Common Basketball Shooting Mistakes

If your basketball shot continues to come up short in critical moments, you might be making the same mistake every time you bring the basketball above your head. While much of your technique is habit, taking time to practice and make small changes to your form could result in a better shot overall. But you first need to diagnosis your shooting problems.

Thumb Placement

It's human nature to want to rest the ball on top of your thumb when in shot position. But your thumb placement could be throwing off your shot by causing it to veer too far to one side and result in poor shooting form. Instead of pressing the top your thumb into the ball when you shoot, lay your thumb flat and allow the ball to touch the side your thumb so you can center your shot more easily.

Slow Release

Releasing the ball too late will almost always result in a shot that hits the back of the rim. When this occurs, it's usually because you've released the ball too low over your head. This is especially true when making a jump shot. Releasing the ball after you reach the peak of your jump makes for a sloppy shot. Instead, focus on releasing the ball at the highest point of your jump. If you're not jumping, you should be releasing the ball directly above your forehead for a more balanced, centered shot.

Elbow Placement

Check your elbows when you shoot. The ideal posture when shooting is to keep your elbows as close to the body as possible. Unfortunately, if you begin playing basketball with loose elbows, it can be a hard habit to break. You might feel as though you need your elbows to point outward to give your shot the most power, but most shots are about precision, not power. Tucking your elbows gives you more control over your shot.

Mental Game

As with any sport, basketball is also a mental game. This comes into play when you've had a few bad shots in a row. Once you begin worrying about your shot, it's usually harder to make a shot. Don't think too much about your shot. If you've practiced properly and have the right form, the motion should come more naturally to you. Block out confidence-busters such as worrying about your next shot. Instead, learn to play the game with a clear mind, trusting in your abilities.