While there is more to basketball than putting the ball through the hoop, such as ball handling, defense, passing and rebounding, shooting the ball well is one of the most important factors in the development of any player. Shooting well is a process that takes practice. Natural athletic ability helps, but it is not the determining factor when it comes to being able to shoot the ball.
Initial Set-Up
The first thing you must do when shooting is find the target with your eyes. The instant you catch the ball, your focus must be on the front of the rim. At that point, you will also be creating a solid shooting base. Your feet should be about shoulder-width apart with one foot slightly in front of the other. Your knees should be bent in an athletic position.
Hand Postion
As you prepare to shoot a jump shot, the ball should be at chest height, with your shooting hand under the bottom of the ball and your guide hand on the side of the ball. As you begin your jump, you will raise the ball to a position where it is slightly above your head. In order to know that the ball is in the correct position, you should be able to see the rim underneath your shooting hand. The ball should be resting on your finger tips and not your whole hand. There should be some daylight between the palm of your hand and the ball as it sits on your finger tips when you prepare to shoot.
Delivery and Follow Through
Your elbow should be directly underneath the ball as you get ready to release. As you get to the apex of your jump, you will extend your wrist and elbow in a straight line to the basket. Come straight forward with your hand because this will provide backspin to the ball. Backspin will help your ball fly straight toward the front rim and keep it from veering off course. Your wrist should be in a floppy position as you release the ball. If your wrist is stiff and tense, you will not have the proper feel for shooting. A loose wrist will give you a better chance of becoming a more successful shooter.
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