How to Develop Long Distance Basketball Shooting Range
By Jeff Haefner
Would you like to make MORE shots from farther back? Would you like to become a great 3-point shooter?
We have some very effective shooting tips for you...
When extending your range, you need to know about some surefire RIGHT and WRONG ways to get it done.
You need to be very careful because all too often players will try to extend their range and acquire some subtle, yet dead-serious shooting flaws!!
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The trick is to extend your range while maintaining the EXACT SAME FORM.
There are only TWO ways to increase your range:
INCREASE YOUR PHYSICAL STRENGTH AND POWER.
ADJUST YOUR SHOT MECHANICS FOR ADDITIONAL POWER.
With that said, we'll teach you exactly how to increase your range both ways. It's up to you to decide which method you choose.
Many times, it's best for players to make very small improvements in both areas.
How to increase your physical strength and power for increased range.
The most obvious answer is to start a weight training program. Increasing the strength of your entire body will help. You'll want stronger and more explosive legs, core, wrist, forearms, and triceps.
In addition, by simply practicing more, you will increase the strength of your wrists and forearms. Taking 500 shots a day will increase your strength.
Lastly, you can try using a heavy ball (twice the weight of a regulation ball) and then going back to the regulation size one. Players usually find it easy to shoot from farther out because of the contrast. Wait until at least junior high before working with an oversized or weighted ball.
If you use a weighted ball, be sure to practice away from the basket. Do form shooting with one hand. Put your guide hand in the normal position, but an inch off the ball so you're not touching it. Focus on shooting the ball high and far, but do not sacrifice good form in order to do so.
How to adjust your mechanics for additional power.
This can be tricky because changing your mechanics can throw off your shot. Big changes to your mechanics will require you to retrain your muscle memory and you'll need thousands of repetitions to retrain your muscle memory.
In most situations, it's best to make very minor adjustments to your shot delivery.
ADJUSTMENT TECHNIQUE #1
A good technique for developing range is to intentionally shoot the ball all the way over the backboard. This kind of power is achieved through using optimum leg power and releasing the ball a split second before reaching the top of the jump motion. If done properly, then generating enough force to shoot over the backboard, even from beyond the 3-point line, is not that difficult.
Once players realize how much power is available through this motion, they can learn to control it for shooting at the rim. Since this takes less force than shooting over the backboard, players have more confidence shooting from long ranges.
It's important to shoot a split second BEFORE you release the top of your shot. You'll lose tremendous power if you jump, hang, and shoot on the way down. Plus, you just give your defender more time to block your shot.
ADJUSTMENT TECHNIQUE #2
Another effective technique is to drop your elbow. If you watch Steve Nash you'll notice that he drops his elbow when shooting three pointers. If you're going to adjust mechanics, this is a good option to consider because it doesn't alter your delivery mechanics too dramatically.
ADJUSTMENT TECHNIQUE #3
Yet another technique to consider is to try to decrease the time that it takes to get the ball from your shot chamber to your release point. This will add power to your shot and increase your range.
The safest way to increase shooting range
If you want to take the safest route, here's a surefire way to extend your range without sacrificing your accuracy.
Let's say you are proficient at mid-range but you want to become a great 3-point shooter...
The obvious answer is to practice. The question becomes what to practice. Shooting revolves around rhythm and form, so that is where the answer lies.
It might sound strange, but to become a better 3-point shooter, you have to practice a lot, close to the basket. Take 100's and 1000's of shots 12' from the basket. The purpose for this is to really ingrain your shooting form from an area that you can shoot comfortably and have some success. It doesn't make a difference what drills you do or how you practice it, as long as the primary thrust of the work is your form.
Once you have your form ingrained, gradually move back. If you get to a point where you feel the rhythm change or your form start to change, that is the limit of your range. Stay at that spot until your shot feels like it did at 12 feet. Once it feels comfortable again, shoot several hundred shots until it becomes automatic again.
Once it feels automatic again, start to move back until you reach the limit of your range and shoot continually from that spot. Once you feel comfortable from behind the 3-point line, you can start shooting drills that will make you more proficient.
Players struggle from behind the arc because they have to change their shot to get the ball to the basket. This not only makes the shooter inconsistent from the 3-point line, but it affects his shot from everywhere else. Remember, to be a good shooter, you have to take the same shot every time, no matter where you shoot the ball.
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The different types of basketball scoring shots and how to execute them
Three point shoot by Sara Giauro (Phard Vomero Napoli) during FIBA Europe Cup Women Finals 2005 (Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
Like most other ball games, to win in a game of basketball is to land more baskets or outscore your opponent and yield a higher field goal percentage.
Therefore, it is essential that you are familiar with the different ways that you are able to make a basket and score points. In this article, we will be sharing with you the different types of basketball scoring shots and how you can execute them.
To shoot accurately, square your shoulders to the basket and place your feet shoulder length apart. With your knees bent slightly and back leaning towards the basket, put the fingers of your shooting hand under the ball and tuck your elbows close to your body.
Flick your wrist towards the hoop to release the shot. Your index finger should follow through facing the basket after releasing the ball.
Here are a few commonly used types of shooting in basketball.
1. Jump Shot
A jump shot is most frequently used for a mid to long-range shots, including shooting beyond the arc.
To achieve balance when facing the basket for a jump shot, you have to take a wide stance, usually, shoulder width apart, bend your knees and square your shoulders.
Make a fluid, explosive upward leap and at the apex of the jump, follow through by shooting the ball.
When the ball is released at the apex of the jump shot, keep your elbows straight to ensure that it is pointed in the direction of the basket. Concentrate on the flicking of your wrist and holding it in position to provide the ball with momentum and spin.
2. Hook Shot
A hook shot is when the shot is made while your body is not directly facing the basket.
To execute a shoot shot, you need to face the basket sideways so that your shooting hand dribbling the ball is facing away from the basket. This is also the stance to help guard the ball against your opponent. This makes it difficult for your opponent to try to block the shot due to the distance created between you and your defender.
To make the shot, jump with your left foot pushing off the ground if you’re making a right-handed shot or vice versa. The shooting arm should be slightly bent, and it should thrust upwards as the ball is lobbed with a flick of the wrist.
The hook shot is a staple of many players in the National Basketball Association, including notable stars such as George Mikan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and Yao Ming.
3. Bank Shot
A bank shot is when any shot made where the ball hits the backboard before heading into the net.
To execute a bank shot, treat it as though you’re taking a jump shot but this time, aim slightly higher by shooting for the backboard.
Jumping higher can also sometimes mean jumping slightly backwards when aiming for the basket to prevent defenders from blocking the shot.
The ball should not be hitting the rim too much after bouncing off the backboard. The ball should then bounce off the backboard and into the net.
4. Free Throw
A free throw is a shot attempt given to a player that was fouled and it is taken on the free throw line. The player must stay behind the free throw line when taking the shot.
Before attempting to shoot, one must maintain their balance. Find the nail or dot in the middle of the free throw line and line your shooting foot against it. For right-handed shooters, the shooting foot will be the right foot and vice versa.
Your elbow on your shooting hand must be lined up to make an “L” right under the ball with fingers spread out for the backspin.
Aim for the back of the rim with your eyes focusing on the rims, do not look at the ball while you execute the shot.
Follow through your shot by keeping your hands up in the air for a second or two after releasing the ball.
5. Layup
A layup is a shot made from short range by a player moving towards the basket. Usually utilising the backboard if he approaches the hoop from an angle. This is also one of the most basic and common way of scoring a basket in the game.
To execute a layup, dribble the ball towards the basket. If you’re on the right flank, dribble the ball with your right hand.
At the three-point line, or within two metres from the basket, take two giant strides towards the hoop and attempt to score by throwing the ball at the top corner of the backboard or lay the ball gently into the basket.
6. Slam Dunk
The dunk is usually the most spectacular shot and is one of the toughest feats in basketball.
It usually requires more jumping ability than shooting skills.
To execute a slam dunk, dribble and charge towards the hoop when ready to execute the dunk.
Jump explosively to get as high as possible and leap towards the hoop. Lift the ball above the rim and push or slam it forcefully through the rim.
Most people jump off one foot, but you might find that you can jump higher off both feet. So there you have it, six ways of scoring in basketball. Start practicing and perhaps find out which way works for your best, depending on your role and position in the team.
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9 tips from Jay Wolf
Hello, dear visitors of the website basketball-training.org.ua ! In this article, we will talk about one of the most important basketball elements - the throw. And not just about throwing, but about how to achieve a significant increase in the accuracy of your throws, while not radically changing their structure, that is, without retraining.
Of course, the correct throw, or, more precisely, the “classic throw from the forehead” is cool, correct and beautiful. However, it seems to me that what matters is not how you throw, but how effective these throws are. If your shot is difficult to cover and it regularly hits the basket, there is no need to change anything drastically: look at the throwing technique Larry Bird , Michael Jordan , "Magic" Johnson and Ray Allen . They all shot differently, which did not stop them from scoring well; so - draw your own conclusions.
Shooting Practice: Aiming Point
The tips you read below are recommendations from Jay Wolf - Shot Improvement Specialist, Summer Camp Organizer, Owner of StarShooter , you can read more about him on his website - starshooter.net . Well, now, in fact, advice, divided into 2 parts: how to improve throws from close range; how to improve mid-range and long-range shots (3-point shots).
Improving close range and under hoop shots
All short range shots both to the right and left of the basket must be shot with a bounce off the backboard and a point of aim.
In principle, nothing new, this is where all throw training begins in every sports school: they learn to throw from the backboard, while the ball must touch the upper corner of the “square” drawn above the ring. The ball should softly touch this corner (remember about reverse spin of the ball on throw) and bounce into the basket. In order to focus the thrower's attention on the aiming point, you can stick a dollar sign or a picture of the sight there. Remember: the shield is your best ally, be sure to learn how to bounce off it.
Practice clean throws from under the hoop and clean throws off the backboard from the second tendrils.
So, let's figure it out. A clean throw is a throw where the ball is dropped into the basket without touching the ring itself. To achieve such a throw, you need to throw very softly, with reverse rotation, finishing with a brush. Such throws require the maximum concentration of attention from the basketball player and a change in the trajectory. So, we make 5 throws from under the ring in a row, 3 of which must be clean. If it's very easy, then add the number of throws up to 10, trying to get everything clean. Throws can be made with a rebound from the backboard, but the ball must not touch the ring hoop itself. Challenge yourself - and pass this test with honor!
Improvements to medium and long range shots
Again perform clean throws : 5 shots in a row from one spot.
By the way, for me, clean throws are a big problem: the peculiarity of my throw is that I sort of load the far bow, “striking” which, the ball falls down. But here's the problem - if the ring is a little higher than usual, then almost all the balls go into the near bow, and while I get used to it, I smear a lot.
This job allows develop stable throw accuracy . Five throws in a row help improve accuracy, because the shape of the throw, the effort applied, the trajectory - all this must be the same and repeat all the time. Clean shots make the trajectory “lift up”, which is also good: they are more difficult to cover and, as a rule, when the ball touches the ring, the ball will fall into the basket. And one more thing: a high trajectory gives rise to a short rebound, for which it will be easier for partners to compete.
Make multiple free throws in a row before leaving the court (practice).
Such a move will allow you to repeat all the elements of the throw again and develop self-confidence. After the shot, you pick up the ball yourself, return to the free-throw line - and take the shot again. It is important to repeat all the routine that occurs before the free throws in the game. In order to recreate the game situation even more realistically, simply add jerks to the exercise: throw the ball, perform a jerk after the ball (to the middle of the hall, etc.), return to the line again - throw it. Players can be stimulated by some kind of competitive effect: who spends more time on 5 (7, 10) executed free throws in a row - runs, pushes up, carries a partner to the locker room, etc.
Shoot 200 free throws daily for 5 days, or 500 on the first day and 200 on the next 4 days. Goal: 25/25 rolls, of which 15 will be clean.
Here you need to understand that you will need at least 1 partner who will “bring the cores”. In America, of course, this is not a problem, there are personnel who receive money for this kind of service. But with us it will be more difficult, we will have to look for like-minded people. According to Jay Wolf, such a series of shots will help to hone the form of the shot, the moment of release of the ball and the trajectory; and also - they will increase the accuracy of 3-point shots. Again, according to Wolf, 100 throws will take 15 minutes.
I once tried to throw such a series of free kicks. My execution technique is as follows: I squat a little, then straighten my legs and straighten my body at the same time I straighten my arms. As soon as the body is fully unbent (I also stand on my toes), the ball is released. It turns out - as if one movement. So, the calves quickly began to hurt from such lifts, the hands got tired, and the hand refused to twist the ball. But some results did appear, so the exercise is useful, even very useful.
Find out where you most frequently shoot from in games – and practice your “signature points” by shooting at least 5 clean shots in a row from those points.
I already wrote about this in an article about how to develop a shot ( Shot training in basketball ), it turned out not quite the way I imagined it in my head, but still it is very informative and useful.
Practice throwing on a correctly marked area , in a correctly labeled shield. The court must have a correctly drawn 3-point line.
And again I'll complain a little: why in our country do people who have no idea how it should be do everything? Why are basketball markings applied by people who have never played basketball and do not know what the front line is? As a result, it passes under the front bow of the ring. And the “three-ruble note” - why is it 6 meters on the right, and more than 7 meters on the left? Why?
So - try to choose good sites with correct markings. And another note: at first it is very difficult to throw with a rebound from the backboard, if the backboard is streetball, i.e. much less than standard.
Hold hands after throwing , as if following the ball into the basket until it reaches there.
Here it should be noted that in his video about the throw, the legendary Petya Maravich (lessons from which will soon appear on the site) recommends not to hold a fixed hand, but rather to wave 2-3 times after the ball , repeating the final stage brush work.
And once again about the type of throw: a good throw is the one that in 60% of cases is not covered by the opponent and reaches the basket.
The point is that by doing this type of throwing training you can build confidence and improve your throwing stability. And the belief that now you can score is a very cool thing.
Another little piece of advice from me: visualization is a thing that really works (I will write about it someday in the context of developing shooting skills, dribbling, muscle development, etc.). So, if, when releasing the ball towards the ring, you mentally imagine how it will sink into the ring, pleasantly rustling with the net, the percentage of sales may increase. The main thing is to believe!
And this is where I end, I wish you successful training and accurate throws! Good luck, and see you soon on the pages of our site.
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, the three-step shot technique uses another way to get the ball into the basket - 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 crave 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.
Put your guide hand in the normal position, but an inch off the ball so you're not touching it. Focus on shooting the ball high and far, but do not sacrifice good form in order to do so.
Stay at that spot until your shot feels like it did at 12 feet. Once it feels comfortable again, shoot several hundred shots until it becomes automatic again.
5'
While more advanced players can look forward to a pathway to expand their game, to find out more details or to register, visit this link here. 
They all shot differently, which did not stop them from scoring well; so - draw your own conclusions. 
In order to focus the thrower's attention on the aiming point, you can stick a dollar sign or a picture of the sight there. Remember: the shield is your best ally, be sure to learn how to bounce off it. 
After the shot, you pick up the ball yourself, return to the free-throw line - and take the shot again. It is important to repeat all the routine that occurs before the free throws in the game. In order to recreate the game situation even more realistically, simply add jerks to the exercise: throw the ball, perform a jerk after the ball (to the middle of the hall, etc.), return to the line again - throw it. Players can be stimulated by some kind of competitive effect: who spends more time on 5 (7, 10) executed free throws in a row - runs, pushes up, carries a partner to the locker room, etc. 
According to Jay Wolf, such a series of shots will help to hone the form of the shot, the moment of release of the ball and the trajectory; and also - they will increase the accuracy of 3-point shots. Again, according to Wolf, 100 throws will take 15 minutes. 
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. 
Let's take a look at what each of them is. 
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. 
Everything is quite simple and clear. 
