Knowing how to shoot a basketball properly is the most important skill you need to play basketball. Basically, basketball is a simple game. As the game of basketball grew, so did the ability to shoot the ball from a distance. While you may not be blessed with height, your shooting ability is something you can practice on your own. With proper posture and practice habits, you can master the game!
Step
Method 1 of 4: Using the Right Ease
Step 1. Spread your feet shoulder width apart and put your weight on your feet
. You must place your shooting foot in front of your unused foot in the shooting motion. Your shooting foot is the foot on the same side as your shooting hand – if you're shooting with your right, it should be your right foot. Your feet should be pointing toward the basket, but remember to keep your feet shoulder-width apart.
Step 2. Bend your knees slightly
Standing straight will lock your knees and can easily cause you to lose your balance. Bend your knees as comfortably as you can so you can jump as soon as you get hold of the ball.
Always keep your horses in mind as you learn your shooting skills and train them. Once you find the stance that works best for you, use it every time you practice. The goal is to get you used to the position so you don't have to think before you take your stance to throw a perfect shot
Step 3. Bend your thighs and knees deeper to gather more power
If you need to shoot further, make sure the power source is from your standing position. Your shots won't be accurate and the movement won't be smooth if you try to throw the ball forward using the power of your chest and hands. You should stay balanced, but you will also need to bend your thighs and knees deeper with your heels slightly off the floor. Practice the pose without shooting the ball.
Method 2 of 4: Holding the Ball Correctly
Step 1. Place the ball in your “shooting pocket”
You shoot using your “shooting pocket,” which is located at your side and a few centimeters above your hip. The ball and your shooting eye should form a straight line towards the basket.
Holding the ball too low or too high will affect the accuracy of your shot. Make sure you hold the ball right in your “shooting pocket”, this is the most comfortable point for throwing the ball that lies just above your hips
Step 2. Place your elbows so they are under the ball, not at its sides
Learn to place the ball in the same position every time you try to shoot. When someone passes the ball to you, they must aim the ball into your “shooting pocket”. If you don't catch it there, then you have to position the ball before shooting.
Step 3. Grip the ball properly
Position your shooting hand so your fingers are parallel to the seams on the ball. This hand is what you use to throw the ball. Place the hand you're not using to shoot on the side of the basketball to guide the shot. Your palms should not touch the ball when preparing to shoot, you should be able to control the ball with your fingers and thumb.
Leave some space between your palm and the ball so the ball can slide off your fingers easily. The ball should rest on your fingertips and spread your fingers apart so you can control the ball better
Method 3 of 4: Making a Shot
Step 1. Find the goal
If you want to get the ball into the basket, then you have to look at the nets in the basketball basket. However, if you're trying to hit the ball using a bounce from the backboard, look at a spot on the backboard that you want to bounce. Your eyes are an important component in how to shoot a basketball properly. Don't let your eyes follow the ball's trajectory or check the position of your feet below.
Step 2. Straighten your knees and jump
Use your feet to help launch the ball by jumping forward when launching the ball with your hands. Move your legs, body and arms in a coordinated manner to make the shot.
Step 3. Make small jumps forward when shooting
Your feet shouldn't land on the same spot you started the shot as this will put strain on your neck and shoulders. Jumping a little forward will cause the ball you shoot to slide in a parabolic trajectory.
Don't lean forward when jumping. If your body is in balance, you will jump in a natural motion. Your shots will be more balanced and your body will be more limp
Step 4. Push the ball up with your shooting hand
As your thighs rise as you jump, move the ball in a smooth motion from your shooting pocket to eye level. Do it in one smooth motion. Your thighs should be raised in line with your elbows.
Don't let the ball get behind your head or tilt to the side. Shoot in a smooth forward motion. Only use your non-shooting hand as a guide while your shooting hand delivers power
Step 5. Release the ball
Before you reach the top of your jump, release the ball with your shooting hand toward the basket. Straighten your elbows and push your wrists so that the ball bounces instead of throwing the ball in a straight line. As you release the ball, lower your guiding hand.
Roll the ball with your fingertips toward the basket. You can see if you have shot correctly or not by watching the spin of the ball. If the ball rotates symmetrically, it means you shot correctly
Step 6. Continue your shot (follow through)
This is an important part of shooting basketball. If you shoot from the wrist without continuing the movement to the end, your shot will not be completely accurate. When you complete the throw, your hand will form a swan. Your hands will curve beautifully toward the basket and your palms hanging down with your fingers pointing toward the basket. This is what is called a follow through movement.
Method 4 of 4: Perfecting the Technique
Step 1. Get your muscles to remember how to shoot
Basketball is a fast game; You won't have time to think about how to shoot the ball the right way while the clock is ticking and your opponent is constantly trying to steal the ball from you. It's important that you practice shooting as often as possible so that making a shot – from correct position, to gripping the ball, to jumping and releasing the ball – comes naturally to you.
Practice from multiple angles. Take shots facing all sides of the basket and do it from various distances using the same position. Use the same position when shooting from the three-point line and when shooting from close range to the basket
Step 2. Practice free throws
A free throw, or foul shot, is taken from the free throw line. This line is located approximately 4.6 meters in front of the basket. This is a great distance to practice shooting, and since the basket board will be behind the basket, it's more likely that the ball will bounce back toward you so you won't have to chase after the ball as often.
Step 3. Take advantage of the backboard
The backboard can be a useful tool especially if you're shooting at close range. Depending on where you are on the court, you will need to bounce the ball in different ways. In general, if you are on the right side of the court you need to aim your shot to the top right in the inner box at the back of the basket. If you are on the left side of the court, aim your shot into the top left corner of the inner box at the back of the basket.
Use the backboard when you make a layup, which is done after dribbling instead of from a standing position
Step 4. Practice in a competitive setting
Once you're comfortable shooting solo, invite your teammates to play basketball or join a match league so you can play a few games. Shooting when under pressure a game is quite challenging compared to trying it yourself in your own backyard. You need to be able to catch passes, dodge opponents, and remember the strategies your coach and teammates are using. However, if you practice with the correct posture and get your muscles to remember how to shoot, you can accumulate points quickly.
Tips
- Your feet play an important role in determining how far you can shoot. Use your whole body in shooting, not just your hands.
- Practice shooting a basketball with one hand using your main hand in front of the basket repeatedly. As you move away from the basket, use your other hand to keep the ball steady. However, remember not to use the other hand to channel power.
- Use your hands to guide the ball and use the power of your body as you release the ball.
- Always sink the ball into a lower position before you shoot, except when you shoot after dribbling, which means that the ball is lower from the start. Dropping the ball into a lower position gives you rhythm, keeps you from straining and, makes the shot look more natural. It's also helpful if you're having trouble shooting long distances.
