How to Shoot a Basketball Like a Pro: Complete Guide
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
Knowing how to shoot a basketball is fundamental to the game. The more you understand proper form technique and follow it up with practice, the better athlete you'll be.
How To Shoot A Basketball Like A Pro
Shooting is without doubt the most important skill in basketball. Of course the fundamental skills of dribbling, passing, defence, and rebounding will allow opportunities to shoot. But if you don’t make the shot, you won’t score the points.
Of course you need to have the technical ability to shoot in basketball. But you need to have the confidence too. These two combined are key to being able to shoot a basketball like a pro.
So how do you shoot a basketball? It’s not as simple as just throwing the ball at the hoop. Learn the correct stance and get more shots on target with these techniques.
What makes a great shooter?
When it comes to great basketball shooters, there’s no doubt Steph Curry is one of the best. He’s a phenomenal athlete who converts around 5 out of 10 shots he makes. Ray Allen is another great example of a player with an impeccable shooting percentage.
Many budding basketball players want to be the best shooters because of the glamour associated with scoring points, much like strikers on a football team. And if you want to improve your skills, you need to follow basketball greats and learn what they do that gives them the edge over other players.
MVPs and stars of the game follow great shooting routines to develop form and consistency. And although they can sometimes seem very repetitive, shooting drills are crucial to improving the game for both amateurs and professionals.
How to shoot a basketball
Whether you want to play basketball for fun, or strive to become the next NBA star, proper shooting technique is vital. Here are the basics on how to shoot a basketball for beginners:
1. Have the right stance
It's essential to get in the right position before you take the shot to avoid losing your balance. To shoot the basketball into the basket, keep your feet no further than shoulder-width apart, preferably closer together, and slightly staggered. Your shooting foot—the same side as your shooting arm—should be very slightly in front. Your feet need to be in a comfortable position so you keep your balance as you shoot. Flex your knees slightly (locking your knees could cause you to lose balance). And ensure your shoulder, hip, and elbow is aligned with the basket.
2. Hold the ball correctly
Along with knowing how to stand, you need to ensure you keep control of the ball. Grab hold of the ball using the fingertips of your shooting hand. 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 to take the shot. Learn to position the ball in this same place every single time you get ready to take a shot. And when someone passes you the ball, dip it to your waist before rising up to shoot. This is to generate more power and to ensure a consistent starting point each time you shoot.
Position your shooting hand so that your fingertips are perpendicular to the seams on the ball. And place your non-shooting hand on the side of the ball to act as a guide for the shot. Leave a little space between your palm and the ball, so the ball will be able to roll off your fingertips. And spread your fingers wide, to give you more control.
3. Take the shot
If you want the ball to go into the net, then look at the net. Or if you’re aiming to bank the ball off the backboard, then you need to look at the spot you want to hit on the backboard.
As you take your shot, use your legs to help you propel the ball by jumping while your shooting hand launches the ball. Lean your shoulders back, and move your legs, torso, and arms together to take the shot. Release the ball Just before you reach the height of your jump, with your shooting hand aimed at the basket. Straighten your elbow and push your wrist so that the ball arches, rather than moving towards the basket in a straight line. And make sure you follow through. If you shoot from your wrist without following through, the shot won’t be as accurate.
The BEEF method of shooting the basketball
One simple way for beginners to learn how to shoot better in basketball is to use the BEEF method. This concept improves your form, balance, control, and overall shooting ability. It’s easy to remember, and it’s an effective way to practice the basics.
“BEEF” is an acronym for the four major components of correct shooting. It stands for Balance, Eyes, Elbow, and Follow-through.
Balance
You need to maintain a solid, balanced base so you can perform the perfect jump shot. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart with your shooting foot slightly in front. Distribute your weight equally between both legs, and bend your knees slightly.
Eyes
The ball will go wherever your eyes are looking, so make sure you focus on the basket. Decide whether you want to aim for the front of the rim, or a spot on the backboard and stay focused on your target. Don’t watch the ball after the release.
Elbow
Your elbow should be at a 90-degree angle with your torso as you get ready to shoot. Keep your elbow underneath the basketball. The fingertips of your shooting hand 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, you need to release the ball through a quick extension of the elbow and a flick of the wrist to follow through on the shot. Done correctly, the ball should roll off the tips of your index and middle finger and produce perfect backspin.
Drills to perfect your shooting technique
Practice is the key to improving your shooting skills. And including specific shooting drills in your basketball training routine will help develop your technique, improve consistency, and boost your confidence on the court. Here are five shooting drills to help perfect your form:
1. Spin outs
This shooting drill allows you to go solo and practice your game. And you can use chairs as dummy players to add another element to your routine. To perform this drill you need to simply spin the ball away, sprint to the ball, and grab it. Then turn to face the basket and shoot. You can do a variety of straight cuts and curl cuts, such as; corner to wing cuts, wing to top cuts, post to perimeter cuts, perimeter to post cuts, high post to low post cuts, and so on.
2. One hand form shooting
This is a foundation drill that reinforces good technique of the "release" portion of your shot. Get into position to line up to shoot, standing around 3ft in front of the rim. Bring your arm up into an L position, with your upper arm parallel to the ground and your forearm pointing upwards. Shoot 10 reps then move to a new spot.
3. One-two step shoot
This drill can help you develop your attacking skills and involves stepping into your shot with one foot at a time. Get into your stance and as you receive the pass, step with one foot in the pass’s direction. Step with your left foot if you’re right-handed, and vice versa. Then, step with your other foot to complete the 1-2 step shoot.
4. Set to go
This drill focuses on the top half of the shooting motion. Stand a few feet away from the basket and get in the set position. Keep your arm at a 90-degree angle with the ball positioned under your shoulder. Then, extend your legs and shoot at the same time. Take 10 shots then take a step back.
5. Off-dribble shooting
This is a great drill to improve your ability to shoot off the dribble. It helps you speed up the pick up process of the basketball and get into your shot quicker. 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 quickly and to maintain proper footwork and dribbling throughout.
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Watch basketball like a pro
What details should I pay attention to in order to learn?
Professional players pay attention to details that many people ignore. They always have good footwork and balance, so they are efficient in everything they do. Even for the most talented athletes, this doesn't come naturally. It takes hard work and focus to play at the highest level. The best players in the NBA are dedicated to perfecting the details, learning the "smart game" and effective basketball.
To all players who set some goals for themselves in basketball, I advise you to watch matches of professionals and note not cool dunks and outrageous athleticism in the NBA, but details.
In this article, I'm listing things that can be observed to make the training process more effective. Development is more than just exercise. In training, we work on certain details, and looking at them performed by professionals will form an understanding of quality basketball in my head.
Footwork . Watch as the players open up, turn to receive the ball, prepare to shoot, make transfers and begin their movement.
Taking up position on site . Watch how the pros create space for the ball to run into during the break, pay attention to their movements in response to defensive actions and how they move throughout the attack. Analyze how the pros get the best position on the court.
How teams defend together . Watch and learn how to defend against a player with the ball with different screening and combinations when taking the ball out of touch.
Late attack strategy . Watch how offensive and defensive teams create late game scoring opportunities with fouls, double teams and timeouts.
How players finish on ring . Watch how the players finish the pass with a floater, a throw with a change of hand, a euro step and the like.
Rapid decision making in attack . The best players make the decision to pass, throw, or go to the pass in a split second. Find that moment.
Readiness of the players from the bench to enter the court . Substitutes do not enter the court "cold". They prepare their body and mind for the game, so when they enter the court, they immediately turn on the maximum.
Influence of players' fatigue level on their performance at the end of the game . Notice that some players look tired at the end of the game, they have a decrease in performance, while other players are more efficient. See how they act in this case.
Analyze games and you will also notice details
Movement efficiency and use of energy of a veteran player against a beginner . Veterans know how to play at the elite level without wasting energy on unnecessary movements, thus saving it.
The specific role of each player . All the players in the team have a special role to play, it is useful to look at how each of them helps their team.
Teamwork . Watch how teammates, coaches and referees interact and how this affects their performance.
How snipers open up to shoot and use screens to do so. Use this to give yourself and your team more scoring opportunities.
Protective actions during obstruction . Look at how the defenders react and go around the screens.
Number of passes against dribbling while in possession . Teams that have a lot of passing and moving the ball find more opportunities for easy scoring than dribblers.
How many times the direction of attack changes in an attack . Changing the direction of the attack, through the movement of the ball, forces the defense to adjust and creates space for the shot.
Watch closely and learn from the best players
Now you have a list of 15 things to look out for when watching matches. Use it, analyze matches and apply this knowledge in the game. You will see progress immediately.
Nikita Yamschikov
Founder of Ball In
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Rules of the game of basketball - Internet portal Sportmaster Media
3 min.
Ball in the basket - victory is yours
Basketball
This is a material about the basic rules of playing basketball. We also have a text about the risks of injury in sports.
Basketball is a team game with a ball. The goal of each team is to attack the opponent's ring and score the most points during the match. We tell you how not to break the rules in a tough fight for the ball and become a winner.
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Each basketball team consists of 12 players who substitute for each other during the match. At the same time, five people from each team are on the site.
According to the rules of basketball, the entire team must have the same uniform and even socks of the same color. Jerseys of team members must be numbered.
For safety, remove jewelry and any accessories that could injure other players.
The game consists of four periods of 10 minutes. Breaks between the first and second quarters, as well as between the third and fourth, are 2 minutes. The longest break is 15 minutes, it is taken in the middle of the game, after the second quarter. At this moment, the teams change rings.
If the score is tied by the end of the match, the referee adds 5 minutes of overtime. Overtime is appointed as many times as necessary until the winner is revealed.
A team coach may take a time-out during a game. This break lasts for a minute. Most often, a time-out is taken to adjust tactics.
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Basketball court measures 28 meters long and 15 meters wide. Each site should have markings. It is applied along the perimeter and marks the zones:
center circle
free throw line
three-point hit zone
face-off lines
restricted area
semi-circle without fouls and collisions
An obligatory element of a basketball court is a hoop. It is hung at a height of 3.05 m.
In basketball, the ball is played only with the hands, it can be hit on the floor, passed, thrown and hit. You can’t run without a lead or kick the ball with him.
With the ball in hand, you can take two steps, but only to stop, pass or throw into the ring.
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1 point - counts for the penalty throw
2 points - for a ball abandoned from the zone of biases
3 points - for the ball abandoned from the three -point hits
violations in the basketball, let's take basic.
A run is the movement of a player with the ball in his hands without dribbling. For this, the referee appoints a throw-in by the opposing team.
Three second rule - A player of the attacking team cannot stay in the highlighted area under the hoop for more than three seconds. For such a violation, the ball is transferred to the opponent.
Foul is a touch on the opponent that restricts his freedom of movement. In some cases, a free throw is awarded for a foul - this is decided by the referee. A throw from the penalty line is performed by a member of the opposing team, for a professional this is an almost guaranteed hit.
You can also get a no-contact foul - technical. It is given for unsportsmanlike behavior, disrespect for the referee or other participants in the game. Two technical fouls are followed by disqualification.
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.
This helps the ball leave your hand with ease.
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:
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.
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.
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
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:
A lower shooting percentage may cause your team to rely on rebounds or forced turnovers.
Learn the correct stance and get more shots on target with these techniques.
Here are the basics on how to shoot a basketball for beginners:
Learn to position the ball in this same place every single time you get ready to take a shot. And when someone passes you the ball, dip it to your waist before rising up to shoot. This is to generate more power and to ensure a consistent starting point each time you shoot.
Release the ball Just before you reach the height of your jump, with your shooting hand aimed at the basket. Straighten your elbow and push your wrist so that the ball arches, rather than moving towards the basket in a straight line. And make sure you follow through. If you shoot from your wrist without following through, the shot won’t be as accurate.
Here are five shooting drills to help perfect your form:
Get into your stance and as you receive the pass, step with one foot in the pass’s direction. Step with your left foot if you’re right-handed, and vice versa. Then, step with your other foot to complete the 1-2 step shoot.
With the expert help of our in-house basketball brand, Tarmak, you'll pass, dribble and shoot better than ever before. Shop everything you could possibly need courtside from moisture-wicking T-shirts and shorts, to shoes, basketballs and equipment.
Development is more than just exercise. In training, we work on certain details, and looking at them performed by professionals will form an understanding of quality basketball in my head. 
Veterans know how to play at the elite level without wasting energy on unnecessary movements, thus saving it. 
At the same time, five people from each team are on the site. 
Each site should have markings. It is applied along the perimeter and marks the zones: 
5 
