Tips on Improving the Follow-Through of Your Basketball Shooting

Tips on Improving the Follow-Through of Your Basketball Shooting
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Shooting a basketball takes significant practice before a player develops consistency. Footwork, jumping height and the shooter's release all are crucial elements of making a shot. A proper follow-through is the finishing touch to becoming a dependable shooter, assuring that the ball is on target after it has left the shooter's hand.

Jumping Height

One of the big keys to developing a good shot and making sure you get an excellent follow-through is to make sure you get a lot of height before you shoot. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, and you should jump up and toward the basket as you rise. If you are a right-handed shooter, your left foot should provide the bulk of the impetus for your leap. Release the ball just before the apex of your leap. After you shoot, the forefinger of your shooting hand should be pointing at the front rim.

Forefinger Action

As you release the ball, your forefinger should be the last part of your body to touch the ball. Your palm should be turned out as you finish your shot, almost parallel to the floor. As you finish your shot, visualize your hand touching the front of the rim. This will help you get maximum extension with your elbow.

Wrist Position

Straighten your arm as you release the basketball. Your wrist should end up slightly ahead of your elbow. Your wrist should be in a forward position, as you should have snapped it as you released the ball. Most important, keep your eyes focused on the front of the rim. If you take your eyes off front of the rim, the ball is likely to veer off in another direction. Stay as tension-free as you can when the ball leaves your hand.

References

Article reviewed by DavidW Last updated on: Apr 25, 2010

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