To win in the sport of basketball, you must score more points than your opponent, and to score you must shoot the basketball. Basketball players must master the fundamentals of a few different types of shots that are used depending on the situation, location on the floor and the defense being played.
Types of Shots
Basketball players use a few different types of shots during the course of the game. Layups are the shortest, most basic shot and are used when the shooter is close to the basket — within two or three feet. Layups can be shot in a variety of ways, both underhanded and overhanded, depending on player preference. Hook shots or jump hooks are short shots that are usually used within 10 feet of the basket and they are usually attempted by bigger, taller players. Hook shots are easier to get off when closely guarded inside, especially if your opponent is taller than you are. Jump shots are what people see when they think of the standard basketball shot. In a jump shot, you jump as high as you can and release the ball at your highest point on the leap. Set shots are a type of outside shot that nearly every player uses on free throws. Some players use this as their perimeter shot as well, instead of the jump shot, and normally the form mimics a jump shot without jumping.
How to Improve
The best way to become a better shooter is through practice and getting plenty of repetitions. As you practice you can learn your strength and range, and fine tune your form and how hard you need to shoot the ball. You should practice every type of shot that you could use during a game and practice them full speed just like you will take them in a game. Duplicating the same form and style over and over can help you master your form and make more shots.
Proper Style or Form
There is no such thing as perfect form for every player, according to Dannie Evans. This means that players will have different styles and no two shots will look the same. There are some fundamentals you can follow but you should mold your form about what feels right or comfortable to you. This will make it easier for you to duplicate, practice and eventually become consistent and make more shots in the long run.
Fundamentals
Though there is not one right way to shoot the ball, there are some things you can make sure you do to improve your shooting style. Always keep your eyes on the target until the ball hits or goes through the rim, and GuideToCoachingBasketball.com says to pick an imaginary target above the cylinder and lock your eyes onto that point. Make sure to stay balanced, with your feet somewhere between shoulder width and together, your weight on the balls of your feet and your knees slightly bent. Some shooters like to have their foot on the same side as their shooting hand slightly in front of their other foot. Keep your palm off the ball and make sure to use your fingertips and let the ball roll off of your hand so that it creates back spin. Your shooting hand should be under the ball and push the ball up and out to the basket on the shot. Your nonshooting hand should be a guide that is on the side of the ball and should stay out of the shooting motion except to balance the ball.
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