How To Shoot a Basketball

For anyone who wants to or has played basketball, the first thing they always learn is how to shoot. Scoring has always been basketball’s main goal. A good shooting technique may compensate for your lack of athleticism and hops and can also enhance your game play if you are athletically gifted. That’s why shooters like Peja Stojakovic, Kyle Korver and Jason Kapono thrive in the NBA. They have good shooting techniques.

Here are some tips on how to shoot a basketball:

Flex your muscles first. Do some exercises such as jogging and stretching to loosen up and flex those muscles. This reduces the risk of acquiring injury and improves one’s range of motion.

Balance. You should know that your body and its center of gravity should be between your feet prior to shooting the basketball. To achieve balance, spread your legs at least at shoulder’s width and keep your knees slightly bent. This stance gives you the choice to shoot, dribble or pass.

Foot placement. The foot parallel to your shooting hand should be a half foot forward.

Eye focus. Your eyes should be focused around the rim. You can focus on the front of the rim, the back of the rim, or other points of focus. Just keep in mind that whatever point of focus you choose, you should stick with it unless there is reason to change.

Hand position. Hold the ball with your dominant hand facing the rim. Place your off hand on the side to guide your shot.

Hand release. Your off hand should be removed from the basketball so that your release with your dominant hand is not hindered by your off hand's contact with the basketball.

Follow through. Your shooting arm should extend fully while your shooting wrist should flick the basketball towards the rim. The wrist flick is important since it gives the rotating motion to the basketball.

Range. Normally, it is recommended to shoot the basketball from closer distances. But by practicing, you can try to increase the range of your shots. Determine the amount of strength as well as the elevation needed for certain shots. Longer shots require more power and higher elevation. Shorter shots require less power and elevation. Usually, this is a trial and error process, so practice is essential.

Bend your knees. Remember that when shooting a basketball, your strength comes from your legs. Bend your knees and use your leg muscles to push off your toes and elevate.

Shot angles. When you are taking angled shots, it is recommended to use the “bank shot” wherein you aim inside the box of the backboard and bounce the basketball off the glass into the rim.

Finally, practice. Practice makes perfect. Try to pick several spots on the basketball court and practice there. You should also practice shooting the basketball off the dribble as well as your spacing with defenders. Practice shots that you are likely to make in an actual basketball game. This could all help enhance your shooting and your overall basketball experience.