Shooting a basketball into a basket from a distance is part mental, part physical. A study performed at the University of South Alabama in 1997 concluded that momentum in shooting is more than an abstract concept -- it proved that players who have been achieving recent success are more likely to expect and achieve more success in shooting. But you can't build momentum without initially making shots, which means you must first learn the fundamentals of shooting.
Foot Positioning
Your legs provide the base for your jump shot. Think about it like this: your shot is like a catapult, but a catapult won't work with a solid stand underneath it. Spread your feet shoulder-length apart and as you prepare to elevate for your shot, shift your weight to the balls of your feet. Your knees should be flexed slightly; this allows you to lift off of the floor and create proper arc on your shot. Jump shooting flat footed or with straightened legs will often cause your shot to fall flat.
Hand Positioning
Your naturally dominant hand -- the one you write and wield a fork with when eating -- is the one that will be releasing the shot. So start by positioning the ball on that side of your body, with your shooting side palm facing the basket. The other hand reaches across the body, supporting the ball from the side. The ball should rest in your fingertips rather than your palms; this provides accuracy and maximum control of your shot.
Eyes
There are a few schools of thought as to where your sights should be set. Some say to stare down the front rim, while others suggest eying the center of the hoop. Others, still, prefer to aim for the back rim. Use your own trial and error to determine which target works best for you. Regardless, your head should remain up, with your eyes never straying from the basket. This is easier said than done when a defender is flying toward you with his arm extended and a hand in your face, but remaining focused on your target is essential.
Release
Once you're ready to shoot, bring the ball from your side-holster position over your head as you begin to jump into the air. Your shooting-side hand should sit underneath the ball, with your complimentary hand steadying the side to provide aim. Align your dominant-side elbow directly with the goal and bent into a "V" shape. In one quick but smooth motion, unravel your arm toward the basket, snapping your wrist as your release the ball at the height of your jump. This provides backspin, which is vital in softening your shot. Follow through in an exaggerated fashion to avoid short-arming your shot and coming up short of the basket.
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