Shooting a basketball well requires the right kind of practice. Although the concept is simple -- launch the ball into the air so that it falls through the net -- incorporating knowledge of the physics involved in basketball improves your shot. Watch how professional players shoot, noting which techniques they use to increase their chances of making a shot.
Backspin
A good basketball shot has backspin. When you launch the ball toward the net, flick your wrist slightly downward. This puts a slight spin on the ball. If the ball contacts the rim or the backboard, it will bounce downward at a sharp angle. This is because a spinning object that deflects off a stable surface tends to head in the direction of the spin. In other words, backspin increases the ball's chances of going in the net. If you don't add backspin, the ball travels farther outward, so the rim might deflect the ball away or the ball might miss the rim entirely.
Air Pressure and Bounce
Underinflated basketballs won't bounce off the backboard or rim correctly. If you shoot an underinflated basketball, the ball’s lack of pressurization allows the material to deform on contact with the backboard, absorbing some of the force. A properly inflated basketball, on the other hand, will not deform. Instead, the air inside will compress slightly and then push outward, creating bounce. Always inflate your ball to manufacturer specifications to ensure proper performance.
Consistent Force
It is possible to calculate the exact right movements for a good free shot. For example, you could weigh the ball and then measure the distance you need to throw it. With that data, you could calculate the exact power and launching angle you need to use. The problem is that your muscle control is imperfect. It is not possible for humans to replicate the same movement over and over, like a robot might. But with practice, you can certainly improve your chances.
High Arc
A perfect basketball shot swishes the net, meaning that it does not touch the backboard or the rim. The higher the arc of your shot, the more chance it has of swishing. Practice launching the ball high so that it drops right through the net. As your strength develops, you'll be able to perform high-arcing shots from greater distances. An added benefit of a high-arcing shot is that the ball travels far above the hands of even the tallest defense players.
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