The act of shooting a basketball is simple — anyone can pick a basketball up and heave it at the basket. But shooting properly is another story — a variety of factors must come together for a reliable shot. Though it might seem complicated at first, knowing the proper way to shoot a basketball will pay off down the road.
Eye Contact
As soon as you decide to take a shot, get your eyes on the rim as quickly as possible. There might be a defender running at you, but looking away will almost assuredly cause you to miss the shot. Zero in on the basket, and don't follow the ball's trajectory even after letting go. Whenever possible, line up your eye so it forms a straight line to the basket.
Grip
Line up your hands perpendicular to the long seams of the ball. When you release the ball, its spin will show you if the shot is straight. Use your fingertips to grip the ball. There should be a space between your palm and the basketball. Make sure you can shoot the ball comfortably with one hand, and use the other as a guide. Always use your fingertips to shoot; using your palm will hurt your consistency.
Stance
Line up your feet shoulder-width apart, and pointed at the basket. There will be instances when you can't get on a perfect line to the basket, but do it whenever possible, especially on a set shot. Bend your knees and elevate.
Letting Go
Put your elbow in a comfortable position under the ball. Letting your elbow fly out to the side will cause inconsistent shooting. Keep the ball in front of you, not over your head; this gives you more control over the shot. Coordinate your jump with your arm movement, in a smooth motion. Make sure your elbow and wrist are aligned towards the basket. A good shot should have symmetrical backspin. Hold your follow-through until the ball hits the rim.
Landing
Release the ball just before the apex of your jump. Land directly where you jumped. Coming down forward, backward, left or right of the takeoff spot shows inconsistency in your jump shot. Land in the same place you jumped from each time.
Repetition
Once you have the form down, practice as much as possible. A person who puts in the work will make more shots. A good shooter is an integral part of a basketball team, and if you aren't as naturally athletic as teammates, it is a good way to make a positive contribution.
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