Shooting a basketball successfully takes significant work for nearly every player. The greatest shooters in the game are often labeled as great athletes or natural shooters because of their great form and skill. However, these talented athletes put in hours of work in the gym and the film room to develop the most consistent shooting form. Players need to work on their jump, their set point and their follow through to improve their shooting.
Good Lift
Getting good lift is essential for consistent shooting. Lift not only helps you get higher and closer to the basket, but it also helps you get over the defender and gives you a clearer look at the basket. A good shooter has to be balanced as he shoots the basketball, and a good jump that takes place with the feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart and the left foot slightly ahead of the right foot--for a right-handed shooter--lets you be balanced when you attempt a shot.
Set Point
The set point is where the ball rests just before you let it go. The ideal set point is with the shooting hand directly underneath the ball, the weak hand on the side and the ball at head height. With this form, you can look directly at the front rim and gauge how much force you need to put on the ball. Balance the ball on your fingertips just before you let it go..
Finishing the Shot
You have gotten excellent and balanced lift, and the ball is in the release position as you near the apex of your jump. At this point, the wrist becomes the key factor in developing a consistent shot. Push your wrist forcefully up and toward the basket, then snap the wrist as you let the ball go. The fingers of the shooting hand should point directly at the front of the rim after the ball is gone. Do not move your hands and fingers until you are on the way down. You want the ball's release to be strong and true, and keeping your fingers pointed at the front of the rim gives the ball the best chance of going through the rim.
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