A basketball shot involves many moving parts and only one of those parts needs to be off for you to miss your shot. Problems with your shot could come from your jump, release, rotation or follow through. To become a better shooter, you need to have all aspects of your shot in control to consistently make baskets.
Balance
One reason that many shots miss the basket is because the shooter is not squared to the basket. The first step in any shot should be squaring your shoulders toward the hoop and balancing your body. Your feet should be shoulder width apart, usually with your dominant foot slightly ahead of the opposite foot. If you catch the ball with your knees slightly bent, you will be in a more athletic position to lift off for a jump shot. Keep your head up and eyes on the rim, and this should naturally bring your shoulders forward in front of your knees for better balance.
Simplicity And Consistency
You have to practice your shot hundreds upon thousands of times to develop the muscle memory to become a consistent shooter. The more fluid and basic your shot is, the better chance you have of developing that muscle memory. If you have a hitch in your shot or if your elbows flail too wide, that decreases your margin of error. But more than anything, find a shot that feels comfortable for you and keep practicing that same shot until you develop consistent success. Comfort will lead to confidence, which is key in helping you make shots as well.
Jump And Release
As you jump to take your shot, it should feel like a natural height. You are not trying to set a high jump record, but simply get the ball higher into the air to improve your chances of making the shot. Jumping also helps you avoid shooting the ball too flat, as shots with more arc are more conducive to going in. As you release the ball at the top of your jump, put backspin on the ball by flicking your wrist and catching the tip of your middle finger on one of the seams. Arc and backspin greatly improve your chances of becoming a quality shooter.
Follow Through
Many coaches preach about holding the follow through, which is a way of making sure that your shot mechanics were correct. A proper follow through will result with you standing in the same spot where you took off with your shooting hand high above your head, but with your wrist pointed down. If your hand is not extended above your head, chances are you did not release the ball at the top of your jump. If your wrist is not pointed down, you probably did not put enough back spin on the ball. If you jumped forward, you may have put too much force behind the ball.
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