Shooting a basketball may only take a split second, but shooting it well takes many hours of practice. Many different elements go into a quality basketball shot, including body alignment, a strong jump and proper contact with the ball. Get all the elements of a good shot right, and you'll be watching the ball sail through the net in no time.
Body Alignment
Because your arms are the primary tool used to get the ball to the basket, and your arms are connected to your torso, making sure your body is in proper alignment is a key skill to getting off a good shot. Aligning your feet to the basket before shooting will go a long way toward aligning your body. If your feet are aligned, your legs will naturally turn toward the basket, followed by your upper body, then your arms
Jumping
Very few shots in basketball, outside of the free throw, are done from your feet. Jumping allows you to get high enough that your defender will not be able to block your shot. For set shots, jumping straight up in the air will help you get enough height to not only avoid your defender, but get enough kinetic energy behind the shot. For shots like a layup, you’ll need to jump toward the basket, as the motion will help propel the ball in the direction it needs to go.
Proper Contact
Making proper contact with the ball before shooting is a skill that will help your shot have the proper accuracy it needs to get to the hoop. Holding the ball in the palm of your shooting hand decreases accuracy, since there is more surface area in contact with the ball. Hold the ball in the fingertips of your shooting hand and use your off-hand to stabilize the ball as you bring it up in your shot.
Wrist Action
Whether you’re shooting a 3-pointer, a mid-range jumper or a layup, your shooting wrist plays a big part in the success of your shot. On a set shot (such as a 3-pointer or jumper), your shooting wrist is used to put a backspin on the ball. This backspin helps the ball travel straighter and helps the ball bounces correctly in case it makes contact with the rim or backboard, making it land more softly and giving it a greater chance to go in. As you release the ball, flick your wrist and keep it angled down toward the floor on your follow through. This will help you get a proper spin on the ball.
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