21 Easy Ways to Improve Your Basketball Shooting Percentage – The Breakthrough Basketball Blog
Tip #1 – Locate Your Target (the Rim) Earlier
Getting in the habit of locating your target (the rim) earlier will improve your shooting percentage. Why?
Locating the rim just a split second earlier gives your brain more time to subconsciously calculate distance and focus on your objective. Your eyes should be on the rim as early as possible. To make this little trick work, you need to develop this habit in practice, which carries over into games.
Tip #2 – Always Hold Your Follow Through
You’ve probably heard this a hundred times but there’s good reason for it. Holding your follow through solves a multitude of shooting problems. This simple movement helps you maintain good basketball shooting technique without even thinking about it.
Tip #3 – Finish with a Relaxed Wrist
A common mistake is for players to follow-through with a tense wrist. Your wrist should be as relaxed as possible. Your hand should finish on line and even bounce a little during the follow-through.
Tip #4 – Use a Colored Ball to Improve Rotation
To improve the straightness of your shot, try a colored basketball during practice. This makes it easy to see the rotation and direction of the ball. The immediate feedback makes it quick and easy for you to adjust and improve your shot.
Tip #5 – Don’t Shoot like Kobe (By Hanging In The Air)
TOO many kids try to copy Kobe and end up with bad shots for the REST OF THEIR LIVES!
Youngsters have no business trying to hang like Kobe and shoot. Kobe is a freak of nature! You should shoot as you’re going up (at least 1 inch before you reach the top of your jump). Trying to mimic Kobe’s shot will just earn you a place on the bench and lots of frustration.
Tip #6 – Stop Thinking about Your Shot During Games
One of the worst things you can do is think about your shooting mechanics during a game.
Thinking about your shot is for practice, NOT for games! In fact, you should only think during certain parts of your practice. It’s ok to think during a form shooting session or when learning a new skill, but once you start developing rhythm and get further into practice, don’t think!
During games, train yourself to think about other things or nothing at all.
You’re going to miss a few. So what! Don’t think, just shoot the damn ball!!!
If you adopt this mentality, your shooting percentage will go UP.
Tip # 7 – Eliminate Negative Thoughts with this Simple Trick
Eliminating negative thoughts can dramatically improve your basketball shooting percentage.
To stop thinking and eliminate bad thoughts, you can try this little trick…
Before each game, practice, and shooting session, tell yourself that you don’t care if you make any baskets. Say it out loud or in your head several times.
THEN, when you go to shoot (right as you’re catching the ball), say something to yourself like, “Nice shot. I can do better.” In other words, try not to care if it goes in or not.
This simple little trick helps you to relax into the process and not think about the result. Using this technique will be enough to break you out of mini slumps and restore your confidence.
Tip #8 – Develop Optimal Arc
DID YOU KNOW that a shot with a flat 35 degree arc only has .6 inches of margin for the ball to clear without hitting the rim? The shot has to be almost perfect to get a swish.
BUT a shot with a 45 degree medium height arc has a 3 inch margin of error!
That’s right. Just by increasing the arc of your shot, your margin of error could increase as much as 500%!
How many shots bounce OUT of the basket because you missed by just a fraction?
As a general rule of thumb, finish your follow through with the rim clearly visible beneath the fingers of your shooting hand. That way you will ensure that you have a decent arc on the shot. Shots with proper arch have a much better chance of going in.
Just don’t go too high. Because if your arc gets too high, you’ll loose your distance control.
Tip #9 – Watch DVDs
Simply by watching great shooters groove their shots over and over, you can improve your confidence and form.
The good habits and examples can be contagious. As you watch, the good form becomes ingrained in your mind.
Not to mention, you should never stop learning. There are lots of good shooting DVDs and books for you to learn from.
Tip #10 – Use a Partner to Tune your Shot Alignment
Spend a little time during each practice lined up along a court line about 20 feet from a partner, shooting back and forth and trying to have the ball bounce as close to the line as possible. This simple practice technique will help you to fine tune your control of the precision of your shot.
Tip #11 – Land In Front
Balance is a very important aspect of shooting. You achieve balance primarily through a proper stance and footwork.
After your shot, you should land in front of where you started. You can do this by making sure that your momentum is going towards the basket on every catch. You should also establish good balance from your stance.
Tip #12 – Film Your Shot
You’d be amazed at how filming your shot in both games and practices can help you.
The most common response from players is… “That’s how I shoot!!??”
That’s right. Most players haven’t seen their own shot before. Seeing your shot on film can help you to detect poor mechanics and motivate you to make commitments for improvement. Bottom line– it’s a great way to refine your shot.
Tip #13 – Get a Partner
When possible, try to shoot with a partner. Because when you’re alone, you end up chasing the rebound before following through properly.
This is important. Think about how you practice…
You shoot and then you start following the shot immediately so you can get lots of reps. Guess what? This can mess up your follow-through. You need to FINISH each shot and hold your follow-through. That’s why we recommend getting a partner to rebound for you. Now just because you can’t find a partner you can (and should) still practice by yourself. Just be aware of holding your follow through.
Tip #14 – Fix Bad Habits by Immediately Correcting Your Shot
This is one of the easiest ways to break bad shooting habits. For example, let’s say you forgot to hold your follow-through. Well, immediately after you shoot, raise your hand back up and put your hand in the correct follow-through position. This simple technique will help you quickly correct the bad habit
Tip #15 – Use a Return Device
Using basketball rebounding and return devices can literally double the number of shots you can take in practice. Just think how much time you spend chasing the ball when you practice. A return device solves that problem and lets you take more shots in less time.
Tip #16 – Get To Set
When you catch the ball, you should get the ball to your set position as quickly as possible. This will speed up your shot. Your set point can be anywhere between your hip and your shoulder.
Tip #17 – Don’t Fall for Gimmicks
Too many players spend their hard earned money on shooting gloves and gimmicks, thinking this will make them great shooters.
You can’t use these devices during a game so it really doesn’t do you much good. You need to learn how to shoot effectively without these devices. There is NO magic pill.
Tip # 18 – Keep Your Shot Motion Balanced, Fluid, and Consistent
A fluid motion means that there are no jerky movements or stopping points, just one constant flow from start to finish.
Consistency can’t be stressed enough. Your feet, arms, set point, and jump height should use a consistent motion every time you shoot. All the greatest shooters in the world have amazingly consistent movements.
Tip #19 – Groove 50 Shots Before Every Game
Before every practice and game, face the basket and shoot 50 EASY shots about four to ten feet from the basket.
Not only does this improve your shooting form, but it helps to develop phenomenal confidence.
You’ll quickly become very good at grooving these shots over and over. You’ll see the ball going in the basket over and over. You’ll swish the ball repeatedly and probably shoot 60%, 70%, 80%, or more, which is great for your psyche.
Why do you think that NBA players do this before games? Why do you think that Tiger Woods starts all of his practice sessions by making 100 three-foot putts?
Because it works! Don’t overlook this powerful strategy.
Tip #20 – Quickly Chart Your Shot to Determine Tendencies
Head to the gym and shoot a bare minimum of 50 shots. Ask your partner to chart your shots. The KEY is to chart the detailed results of each shot. You will track how many shots fell short, too long, to the left, and to the right. This information will help you to determine what you need to work on.
For example, if you consistently miss short (like many players do), you’ll need to work on your power and distance control. If you consistently miss to the right and the left, you need to fix the mechanics of your foot and/or arm alignment.
Tip #21 – Work Game-Like Movement into Your Practice
To make game shots, you need to practice game shots. You should use good shooting drills and practice movement off screens, cuts, chairs, and pivoting in both directions.
Get to the Gym and Apply What You’ve Learned
There ya go… 21 simple ways for you to improve your basketball shooting percentage. Now get to the gym, apply what you’ve learned, and knock down more shots!!
Home > Player > Basketball Skills > Shooting > Proper Basketball Shooting Technique, Fundamentals, and Form
It's often said that great shooters have a place on any team.
Even if you aren't blessed with tremendous speed, strength or athleticism, great shooting is one of the surest ways you can stand out on the basketball court.
If you spend the time developing and practicing your shot, it will pay off in:
Making the team
Getting more playing time
Scoring consistently
Feeling confident and having fun every time you step on the floor
Now, let me start with some good news!
Yes, you do need very good shooting form and technique to shoot consistently well.
But it does NOT need to be "perfect".
If you watch enough great shooters, you'll see that their form varies quite a bit based on what's comfortable (and what works) for them.
But almost all great shooters follow the principles I'll explain in this article. So keep reading for (all the good stuff)!
In this section, we give you the raw form and mechanics of stationary shooting.
In other words, this section does NOT address the fundamentals of shooting on the move and more advanced footwork you'll need for game situations.
Here's a quick roadmap of the stationary shooting fundamentals that we'll be covering:
Eyes on Target
Stance and Balance
Shot Pocket
Grip
Balance Hand
Delivery
Upforce and Landing
Follow Through
Correct Shot
EYES ON TARGET
To improve accuracy, locate the target (rim) as early as possible.
Keep your eyes on the target and do not follow the flight of the ball.
Keeping your target focus is very important!
STANCE AND BALANCE
Feet are shoulder width apart for good balance.
Feet should be in a slightly staggered stance that is consistent and comfortable for you. Your shooting foot is slightly ahead of the non-shooting foot in a comfortable position.
Point your feet in the general direction of the basket, but not necessarily directly at it. We prefer an open stance, but you can also use the closed (squared) stance if that's more comfortable for you. With an open stance, your feet point towards one side of the basket. For example, a right handed shooter will point his or her feet just to the left of the rim for a more natural position and shooting motion.
Once you develop a comfortable stance, line up your feet the exact same way on every shot. Whatever stance you use, consistency is critical.
Flex/bend your knees on every shot.
SHOT POCKET
As you catch the ball, move it quickly into the shot pocket.
Line everything up so the ball and your shooting eye form a straight line to the basket. This is VERY important.
Position the ball several inches above your waist.
Grip the ball properly and be ready to shoot.
Position the ball in your shot pocket the SAME way every time you catch it.
GRIP
Place the air hole between the middle and index fingers.
Line up your fingertip pads parallel to the long seams of the ball, so you can monitor the back spin.
Leave space between the ball and the middle of your palm. You should be able to insert a pencil between the ball and your palm area.
Spread your fingers far enough apart to comfortably balance the ball in one hand.
The ball should sit on your finger pads.
BALANCE HAND
Your non-shooting hand should be on the side of the ball.
Your balance hand should not add force or spin to the shot.
Your non-shooting hand should not move on delivery and should ALWAYS come off the ball FIRST.
DELIVERY
The ball should start motion directly upwards from the shot pocket.
Your elbow should be positioned comfortably under the ball.
The ball stays in front of you and should not go behind your head.
Uncoil your body with your legs, core, and arm power all coordinated.
Your elbow and wrist should extend in a straight line to the basket.
Your shooting hand should extend in a straight line to the rim.
Hand position on delivery is very important. The ball should come off the hand with perfect symmetrical backspin.
As shown in the picture to the right, your guide hand stays to the side and does not influence the flight of the ball.
UPFORCE AND LANDING
Release the ball on the way up, just before the top of your jump.
Use your legs to generate upforce.
You should land in the same spot that you jumped, which shows that you have good balance on your shot.
FOLLOW-THROUGH
Your wrists should be floppy (relaxed).
Fingers should be pointed at the target (rim).
Finish high. You should see your fingers at the top square of the back board.
Hold your follow through position until the ball hits the rim.
NOTE: If youd like specially-designed workouts for shooting and scoring, download our FREE Breakthrough Shooting Workout. It includes over 30 drills you can do by yourself or with a partner all you need is a ball and a hoop!
Click here to get your FREE Shooting Workout.
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Basketball Shooting Technique: Basic Rules
One of the fundamental things in the game of basketball is the correct shooting technique. You can dribble, make accurate passes, play with your body as you like, but without this final stage of attack, your team will not score enough points to win the match. So how do you learn how to throw the ring correctly? SOVSPORT.RU has studied this issue in detail and is ready to provide you with several recommendations in this regard.
One of the fundamental things in the game of basketball is the correct shooting technique. You can dribble, make accurate passes, play with your body as you like, but without this final stage of attack, your team will not score enough points to win the match. So how do you learn how to throw the ring correctly? SOVSPORT . EN has studied this issue in detail and is ready to provide you with some recommendations in this regard.
There are different types of throw: from the pass, classic, slam dunk, free throw, with a bounce from the shield, without it, and so on. Let's take a look at what each of them is.
Free throw
First, let's look at the basic technique of all basketball shots - the free throw technique. The ball should be at chest level (feet may be in line or one leg extended slightly forward), held with fingers, elbows near the body, legs slightly bent at the knee joints, torso straight, gaze directed at the basket. Simultaneously with the circular movement of the ball (as in a simultaneous pass) and even more bending of the legs at the knee joints, the ball is brought to the chest. Without stopping the movement, the ball is carried along the body up and forward in the direction of the ring and with a sweeping movement of the hands, giving the ball, the reverse movement is released from the fingertips, while the legs are straightened. The weight of the body is transferred to the front leg, the body and arms must accompany the flight of the ball. After releasing the ball, the player returns to the starting position.
Throw from three steps
Throw from three steps is practiced as follows. First you need to stand on the line of the penalty area, a little obliquely in relation to the ring. It is necessary to take a couple of steps for a run, while not forgetting to dribble. As soon as you feel that you have already accelerated enough, take one long step with your right foot. The ball should already be in your hands at this point. After that, a short step is taken by rolling from heel to toe with the left foot. At the same time, you push off with your left foot, swing with your right foot, and carry the ball over your right shoulder so that it rests on your right hand, and your left supports it to the side. At the highest point of the jump, the arm is straightened to the end in the elbow joint, the throw ends with a sweeping movement of the hand. After the ball is released, the player lands on both feet. The description of the throwing technique on the move is given for players throwing from the right side. In the situation with the passage on the left, accordingly, everything is done the other way around: you take the first long step with your left foot, and the second with your right.
As a rule, in the technique of throwing from a three-step, another way to get the ball into the basket is used - a throw from the backboard. Its essence lies in the fact that, being at an angle with respect to the shield, it is quite difficult to throw the ball directly into the ring. This is where the white square line drawn on the shield around the bow of the ring comes to our aid. It is quite simple to train the technique of throwing from the side. To do this, you need to stand within the penalty area, at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the shield. To throw the ball from this position, you need to hit the upper corner of the square line on the shield closest to us. That is, if you are to the left of the ring, you throw it to the upper left corner of this square, and if you are to the right, then to the right. Everything is quite simple and clear.
Jump shot
In general, the main technique of shooting at the opponent's basket in basketball is the jump shot. As a rule, in this way, players try to hit the target from a long distance. This type of throw can be roughly divided into three stages. First you have to get the ball in motion. Having caught it, you take a short stopping step with your left, simultaneously placing your right. Then you take out the ball with your right hand (if you are right-handed) over your head, along the way holding it to the side with your left. Take off from the ground with both feet. The technique of the throw itself is similar to the technique of performing a free kick: when releasing the ball from your hands, remove your left hand, and with the fingers of your right palm, give the projectile a reverse rotation. In the final stage, it is necessary to ensure that the distance between the points of repulsion and landing is approximately equal to 20-30 centimeters, so as not to collide with the player of the defending team.
Slam dunk
If you have already mastered all of the above throwing techniques and are craving something more cool, then it's time to turn to perhaps the most spectacular, but at the same time the most difficult way to hit the opponent's ring - slam -dunk. Millions of basketball fans around the world go into a state of complete ecstasy every time they see a professionally made and beautiful shot from above. Do you want to be the same cool performer of this element, so that your opponents on the court are afraid of you, and the girls in the audience go crazy with your person? Then the following description of the technique of throwing from above will help you achieve this.
A proper slam dunk begins with the fact that a three-step throw also starts with a running start. Take the allowed two steps, dribbling the ball with your arm and controlling your approach. Jump off your lead foot, opposite your kicking arm, extend your arm towards the hoop and throw the ball into the net. Try throwing with one hand first, as a two-handed dunk requires a higher jump. Coaches recommend starting with a smaller ball as it is a little easier to control.
Also, there is a very important point with the landing. This must be done with support on both legs, softening and bending them at the moment of touching the site. Experts highly advise beginners not to mow under the NBA stars, hanging after the throw on the bow of the ring, as at this moment your balance may be disturbed and it will seem to you that you are falling backwards.
Actually, these are some of the basic shooting techniques in basketball, with the help of which 90% of the balls are thrown. Now your task, dear fans of this wonderful sport, is to train them so that your rivals do not have a single chance to win! I wish you success!
Methods of teaching basketball
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Basketball is a great team game, the team consists of players whose skill is achieved with great effort. The only person who can understand that you are working hard is yourself. Remember, you only get out of the game what you put into it. Give yourself to her without a trace.
Jump shot
In basketball, an outstanding sniper is a piece item. If you want to be a great sniper, all you need to do is just want to be one.
First, you must improve your craft.
This includes having a good coach and years of training. Secondly, you must improve in game mode.
This means that you must perform throwing drills at the same intensity as in the game. It's far better to hit 100 shots in play than 500 sloppy shots that a good defender would never let you make in a game. Finally, you must understand that working on a roll is like investing in a bank. If you don't deposit anything into your account, you won't receive dividends when you need them.
The sniper must have "throw school". When throwing after a dribble, one of the main features is the last hit of the ball on the court, which must be fast and strong so that it bounces higher, right into your hands - this will help you not waste time handling the ball.
Individual Shooting Exercises
Exercise 1 Attention Concentration
Start from a distance close to the ring.
Throw with one hand. Follow correct technique.
Make five from each position. Take a step back and repeat (Fig. 1).
Exercise 2 7 throwing positions and rebound (4 meters)
Jump shot from position 1.
Pick up the ball, dribble quickly to position 7, shoot.
Pick-up, fast with guiding back to position 1.
Make 10 rolls.
Repeat the same steps using positions 6 and 2, 5 and 3, 4 (Fig. 2).
Exercise 3 7 shooting positions and a rebound (from behind the three-point line)
1. Repeat the same steps as in exercise 2 (fig. 3).
Exercise 4 Throw after stop
Start from position 1, toss the ball to position
Pick it up, while you have to run around the ball so that you are facing the ring.
Make 10 rolls, then advance to the next position.
Ex.5 Shooting from five positions after a fake move (from four meters or from behind the three-point line)
Start from any position.
On bent knees and with your head up, you do a throw feint, hit the ball one or two with your right hand, stop and jump.
Return to position, throw feint, one or two hits with the ball with the left hand, stop, throw.
At each position, 5 attempts (Fig. 5).
Exercise 6 Jump shots after dribbling
Start the exercise from the center of the field, move towards the hoop with dribbling at game speed, after stopping quickly shoot.
The shot must be taken from a middle distance or from behind a three-point arc. Perform the exercise, both on the right and on the left and in the middle of the site.
Use different types of dribbles: fast dribbles, broken tempos, pivots, etc.
Make 5 attempts in each direction (Fig. 6).
Exercise 7 Playing with a virtual opponent
Perform a free throw. If you have implemented it, you get one point. If not, then your "opponent" is three.
You make subsequent throws from any position except the three-second zone, imitating the rhythm of the game. Work on different moves and throws. Each of your successful attempts is estimated at the bottom of the point, unsuccessful at two for the "opponent". The game goes to 11 points.
This is a very good exercise to consolidate what you have learned. Try! Improve! (Fig. 7).
Double shots
Dr. 8 2 players, shot and rebound (4 meters or from behind the three-point line)
The drill starts with a good, clear pass. The player who made the pass from under the basket goes to the place of the thrower.
The player in position 1 catches the ball and shoots.
After the shot, the player runs to the rebound and then passes the ball 1 position and so on.
Each player must make five throws. The exercise is performed at a fast pace, but the throws should not be sloppy.
Then move to another position and everything is the same (Fig. 8).
Exercise 9 Two players, throw and rebound (per result)
The exercise is performed as described above.
The player who made the pass tries to interfere with the shot, but does not block.
Game up to 5 hits.
Then we move to another position, and so on. (Fig. 9).
Exercise 10 Two players, throw and rebound, throw feint
The exercise is performed in the same way as the previous one.
The defender who made the pass tries to interfere with the player in position 1, but does not block the shot.
The attacker makes a throw feint and beats the defender.
Performs a short dribble, stops and throws.
Do 5 times each and change position (Fig. 10).
Ex. 11 2 players, shot after a stoppage (from four meters or from behind the three-point line)
The attacker is in position 1, ready to receive the pass.
The player under the basket passes.
After the throw, the attacker waits for the rebound to be made.
The player receives a pass by making a stop, but already in position 2. Then back.
Make 7 throws, two free throws and switch (fig. 11).
Ex. 12 Moving shots (from four meters or from behind a three-point arc)
The attacker moves around the perimeter at game speed.
A player passes to the hand farthest from the ring.
The attacker must stop, catch the ball and throw.
Make seven throws, two free throws and change (fig. 12).
Note: The previous exercise has three options.
A) Receive the ball and throw it.
B) After receiving, throwing feint, dribbling in the same direction, throwing.
B) Receives a pass, throw feint, dribbling to the ring in the other direction, stop, throw.
Ex.13 Various dribbling options and a jump shot
The attacker starts from the center of the field and, dribbling at game speed, moves towards the ring, stops and takes a jump shot.
The player under the basket picks up the ball, the attacker runs to the center of the field, and receives the ball on the opposite flank. Moves with dribbling to the ring, stop, jump shot.
On the right side, dribble with the right hand, on the left - with the left (Fig. 13)
Note: Use speed dribbling, change of pace, transitions, pivots.
Three players, two balls
Exercise 14 Warm-up exercise
One player throws, another passes, a third rebounds.
Thrower becomes rebounder after seven tries.
Passer - thrower. Picking up - passing (Fig. 14).
Note: different options are possible
1) From seven positions (four meters)
2) From seven positions (from behind the three-point arc)
3) From five points with feints to shoot
4) Throw after stoppage
5) Throw and rebound (constant rotation around the circle)
Double shots: using screens
To use the screen effectively, you must read the defender correctly. You must always see the player with the ball and how the defender defends against you. A player who moves well off the ball and knows how to use screens correctly is very useful offensively. When you watch a match that has good players, notice how well they move off the ball. The hardest thing to defend against is a well-moving attacker.
Exercise 15 Back screen and snatch
The player imitates opening and screening behind his back, makes a dash to the corner of the court.
Throw to the nearest hand.
Attacker catches the ball and shoots.
The attacker picks up his shot, gives the pass to a partner and returns to his original position.
Make seven attempts and change (Fig. 15)
Note: do not back up when dashing, turn and run, but do not lose sight of the ball.
Exercise 16 Screening behind the back, "false" screening
1. Attacker starts on the base of the trapezoid and moves up to imitate the screening.
2. After the imaginary breakout runs, the screening attacker rises to the ball and prepares to receive the pass.
3. Having caught the pass, he immediately makes a throw.
4. Make seven attempts and change (Fig. 16).
0003
An attacker imitates a defender on the screen and quickly rises to the ball.
The player must be ready to receive the ball.
The attacker catches the ball and makes a quick throw.
Make seven attempts and change (Fig. 17)
Exercise 18 Screening the ball carrier, moving away from the ring
The attacker screens the ball carrier.
The ball carrier passes through the screen aggressively.
Instead of backing out to the basket (deuce), the screening attacker moves away from the basket and prepares to receive the pass.
Having caught the ball, he immediately makes a throw.
Make seven attempts, then switch.
Exercise 19 Barrier at the base of the trapezoid - opening to the flank
The attacker takes the player under the ring, breaks shoulder to shoulder through the barrier and makes a dash to the flank.
When catching the ball, the player must turn to the ring.
Use different throw options: just throw, and dribbling to the right or left after a throw feint. Change after five attempts (Fig. 19).
Exercise 20 Screening at the base of the trapezoid - opening into the corner of the court
The attacker leads the player into the three-second zone, pretends to break through to the flank through the screen, the defender starts running around the screener through the three-second zone.
The attacker makes a dash to the corner of the court, and the defender hits the screen.
Next, the same as in the previous exercise (Fig. 20).
Exercise 21 Screen at the base of the trapezoid - dash inward
The defender is chasing you, not falling behind until the very screen.