The elbow is where the free throw line intersects with the "key," or free throw lane. This shot is considered a mid-range jump shot and one that must be worked on by all players at all skill levels. Despite this, in-game elbow shooting is usually reserved for shooting guards and small forwards. You can improve your basketball elbow shooting by running shooting drills during and after practice. Assistant Coach Kevin Eastman recommends prioritizing form over the end result of your shot. This way, you can develop a consistent elbow shot that will hit the mark every time.
Types
Types of basketball elbow shots vary depending on your position on the court. Centers tend to take hook and turnaround shots from the elbow, while shooting guards prefer jump shots from the elbow. If you are a power forward with adequate range, a fade-away jump shot from the elbow is an extremely difficult shot to defend against. If you are a point guard and too small to shoot from the elbow uncontested, then a running teardrop shot might be the best way to prevent your shot from being blocked.
Elbow Shooting Drill #1
Mark four spots on the court with pieces of tape. The spots should be the right elbow, left elbow, right baseline and left baseline. Shoot 25 balls from one of the spots, making sure to retrieve your own rebound for each shot. After 25 shots, rest by taking 10 shots from the foul line. Repeat this exercise at each of the four spots that you have taped. Jay Triano recommends shooting these shots as fast as you can, in an attempt to replicate proper game speed.
Elbow Shooting Drill #2
Stand in the corner of the court behind the three-point line. Have another player on your team set up under the basket, ready to pass to you. On your coach's whistle, shoot a three pointer. As soon as the ball leaves your hand, run down to the baseline and spin toward the elbow, simulating coming off a screen. The other player will retrieve your shot and hit you with a pass at the elbow. In one motion, catch the ball and take a jump shot from the elbow. Repeat this exercise until you are fatigued. J.J. Redick recommends this drill for players looking to improve their shooting range and their ability to shoot on the move.
Elbow Shooting Drill #3
This drill is designed for power forwards and centers looking to improve their basketball elbow shooting. Stand at the elbow with your back to the rim. Bend your knees and raise your shooting hand, calling for the basketball. Have a player on your team pass you the ball. As soon as you catch it, rotate on your pivot foot and jump straight up in the air. Release the ball at the top of your jump and try to make the shot without banking the ball in. Repeat this drill from both elbows.
Weak Hand Shooting Drill
If you have already gotten comfortable with shooting from the elbow, try shooting the ball with your weak hand. Have a player on your team pass you the ball at the elbow. Rotate your body toward the hoop and shoot the ball with only your weak hand. Do not attempt this shot with both hands, and make sure that it is a one-handed shot or "hook" shot if you are in danger of getting the shot blocked. Try this from both elbows. The Coach's Clipboard website recommends taking this hook shot by rotating on your non-pivot foot.
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