It sometimes may seem as if there are as many ways to shoot a basketball as there are players. The best shooting forms, however, maximize a player's ability to shoot the ball straight, and with a high arc and rotation. Shooting has been the subject of many hours of study and practice even by professionals. Moreover, individual shooting coaches are often hired by collegiate and professional teams to maximize their players' scoring potential. Even if you can't afford a shooting coach, you can still improve your shot and shooting percentage with these tips.
Mental Confidence
To shoot the basketball at a successful rate, you need to remain focused during play and particularly when shooting. Your eyes should be focused on the hoop itself--not other players or the ball--when you take a shot. Your hand will naturally follow where your eyes go, which will result in more shots landing near or in the hoop. Confidence is an essential part of shooting. A fluid motion is a direct result of practice and game experience, and it comes with time. Relaxation can play a significant role in how your body reacts when you pull up for a jump shot. Tense players will have tense muscles, and these muscles won't respond as desired every time. If your muscles aren't relaxed, your shot will be off. A remedy for this is to focus on the proper form and mechanics of your shot. When you get the form down, you won't have to worry as much about where the ball goes when it leaves your hand.
Shoot When Open
Taking forced shots will lead to a reduction in your shooting percentage. Scoring is much easier when you are open on the court. If you aren't open and the shot clock isn't winding down, taking a well-guarded shot can lead to a block, and even if you get it past your defender there is still a small chance you will score.
Aim With Your Feet
In the course of a game, players don't always have time to square up perfectly with the basketball hoop before taking a shot. But unless you're pressed for time, foot placement should always be your focus on the court. Your body will want to shoot in the direction your feet are placed, and if they're pointing off to the side, you stand a good chance of shooting the ball off-target. The best way to make sure your feet are set is to position yourself for a pass when you are open. If your teammate is feeding you the ball, you can plant your feet before catching the ball, making your shooting process faster and reducing the risk of an off-target or blocked shot.
Flick Your Wrist
As you are releasing the ball, giving the shot a flick of your wrist so your fingers are pointing toward the ground, will put spin on the ball. This spin can help you if the ball hits the rim, because the backspin is likely to tip the ball into the basket. Flicking your wrist also gives your shot a little more power--if you are shooting from long-range--by taking some of the stress off your arms.
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