The only ways to extend your basketball shooting range are to improve your form so that each shot is as efficient as possible and to strengthen your muscles. To shoot the ball properly, center one hand on the ball and let the other act as a guide. Launch the ball forward, flicking your wrist slightly to add backspin, which helps the ball drop into the net. Use your legs to launch upward and add power to your shot.
Form
Watch professional players or ask your coach for help if you have trouble shooting correctly. Once you have the basics down, practice shooting while sitting on a chair close to the net. Focus on proper wrist control, and follow through so your shooting hand stays in line with the target after the ball leaves your hand. Then practice shooting the ball normally, but stay within a comfortable range until your form is as perfect as possible.
Muscle Development
Strength training exercises can increase your range. Shooting a basketball incorporates various muscles in your arms, shoulders and legs. Typical exercises for these muscle groups are bicep curls, tricep kickbacks, leg presses, squats, pushups and pull-ups. Shooting with a weighted basketball allows you to build strength while practicing your form, so it is an effective combination exercise.
Shooting Exercises
Bring it all together by practicing your shooting often. Focus on completing well-performed shots close to the net, then move outward. It can take years to develop a consistent shot from three-point range, so don't worry if you don't experience rapid improvement. The best way to practice distance shooting is to concentrate on developing your skills so that they are automatic reflexes, rather than intentional efforts. One exercise to develop a good shooting rhythm is to shoot as rapidly as possible from three-point range. Don't shoot so fast that you compromise form, but try not to pause between shots either. A movable rack that holds many basketballs is helpful so you don't have to chase down rebounds, or you can ask a friend to retrieve the ball for you.
Considerations
Everyone has different weaknesses; ask an expert to analyze your shot to determine which inefficient movements are inhibiting your range. For example, some people don't put as much leg power into their shots as they need to. One exercise that forces you to incorporate more lower body power is to shoot the ball high over the backboard. This is difficult to do repeatedly, so sooner or later you will start to incorporate your leg muscles. After performing this exercise for a while, try to control the effects of your new leg power while shooting at the net.
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