Shooting is the dominant factor when it comes to winning a basketball game. All basketball players need to know how to dribble, pass and rebound in order to be complete basketball players. However, players who can consistently shoot well will help their team compete better and give them a chance to win games. Several tips can help a player improve his shooting.
Jump
A player must get enough lift on his shot so he gets over the defender and gets a clear look at the basket. In order to get a good jump, your feet should be shoulder-width apart, your knees should be flexed in an athletic position and you should push up off the balls of your feet.
Ball Placement
The ball should be on the finger tips of your shooting hand. Don't let the ball roll back to your palm. Your fingers should be spread so that the weight of the ball is balanced on your hand. Your non-shooting hand should be on the side of the ball. It is there to keep the ball steady and in position, but it is your shooting hand that will provide the force.
Aim
In order to become a proficient shooter, you need to concentrate on the front rim when you are aiming. You can't be distracted by any other factors when you are shooting. You must look at the front rim and you need to shoot just above where you are aiming in order to become a competent shooter.
Release
Your shooting arm should extend fully toward the rim when you are shooting the basketball. You need to push your arm up and out toward the rim and it must go straight at it. Snap your wrist when you let go of the ball and allow the ball to roll off your fingertips. This will put backspin on the ball and that will keep the ball going straight toward the rim. Understand that it takes courage to take the shot and have the confidence to let the shot go the proper way. "I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed," Hall of Famer Michael Jordan said.
Function
You must combine your jump, ball placement, aim and release to become a good shooter. In order for all of these factors to be performed correctly, you must practice shooting every day on your own. You might have shooting drills and practice on your basketball team, but at least an hour a day working on your shooting form and getting the proper timing down is essential to becoming a good shooter. "I don't know if I practiced more than anybody, but I sure practiced enough," said Hall of Famer and Boston Celtic legend Larry Bird. "I still wonder if somebody--somewhere--was practicing more than me."
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