Just like hitting a baseball out of the park or smacking the perfect golf drive, there's no foolproof strategy for successfully shooting a basketball. Even the best professional players in the world, after all, only make, on average, three of every five shots. However, there are some proven tips to follow that will make you a more accurate shooter from anywhere on the court.
Positioning
Whether you're shooting a layup or a three-pointer, your pre-shot positioning is nearly as important as the actual act of shooting. When shooting a layup, it helps if your non-shooting hand is pointed at the basket. This allows you to ward off would-be shot-blockers and absorb contact while still managing to follow through with your shooting hand.
When looking to get open for a jump shot, keep your feet in motion and look for teammates who can screen off your defender, so as to get an open look at the hoop. Once you've received the ball and are ready to shoot, it's vital to keep your shoulders square to the basket.
Focus
When shooting a layup, focus on the box painted on the backboard, off of which you'll be aiming to "bank" the ball into the basket. Expert opinions vary on where you should train your eyes while shooting jump shots--some say the back of the rim, some say the front, and yet others claim you should picture an invisible target over top of the center of the rim.
It's advisable to practice all three and find your comfort zone. If you're aiming for the front of the rim and your shots are falling short frequently, eye the back or center of the rim. If they're clanging off of the back of the rim, focus on the front.
Elbow and Wrist
While layups and close-in jumpers require far less accuracy, the accuracy of your jump shot is dictated largely by your form. Most importantly, your shooting-side elbow must be kept in tight, with your arm bent at a 90-degree angle above the center of your head. It serves as your homing device.
The wrist is equally important. Players with soft shots--those who are more likely to drop into the basket rather than rolling off of the rim--flick their wrists to what may seem like an exaggerated degree. This provides maximum backspin, which creates friendly rolls from the rim rather than rim-rattllng "bricks."
Grip
Many players make the mistake of resting the ball on their palm before shooting. For maximum control, the ball should rest on the fingertips of the shooting-side hand, with the non-shooting side hand serving as a holster aside the ball. Thumbs should rest a few inches apart, and the fingers on the shooting hand should be stretched apart as far as possible so as to provide a balanced base.
Renowned former college basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian's rule of thumb: if more than 1/2 inch of daylight is visible between the ball and the shooting hand's thumb and index fingers, the shooter is placing the ball on a pedestal, leading to an uneven release.
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