Winning in basketball is accomplished by scoring. The only way to score is to shoot--and make it. Thus, shooting is the ultimate basketball fundamental. Improving your shot can improve your overall game. By following a few simple steps, you should be able to make visible progress in your basketball shot over time.
Step 1
Examine your touch. The shooting hand should hold the ball by the fingertips only, with no contact on the palm, held directly underneath the ball. The supporting hand should be positioned to the side of the basketball.
Step 2
Examine your knees. Your legs should be bent, your weight on the front half of your foot (not your heels). As you shoot, remember to use the "spring" in your knees to propel the ball.
Step 3
Examine your release. The ball should be brought up about level to the head, then released, spun gracefully off of the fingertips of your shooting hand. In the same motion, your legs should extend, the unbending of the knees providing the power to your shot.
Step 4
Examine your follow through. Your eyes should be locked on target--the basket--for several seconds after the release of the ball; allowing eye contact to stray can decrease the accuracy of your shot. Your shooting hand should be "pointing" at the basket for several seconds after the shot, too.
Step 5
Run shooting drills regularly and consistently. The key to improving your shot once you've mastered proper technique is to practice. One simple but powerful shooting drill involves a shooting partner. Your partner passes you the ball, upon which you immediately bend your knees and take your shot, mimicking game speed. You then proceed to pursue your own rebound, after which you pass the ball to your partner, who takes a shot as you did, then pursues her own rebound, and so forth.
Things You'll Need
- Basketball
- Basketball court
- Shooting partner
Member Comments