Since the advent of the 3-point shot, basketball has seen significant changes to the style of play and fundamentals of the game. Teams that would not normally be competitive can now have significant advantages with the 3-point shot. Good shooters with proper 3-point shooting techniques can send teams on dramatic runs and win basketball games.
Free Yourself
One key to hitting 3-point shots is to create open looks by running off screens. Screening is the art of having a teammate set a pick on a defender, while you explode around the screen and become open while the defender tries to catch up. Or create your own open look by taking your defender off the dribble.
Set Plays
Basketball teams also run set plays to free 3-point shooters for open shots. These techniques involve players running down the court into specific spots. When the point guard comes across half court, the players break into patterns to confuse the defense and free up players behind the arc. When a 3-point shooter sees an opening in the defense, she calls for the ball, already in good position to launch a shot. This usually results in a solid percentage of makes.
Fast Break
Three-point baskets are common in transition. When the opposing team misses a shot, players should break down the court once the rebound is secured. The first look should be to drive the ball or pass the ball inside for an easy layup, while the 3-point shooters align themselves outside the arc. The ball can easily come back outside for the distance shooters to fire over the defense.
Inside Out
The most common 3-point shooting technique in basketball is to work the ball inside out for an open shot. This involves throwing the ball into the post players, which usually draws one or two defenders to cover them. This will leave an open player somewhere on the floor. The key is to pass the ball out and get the ball to the open player as fast as you can. Your 3-point shooter will have an open look, and you can count on your better players to knock it down.
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