One of the ways to improve your shooting on the basketball court is to make sure you position your hands properly when you shoot the ball. Most players have a good idea of how to place their hands on the ball when shooting in warmups or practice. However, in tight situations when the game is on the line, players must have their shooting fundamentals down pat or they will struggle to hold on to the proper form.
Shot Preparation
To have a reasonable chance to make your shot, you have to be prepared when you receive the ball. To be in the best possible position, you have to get open. The V-cut is a top move to get open. Start at the 3-point line, take two steps towards the basket and angle back to the 3-point line. This should leave you available to receive the pass. When you get the ball, place your dominant hand on the bottom of the ball and your non-shooting hand on the side of the ball.
Hand Placement
When you put the fingers of your dominant hand under the ball, spread your fingers as wide as they can go. Let the ball sit on top of your finger tips. Do not let the ball sit on your palm. You should be able to see daylight between your palm and the ball. Use your opposite hand to keep the ball in place on your finger tips.
Relaxed Hands
Raise the ball to the level of your forehead. Jump as high as you can while remaining under control. Concentrate on the front of the rim. As you rise in your jump, you will be calculating the power you will need to provide to get the ball just past the front of the rim. Stay as loose and relaxed in your hands and arms as possible when getting ready to shoot.
Release
Once you get to the top of your jump, push your wrist forward so you impart spin on the basketball as it leaves your hand. Your opposite hand will remain on the side of the ball throughout the process, but it will not provide any additional pressure. Once the ball leaves your hand, your wrist should be extended and the middle finger of your shooting hand should be pointing directly at the front rim. Hold that position for at least two extra seconds to keep the ball on track.
Member Comments