters.
"Why is that?"
Because 99.999% of players aren't willing to put in the work to become great.
But don't worry...
This is a good thing for you!
If you are one of the select few who is willing to put in the work (and I hope you are), then with a lot of hard work and dedication you can become one of the very few great shooters we have in the game today.
Now, let's get started!
The BEEF Method (and who shouldn't use it)
When kids first start learning how to shoot, one of the first acronyms a coach will teach them is the BEEF shooting method.
This is a super simple teaching tool created to help kids focus on four important aspects of shooting a basketball.
Here's what the acronym stands for...
- (B) - Balance
- (E) - Elbow
- (E) - Eyes
- (F) - Follow-Through
Simple, right?
To be clear, I do believe all of these points are important...
The problem with the BEEF method is that it's too simple.
Can it be used to teach absolute beginners or young athletes learning how to shoot a basketball for the first time?
Sure.
But once a player has learned the basics, it's time to move on to something more advanced.
I still see way too many coaches using the simple BEEF method with older and more experienced players.
We're letting the players down if our shooting advice doesn't get more advanced as they improve.
Let's go through the more advanced method I recommend...
How to Shoot a Basketball Perfectly in 10 Steps
Step #1 - Shot Preparation
Being a great shooter starts before you receive the basketball.
This step is often overlooked by most players and coaches but can be the difference between having enough time to take a good shot or getting your shot blocked by a defender closing out.
"You don't shoot fast. You get ready to shoot fast" - Don Meyer
Here are the three rules to make sure you're prepared to shoot when you catch the basketball...
a. Start with your knees and hips slightly bent
If you catch the basketball with straight legs, it will take extra time to bend your legs before raising up for your shot.
This is too slow.
b. Show target hands
Showing target hands to the player with the basketball shows them exactly where to pass to your shot pocket (we'll talk about this later).
c. Be mentally prepared to shoot
You'll never be more open than when you first catch the basketball.
As long as you're within your comfortable shooting range, you must be mentally prepared to shoot on the catch.
Step #2 - Hand Placement on the Ball
Upon catching the basketball or raising up into a shot, players must be able to quickly adjust their hands to the correct positions on the basketball.
The shooting hand must be under/behind the basketball and the balance hand should be on the side of the basketball.
The thumb of your shooting hand and the base of the thumb on your balance hand should form a 'T' (as pictured).
All finger pads and hand pads should be touching the basketball.
The only area of your shooting hand not touching the basketball is the small gap in the middle of your hand.
Another important but overlooked detail is that the fingers should be spread comfortably wide on the basketball.
These adjustments must happen immediately upon receiving the basketball.
Step #3 - Balanced Base
"The key to being a good shooter is balance. Everything follows balance" - Larry Bird
Most players and coaches believe that shooting success is mostly to do with the movements of the upper body...
This is far from the truth. Great shooting always starts with the base.
If a player can't get the base of their shot correct, then it's very hard to become a consistent shooter.
A balanced base involves three important factors...
a. Feet slightly narrower than shoulder-width apart
If your feet are too narrow, it's very difficult to stay on balance when raising up for the shot.
If your feet are too wide, you won't get enough lift in your shot.
(Have a photo showing too close, perfect, too wide.)
b. Dominant foot slightly in front
When combined with the next step (the turn), this will improve the balance of your shot and release tension in your shoulder.
For right-handed shooters, this means sliding the right foot forward slightly. The opposite for left-handed shooters.
c. Weight equally distributed on each foot
For obvious reasons, a player should not be leaning to either side when taking a shot.
Your weight should be equally distributed on both feet.
Step #4 - Feet Direction (The Turn)
I could have included this in the 'balanced base' section above, but I feel that this is so important it deserved its own step.
When shooting the basketball, a player's feet should be turned slightly.
For right-handed shooters, their feet should be turned slightly to the left (11 o'clock).
For left-handed shooters, their feet should be turned slightly to the right (1 o'clock).
To understand why this is important, stand at the free-throw line with all 10 toes pointing towards the rim.
If you attempt to keep your elbow lined up with the rim while shooting with this base, you'll notice that tension is required in the chest.
To relieve the body of this tension, players should turn their feet slightly which will allow their elbow and shoulder to line up with the rim more comfortably.
Step #5 - Consistent Shot Pocket
The 'shot pocket' is the area a player is most comfortable starting the basketball from when beginning their shot.
This will usually be around the lower chest or stomach area of a player and will either be usually be in the middle of their body or slightly to the shooting hand side.
All players must find what feels comfortable for them.
Each time a player catches the basketball to shoot, they should be bringing the basketball back to their shot pocket before raising up into their shot.
There are two main reasons for this.
..
- Keeping a consistent shot pocket ensures players are shooting the basketball the same way every time they shoot.
- Since the shot pocket is often low, this will give player much better rhythm as they go up for their shot.
Will there be time when players don't have time to return the basketball to their shot pocket? Sure...
But they'll shoot better when they do.
Step #6 - Eyes on the Target
A while ago I asked 15 shooting coaches which part of the rim they encouraged players to focus on when shooting.
The answers were surprising...
Many of the shooting coaches were teaching their players to aim for different targets on the rim... Yet all of them were able to develop great shooters.
"What does this tell us?"
There isn't one 'correct' target to focus on when shooting.
Players have a number of options...
- The center of the front of the rim.
- The center of the back of the rim.
- The first loop in the net.
- The entire hoop.
- etc.
Whichever target you decide to use, this is the most important thing you must keep in mind at all times...
Once you find a target you're comfortable with, be consistent.
'Front-rim shooters' and 'back-rim shooters' are focusing on targets which are 17 inches (45cm) apart aiming to achieve the same goal.
If you're constantly changing the target you're aiming at, it's nearly impossible for you to become a consistent shooter.
You have to pick one and then allow your shot to develop using that target.
Step #7 - Wrinkle the Wrist
Shooting with a straight wrist is another one of the most common problems for youth players.
Players who do this will often push the basketball towards the rim (flat shot) instead of shooting the basketball up and through the rim.
Fortunately, it's a simple fix with a visual cue.
The aim of this step is to get the wrist of the shooting hand bent back as far as possible (usually a little before 90 degrees).
This will give extra power to the shot and will also create the necessary backspin required to be a good shooter.
When bent back correctly, there will be small wrinkles in the skin on the back of the shooting wrist.
This provides a convenient visual cue for players to know if they're bending their wrist back correctly before shooting.
Step #8 - Elbow Under the Basketball
When you're raising up for the shot, the elbow of your shooting arm should be directly under the basketball.
This requires players to have their upper and lower arm forming an 'L' shape and also have their wrist bent back to 90 degrees (step 7).
Doing this will ensure that the basketball will be shot in a straight line to the rim and also have good backspin.
Players who flare their elbow out while shooting will often miss to the left or right because they're not shooting the basketball straight.
A player will often flare out their elbow when they don't turn their feet correctly (step 4).
This is because the chest requires uncomfortable tension to pull in the elbow when 10 toes are pointing towards the rim.
Step #9 - Balance Hand
The 'balance hand' is what we call the non-shooting hand.
As the name implies, its only role during the shooting motion is helping to balance the basketball on the shooting hand up until the release point.
For right-handed shooters, this is the left hand.
For left-handed shooters, this is the right hand.
If you've been around basketball long enough, you'll often hear this hand referred to as the 'guide hand'.
I don't like this terminology as this hand should never 'guide' the basketball anywhere during the shooting motion.
There should be no force from the balance hand when a shot is taken.
As the elbow starts to extend in the shooting motion, the balance hand releases flat off the side of the basketball.
If the balance hand isn't flat on release, this means that a player has pushed the basketball with their balance hand (most often with their thumb) while in the shooting motion and the shot will usually end up missing left or right.
Step #10 - Rhythm Shot + Follow Through
The final step is where it all comes together...
Shooting with rhythm involves many parts occurring simultaneously:
- The basketball is lifted up from the shot pocket.
- The knees and hips straighten out as the player raises themselves into the air for power.
- The elbow of the shooting arm straightens up in the air once the basketball has been lifted past shoulder height. (To check if you're shooting the basketball up into the air at the correct angle, make sure that the elbow of your shooting arm finishes next to your eyebrow on the follow through).
- Near the peak of the shot, the wrist is snapped in the direction of the rim so that they fingers are pointing towards the ground. This will ensure the basketball has good backspin resulting in a 'soft' shot.
- Also at the peak of the shot, the balance hand will release from the basketball keeping perfectly flat. This ensures the balance hand isn't pushing the basketball.
- The final two fingers to touch the basketball should be the index and middle fingers at the same time.
- When you return to the ground, the rhythm of your jump shot will have guided your body forward slightly of where you took off from.When practicing, I encourage players to hold this form until the basketball has hit the rim so that they can look up and evaluate their technique.
Video:
Why Becoming a Great Shooter is Important
Hesitant about whether you want to spend the hours it takes to become a great shooter?
Here's why it's important that you do...
1. Increases Your Scoring Opportunities
Being a great shooter will increase your scoring from all areas of the court.
Not only will you make more shots from the perimeter, you'll also be able to drive to the basket and score much easier than before.
"Why is this?"
When you're a great shooter, the defense is forced to defend close to you on-ball and off-ball in order to prevent you shooting an outside shot.
This gives the defender a lot less time to react to a cut to the rim or a drive to the basket if you have the basketball.
2. Increases Your Teammate's Scoring Opportunities
Great shooters don't need to touch the basketball to help their team score.
By simply being a scoring threat from the perimeter, you will help your team's offense by creating space on the floor.
Since a shooter’s defender is forced to play close to them to prevent the quick shot, it's difficult for them to play help defense on the other offensive players.
This means that there will be more space inside to finish at the rim, more open cutters, more open driving lanes, etc.
3. More Points on the Scoreboard
At the end of the day, to win more basketball games, you need to put points on the scoreboard.
And improved shooting does that!
If a player is able to make 35% of their three-point shots, they'll be more efficient than a player who makes 50% of their two-point shots.
This is the reason why we're seeing more and more teams at all levels attempt more three-point shots as players become better shooters.
4. Proves You Work on Your Game
There's one rule that will always be true when it comes to shooting...
Shooters aren't born. They're developed.
It's impossible to become a great shooter without a championship-level work ethic and dedication to improve your game.
All coaches and recruiters know this.
Being a great shooter immediately proves to all watching that you have great attention to detail, you work hard, and that you’re disciplined.
These are all traits that recruiters are on the lookout for.
5 Basketball Shooting Form Mistakes (and how to fix them)
Here are the 5 main shooting technique mistakes that I commonly see in players at all levels.
Once you understand what to look for, many of them are simple to fix.
1. Not Shooting With Enough Arc
It's incredibly difficult to become a great shooter if you have a flat shot.
The flatter your shot, the less area of the hoop the basketball has to go through the rim.
In 99% of cases, this occurs because a player pushes the basketball out towards the rim from their chest instead of shooting the basketball up into the air.
To make sure this doesn't happen, ensure players are wrinkling their wrist, have their elbow under the basketball, and their elbow finishes next to their eyebrow on the shot release.
2. Pushing With the Balance Hand Thumb
The traditional basketball shooting motion is a one-handed shot.
The balance hand stabilises the basketball until near the point of release, and then the dominant hand should be doing 100% of the shooting.
But that's not always what happens...
A lot of players fall into a bad habit of using their balance hand thumb to provide extra power on the shot.
This is necessary when a player is young and doesn't have the strength to shoot with the traditional one-handed method. Instead, they compensate for this lack of strength by shooting with two hands.
As players grow older and develop more strength, they must transition away from the two-handed shot and learn to shoot without using the thumb of their balance hand.
3. Not Dipping the Basketball
Nearly every great shooter in basketball history dips the basketball.
- Steph Curry dips.
- Ray Allen dips.
- Dirk Nowitzki dips.
- Steve Nash dips.
- Kevin Durant dips.
- You get the point...
So, why do we have so many coaches pushing players not to dip after they catch the basketball? (yes, I had this happen to me).
I have no idea.
There are three main reasons why it's important to dip the basketball...
- To ensure a consistent starting point (shot pocket).
- For rhythm on the shot.
- To prevent the upper body from being too tense.
Players: Dip the basketball.
4. Encouraging Players to Follow Their Shot
'Follow your shot' is one of the worst pieces of advice a coach can give to one of their players.
Doing so will negatively affect a player's shot in two ways...
a. It will ruin their shooting technique
Due to the rhythm of a jump shot, the motion will naturally take the shooter's upper body back and their lower body forward slightly.
This moves them away from the rim.
Players will be forced to shoot with bad technique to ensure they can sprint in and challenge for the rebound.
b. It will put them in the wrong mindset
When you tell a player to follow their shot, you're telling them that they're probably going to miss.
I think we can all agree that this is a terrible mindset to have before taking a shot.
Unless you know for certain a shot is off (players can always feel the bad ones), then you should never follow your shot.
Players should be putting 100% focus into completing the full shot routine with the best form possible each time they shoot.
5. Fingers Not Spread Wide Enough
Another important teaching point is making sure that players are shooting with their fingers spread comfortably wide on the basketball.
Many young athletes will catch and shoot with their fingers too close together.
The closer the fingers are, the less control players will have when they put up a shot.
The best time to address this point is when you're practicing form shooting with your team.
Get each player to hold the basketball in their shooting pocket and check to make sure each player is spreading their fingers wide enough.
3 Basketball Shooting Drills For Perfect Form
1. Perfects
'Perfects' involve a player beginning in a stationary position with the basketball in their shot pocket and focusing solely on shooting each shot with perfect form.
The goal is to make a specific number of perfect swishes from 4 different positions in front of the rim.
For example:
- 3-feet - 10 perfect swishes.
- 5-feet - 7 perfect swishes.
- 7-feet - 5 perfect swishes.
- 10-feet (free-throws) - 5 perfect swishes.
This is a great drill to begin individual shooting workouts with.
2. Spin Outs
The 'Spin Outs' drill works on catch-and-shoot situations.
This is a great drill for practicing shooting off the 'hop' or shooting off a '1-2 step'. As I said in a previous section, I always encourage players to practice both.
The drill involves players spinning the basketball out in front of themselves, catching the basketball with a hop or 1-2 step, and then rising up into the shot with perfect form.
These can be performed from midrange or from beyond the three-point line depending on the age and skill level of the player.
3. Off-Dribble Form Shooting
The final drill allows players to practice shooting with correct form off the dribble.
This is often the most difficult shot for young players.
To perform this drill, players start several metres behind where they plan to shoot the basketball from.
From there, the player takes 2 - 3 hard dribbles and then practices pulling up for the jump shot on balance.
After each shot, the player collects their own rebound (if they don't have a rebounder), and then returns to the starting position.
The biggest focus of this drill is to stay on balance throughout the entire shot.
6 Common Shooting Technique Questions
Here are the answers to 6 of the most common basketball shooting questions I receive...
1. "Should I shoot using a hop or the 1-2?"
Players must learn how to shoot off both.
I'm 100% against any coach demanding that their players use either the hop or the 1-2 step exclusively.
There are times throughout a game where the hop is better to use and there are times throughout a game where the 1-2 step is better to use.
Eventually, players will develop a preference and I recommend allowing them to make that choice on their own.
But players must be able to shoot off both.
2. "How many shots should I make every week?"
This is how many shots I recommend you make each week depending on the level of shooter you want to become...
- Elite Shooter = 1,500 made shots per week
- Great Shooter = 1,000 made shots per week
- Poor Shooter = 500 made shots per week
This might seem like a low number to some, but I promise you if you're taking all shots from game spots at game speed it won't be easy.
With the amount of distractions we have today, it's crucial all players are scheduling time to get in the gym and work on their shot.
3. "What part of the rim should I look at when I shoot?"
There isn't a 'correct' target every player should be looking at.
Read 'Step 6' and check out this article where 18 shooting experts give their advice.
4. "Should the index or middle finger be last to touch the basketball?"
This is another one of those questions there isn't a 'correct' answer to.
I've always taught the fork (index and middle release at the same time), but there are many great shooting coaches with differing opinions.
I ran a poll on Twitter (follow me!) which received 1,115 votes and 49% of people believe the middle finger should be last to touch the basketball.
I know of very few shooting coaches who recommend this, but it shows that all finger releases should be tested by players.
I believe any of the three can work.
5. "Why is backspin so important?"
Backspin is important while shooting because it creates a 'soft' shot.
When a shot is soft (or has touch), the basketball has more chance of bouncing on the rim and then falling through the hoop.
If a shot is taken without backspin, the ball is going to hit the rim and bounce away with very little chance of a score.
6. "Which direction should my feet be pointing?"
Read 'Step 4'.
Brief answer: Feet should have a slight turn. This allows players to open up their shoulder and get their elbow under the basketball without putting tension on the chest.
11 Basketball Shooting Tips
1. Repetition, Repetition, Repetition
The great shooters separate themselves from the rest of the pack by spending thousands of hours shooting focused repetitions in the gym.
If you want to learn how to shoot a basketball at a high level, you must be prepared to put in the work to achieve it.
This might seem easy to commit to at first, but I promise you that there will be days when the last thing you feel like doing is going to the gym.
- Cold mornings (and even colder in the gym).
- You didn't sleep well the night before.
- You feel like having a 'lazy day' at home.
The players who can cut through the excuses and get in the gym even when they're not feeling motivated to do so are the ones who separate themselves from the competition.
It's not about the number of hours you practice, it's about the number of hours your mind is present during the practice.
Kobe Bryant
2. Schedule Time for Shooting Practice
If all you do is stumble through each week and fit in shooting practice when it's convenient, I promise you that you'll never become a great shooter.
You must schedule your shooting workouts ahead of time.
Decide how many shots you want to make each week, work out roughly how long it will take, and then schedule your shooting workouts.
Once they're schedule, treat these blocks of time as non-negotiable.
- A friend calls you and wants to hang out? Sorry, you're busy.
- Feel like sleeping in late one day? Sorry, you're busy.
You must make shooting a priority.
3. Always Start Close to The Rim
It's never a good sign to see young players arrive at the gym and immediately start throwing up three-point shots.
Never underestimate the importance of starting close to the rim and making a lot of easy form shots to begin your shooting practice.
This allows you to get into a good rhythm, focus on your shooting technique, and build confidence by making shots.
Don't let your ego get in the way.
If you want to be a great shooter from 25 feet, you better be a great shooter from 4 feet first.
Steve Kerr
4. You Can't Rely on Team Practices for Shooting
Here's a little fact you probably didn't realize...
On average, a player will only shoot 25 - 30 shots in a team practice.
Doesn't sound like much, does it?
Of course, this will depend on the coach's priorities...
But with all the other skills, offenses, and defenses that need to be worked on, coaches simply don't have the time to schedule long blocks of shooting.
What does this mean?
90% of becoming a great shooter occurs outside of team practices.
You must be prepared to put in thousands of repetitions in the gym by yourself or with a teammate.
5. Always Have a Plan
If you simply go to the gym and throw up random shots while laughing with your friends, the rate at which you improve is going to be incredibly slow.
You must have a plan if you want to see quick results.
Ask yourself questions like...
- Where do most of my shots come from during games?
- At the next level where will most of my shots come from?
- What shot do I need to make consistently to become a better player?
- Which areas of the court do I struggle to make shots from?
- etc.
Once you know the answer to these, create a workout.
This will ensure you're taking game shots, from game spots, at game speed.
Then when you get in the gym, you'll know exactly what you need to do.
I hate casual shooting. Every shot is preceded by working to get open and catch and shoot under game-like conditions.
Bobby Knight
6. Track your shooting workouts
I first started advising players to start tracking their made shots after reading a terrific article on shooting coach Dave Hopla.
Dave tracks every single shot he takes… and regularly shoots 98%.
Incredible, right?
In fact, you'll find it hard to find any great shooter that doesn’t meticulously track their makes and misses when working on their shooting.
So, why don’t more youth and high school players do it?
I have absolutely no idea!
It’s an absolute must if a player plans on improving their shot.
Here are 5 quick reasons why tracking shots will make you a great shooter:
- You cannot improve what you don't measure.
- It makes every single shot important.
- Players can set shooting goals and commitments.
- Players will see improvements.
- Players will find out their weak shooting areas.
7. Analyze Your Missed Shots
You're going to miss a lot of shots...
Hell, even the best shooters on the planet make less than half of their shots during competitive play.
If you're going to become a great shooter, you must be able to analyze your missed shots and learn from them.
Here's something I want you to keep in mind...
Great shooters miss front and back. Poor shooters miss left and right.
"Why is this?"
In most cases, when a shot is missed due to hitting the front or back of the rim, it's because the players didn't judge the distance correctly or due to fatigue in the arms and legs.
When a player misses left or right, it's often due to a shooting technique issue.
While practicing, form the habit of looking up after each shot and evaluating the placement of both of your hands.
8. Incorporate Conditioning into Your Shooting Workouts
You're going to be fatigued while you're taking shots during games.
If you want to be a great in-game shooter, it's incredibly important that you replicate this feeling during your shooting workouts.
For players wondering why they can always shoot great while chucking up shots before practice but never in games...
This is likely reason why.
Being able to shoot the ball when you've expended so much energy at the defensive end of the floor is an amazing skill.
Steve Kerr
Here are a few ways you can add conditioning to your shooting practices:
1. Run the floor
After a specific amount of made shots, sprint a full length of the floor before continuing.
Once you've completed a few up-and-backs, you'll definitely feel yourself needing to put more focus into every shot.
2. Rebound for yourself
Rebound your own shots instead of getting a parent or teammate to rebound for you.
This will add a quick sprint after every missed or made shot.
9. Work on Your Inside Game, Too!
Want to know what's better than a player who can consistently knock down an outside shot?
A player who can consistently knock down and outside shot AND finish strong at the rim.
Understand this...
When you do become a great shooter, the opposition is going to start defending you differently than your teammates.
The opposition will be forced to player closer to you, they'll jump at more of your shot fakes, and they'll fight over screens instead of slipping under them.
All of this will lead to many more drive opportunities that wouldn't usually be there for a player who struggles shooting from outside.
Make sure you're able to take advantage of these opportunities by having a great shot fake and being able to finish strong around the rim!
10. Know the Shots You Should be Taking During Games
As you move from practices to games, it's important for all players to understand which areas of the floor are good shots for them.
The unwritten rule is that a players should be able to make 6-7/10 from a spot unguarded during practice before they start taking a shot from that spot during games (HS level).
Unfortunately for some, shooting the basketball is not an equal opportunity decision.
If you can't shoot well from certain areas of the court, you don't get to take those shots.
The players who spend thousands of hours in the gym are rewarded during games by shooting more than some of their teammates.
If you want to shoot more, practice more.
Shooting percentage is just as much about decision making as it is about technique.
Jeff Van Gundy
11. Don't Expect Instant Results
There is one thing I can promise you...
You're not going to become a great shooter overnight.
- You'll feel like you're not making progress at all...
- You'll feel like it's pointless to continue...
- You'll feel like you want to give up...
But if you're consistent, the results will come.
This means being consistent with multiple weeks and months of working hard on your shot, not multiple days of practice.
I've had many players come to me upset because they've been making 200 shots a day for five days in a row and they haven't seen any progress.
It doesn't happen that quickly!
The process takes time.
A Special Note for Basketball Coaches...
If a youth player is shooting with bad technique, it's our fault.
Yep, you read that correctly...
Not any one coach specifically, but all of us as a whole.
Players fall into certain shooting habits early and we can't expect 5 - 12 year old kids to know the correct way to shoot a basketball.
It’s our responsibility as coaches to ensure that our players are shooting with great technique by teaching them correct form and using shooting technique drills in practice.
I once wrote an article explaining that there are only two steps to becoming a great shooter…
1. Master the Mechanics (Coach’s responsibility)
The first step to becoming a great shooter is mastering shooting technique.
It’s the coach’s responsibility to learn what great shooting technique is and teach it to their players.
It’s one of our most important roles in assisting players to develop their shot.
2. Lots of Smart Repetitions (Player’s responsibility)
The responsibility of the second step rests solely on the shoulders of each individual player…
Putting in the time to shoot the amount of shots it takes to be a great shooter (I recommend 1,500 makes a week).
There simply isn’t enough time during practice for players to get many shots up during team practice.
The bulk of these makes must come during the player’s own time.
Photo and Video Credit:
A big thank you to Ryan Razooky for providing this blog post with images and videos of the different steps on how to shoot a basketball.
Conclusion
Even after 6,000+ words on how to shoot a basketball, it's important to understand that there is not one 'correct' way to shoot.
- Steph Curry
- Dirk Nowitzki
- Reggie Miller
- Ray Allen
- Klay Thompson
- Peja Stojakovic
All of these players are world-class shooters with very different shooting techniques.
Use the 10-steps I've outlined above as a guide to develop your own shot and then make subtle changes to find what works best for you.
Basketball coaching hacks: how to score goals for beginners
Even if you are a novice basketball player, we will not give you a training plan, but we will tell you why the ball flies anywhere but into the ring and into your hands. It's all about technique: even with regular training and perseverance, novice adults and children often make simple mistakes. It's a shame, let's fix it. Below are 11 life hacks on how to hone your technique to increase the likelihood of a goal for your team.
Basketball Shot Rules for Beginners
1. Hands up
In pursuit of the attacker, raise your hands, even if you are standing with your back to the pass, and even more so if the ring is in front of you. Your raised hands will increase the chance of intercepting the ball from the opponent by 2 times. Don't overlook this little thing!
2.
Make shield rolls
Even Tim Duncan did not neglect them! A square is drawn on the basketball backboard. If you are standing opposite the ring, then aim at the middle of the upper part of the square, if you are standing on the side, then at the corner. If you hit this square, then the ball is at 90% of cases will fall into the ring. The law of physics and no cheating!
3. Look at the ring, not at the ball
Practice driving the ball with your hand, not your eyes, develop tactile control. Your eyes should be on the hoop while dribbling and be aware of the position of your body in relation to the hoop. Then you will be able to take the correct posture, and the throw will be effective.
4. Dribble with the balls of your fingers only
The palm should not touch the ball, only the pads of the fingers. Dribbling should become familiar to you, like an extension of your hand. Then you can change its trajectory at any time and you will have more chances to score goals.
Practice with the ball constantly.
5. Throw with one hand
If you throw the ball with two hands, you reduce the chance of hitting the basket. All the efforts of the throw are in one hand (in the right for right-handers, in the left for left-handers). The other hand only holds the ball, the leading one holds it with the fingers, not the palm.
6. Do not jump when protecting the ring
Jumping is the main mistake of rookie defenders. To intercept the ball and block the shot, simply stick out your hands. When you are in a jump, the attacker will easily bypass you.
7. Don't look back
When you dribble, don't look back, but dribble and aim for the ring, focus on shooting (or passing to another player on your team).
8. Bring the throw to automatism
Incorporate the most basic basketball techniques into your training plan and bring the shot to automatism. Throw first from a distance of half a meter from the ring, gradually increasing it.
Learn to throw the ball so that it hits the hoop without touching the edge.
Throw the ball with all fives and jump
Throwing Rules:
- Head in the center of the body - if tilted, accuracy is lost.
- Look at the ring: mentally build a trajectory. If you are far away, the ball flies in a curved curve with a maximum height of 2 meters above the hoop.
- A strong hand is in front and throws, a weak hand is on the side and directs, only holding the ball. The elbow of the throwing hand must be in line with the ring.
- The ball must rest on the fingers without touching the palm. The fingers are as far apart as possible and grab the ball.
- Throwing arm bent 90 degrees, forearm perpendicular to the floor. If you bend less, then you get not a throw, but a throwing of the ball horizontally.
The main thing in the throw is the position of the body and its balance. Place your feet apart and parallel to each other: it is important to orient them in the middle of the basket.
Then the direction of the body during the jump will coincide with the direction of the throw, and the ball will fly straight into the ring. When the feet are uneven, the ball flies in the wrong direction or does not reach (although the throw was normal).
Take a deep breath and release as you exhale.
How to hold the ball and shoot in basketball
How to throw correctly: straighten your arm, point your wrist up, and with your hand set the ball to rotate in the opposite direction from the flight. The ball should seem to "roll" off your fingers.
9. Copy masters and play as a team
Watch professional basketball games and try to copy the movements of your favorite players in training. And be sure to conduct game sparring - this will allow you to develop more techniques.
10. Do not throw in a straight line
The higher the arc of the ball, the greater the chance of a goal and the less chance of blocking by the opponent.
11. Do not throw the ball from a full height stand
This is the biggest newbie mistake!
Before the throw, bend your knees slightly and at the moment of the throw, straighten your body, making a jump. You need to straighten up and push off the ground at the same time. When squatting, keep the elbow of the throwing arm close to the body and towards the ring.
The jump will give momentum to the ball and will allow you not to make sudden movements with the brush.
***
And to be a long-term player, do not forget about your health: take care of your joints and muscles, use tapes, do a warm-up. And be sure to strengthen your arms, legs and shoulder girdle, develop coordination. Regular exercises on uneven bars and horizontal bars will help you with this.
How to throw the ball in basketball
Now we will analyze how to throw the ball in basketball is correct and how to do it with one hand.
You often see how basketball players throw the ball with one hand in a jump in competitions. This is a very difficult way. If you learn how to throw the ball like that, the defender is unlikely to be able to interfere with you.
It is not easy to learn how to throw a basketball with one hand while jumping. First of all, you need to be able to jump. While catching the ball, take a long step with your left foot. Bring your right foot to your left foot. Squat down a bit and get ready to jump. Throw both hands with the ball up and quickly jump. Move the ball to your right hand. At the highest point of the jump, throw the ball with the movement of the hand and fingers, straightening the arm at the elbow joint. First try to do it without the ball.
It will be difficult at first to throw the ball into the basket. Therefore, choose a target for yourself on the wall and try to hit it or throw the ball in a jump to a friend standing in front of you.
Do you like throwing the ball into the basket with both hands? There is also such a way: it is throwing the ball into the basket with both hands from the head.
Here's how it's done. The ball is raised above the head, the arms are slightly bent at the elbows, the legs are at the knees, both are on the same line.
If it suits you, you can put one foot forward half a step. Before throwing the ball in basketball, the legs are bent at the knees, and the arms are at the elbows. When you straighten your legs and stretch your arms up, with smooth movements of the hand and fingers, you throw the ball into the basket.
You passed the defender, but he is chasing you. If you throw the ball into a basketball basket with one hand from the shoulder, the defender can interfere with you. Therefore, when the defender is close to you, throw the ball into the basket with one hand from below, jumping up and stretching your arm forward and upward.
If throwing the ball in basketball with one hand is still difficult for you, throw it with both hands from below. If, bypassing the defender, you ran through the basket, it's okay. Throw the ball into the basket with the hook.
Whichever way you throw the ball into the basket, remember:
1. If you are throwing the ball straight into the basket, look at the front edge of the ring.
2. If you are throwing with a rebound from the shield, look at the point you want to hit.
3. Try to throw the ball in basketball directly into the basket more often. With a bounce off the shield, throw only at close range from the side.
4. If you are throwing the ring while jumping, try to make it as high as possible.
5. Throw the ball into the basket as soon as the opportunity presents itself, and be sure of your luck.
6. Play boldly, don't be discouraged if the ball doesn't hit the basket. If necessary, boldly repeat the throw.
7. If your friend threw the ball but didn't go into the basket, don't blame him. After all, you and he learn to play.
8. Throw the ball with a smooth movement of the hand with the fingertips.
9. If your friend is in a better position, pass the ball to him, but never be afraid to throw it yourself.
