The correct shooting technique is the most important basketball foundation you need to master, because it allows you to actively participate in the game. The basic concept of this sport is very simple: you have to be able to hit the basket with the ball. Basketball has progressed to higher levels and the ability to shoot from long distances has become increasingly important. You may not be very tall, but shooting skill is an aspect that you can control and manage. By developing the right habits and respecting the correct movements, your performance on the pitch will be excellent!
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Assuming the Right Posture
Step 1. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and make sure that one is slightly in front of the other
The foot that corresponds to the pulling hand should be a little further in front of the other. If you are right-handed, then put your right foot forward. Both feet must point towards the basket, while always remaining apart.
Step 2. Bend your knees slightly
If you keep them blocked, you will lose your balance more easily at the first game contact. Flex your knees comfortably so you can jump as soon as you get the ball.
Always keep this posture in mind as you learn the art of shooting and start practicing. Once you have found the position that best suits your characteristics, always use it. Your goal is to make this posture become so natural that you don't even have to think about it before pulling
Step 3. Bend your knees and hips more for more power
If you have to shoot from a greater distance, you need to be sure that the strength comes from your posture. The shot will be much less precise and fluid if most of the thrust comes from the chest and arms. You need to maintain a balanced position, but bend your knees and hips more as your heels lift slightly off the floor. Practice this movement without pulling.
Part 2 of 4: Grasping the Ball Correctly
Step 1. Put the ball in the "shooting area"
The movement must come from a very specific area that in American basketball is called "shooting pocket", in practice it is the space in front of the player's torso, a few centimeters above the waist. The ball and the dominant eye must form a straight line to the basket.
If the ball is too high or too low from the point described above, the accuracy of the shot will be affected. Make sure the ball is in this comfortable shooting area, just above your waist
Step 2. Position the elbow so that it is under the ball and not open to the outside
Learn to always put the ball in this position whenever you are ready to shoot. When a teammate passes it to you, they should aim exactly for your "shooting pocket"; if not, you must take the ball to that point before shooting.
Step 3. Grab the ball correctly
The fingertips of the dominant hand must be perpendicular to the seams of the ball. This hand is responsible for the shot. Place the non-dominant one on the side of the ball so that it supports it during the shot. The ball should not make contact with your palm as you prepare to shoot, but should only be controlled with the five fingertips.
Leave some space between the palm of your hand and the ball so that it rolls easily with just your fingertips. The ball must rest only on them, spread your fingers wide for better control
Part 3 of 4: Shooting for the basket
Step 1. Identify the goal
If you want the ball to go directly into the basket, you have to set the basket itself; if you want to use the board as a bounce surface, then choose the spot you want to hit. The eyes play an incredibly important part in a good shot for a field goal. Do not follow the path of the ball and do not stare at your feet to check the position.
Step 2. Straighten your knees and jump
Use your legs to push the ball as you jump up and your dominant hand pulls. Move your legs, torso and arms synchronously, in a fluid and coordinated action.
Step 3. When shooting, jump slightly forward
The feet should not land in the same spot, otherwise the shoulders and neck would be under a lot of tension. Jump forward to give the ball an arched trajectory.
Don't lean forward while jumping. If your body is in balance, you should be able to jump naturally. All this leads to a well-balanced, tension-free shot
Step 4. Push the ball up with your dominant hand
As your hips rise and you begin the jumping movement, move the ball in a smooth motion from the "shooting pocket" to eye level. You should perform one continuous movement. The hips rise as the elbow of the dominant hand does.
Don't bring the ball behind your head or to the side. Pull smoothly and in a forward motion. The non-dominant hand has the sole function of guiding and supporting the ball while the dominant one gives the push
Step 5. Release the ball
Just before reaching the maximum height of the jump, throw the ball with your dominant hand aiming for the basket. Straighten your elbow and push your wrist to create an arched rather than straight trajectory to the basket. As you release the ball, lower your supporting hand.
Rotate the ball with your fingertips towards the basket. You can judge the correctness of the shot by observing the backward rotation of the ball; if the lines drawn on it turn symmetrically, then the ball has been positioned correctly
Step 6. Follow the shot
This is the fundamental part of the athletic gesture. If you push the ball with your wrist without following the movement of your fingers, then the shot will not be accurate. Once the movement is finished, the dominant hand should take the shape of a swan; the arm should be elegantly arched towards the basket and the hand bent softly downwards with the fingers pointed towards the basket iron. This position is called "closing the shooting movement".
Part 4 of 4: Perfecting the Technique
Step 1. Develop muscle memory
Basketball is a fast paced sport where you don't have time to think about shooting mechanics as the clock continues its relentless rush and opponents attempt to steal the ball from you. For this reason it is essential to practice as much as possible until the whole process, from posture to grip to jump and release, becomes natural.
Train from different angles. Practice shooting from all sides of the basket and from all distances using the same technique every time, regardless of whether you are attempting a three-point shot or from under the basket
Step 2. Practice free throws
These are performed from the free-throw line which is 4, 6 m from the basket. This is a good place to train from and, as it is in front of the backboard of the basket, it allows you to not have to chase the ball too much as it often bounces off the backboard.
Step 3. Start by using the board
This is a useful tool, especially for close-range shots. Depending on the position of the court you are in, you will have to bounce the ball in different ways. In general, if you are on the right side of the field, you should aim for the upper right corner of the square inside the board. Conversely, if you are on the left, try to hit the top left corner of the same square.
Use the board when performing a paddle shot. In this case you are trying to make a basket while in motion, dribbling and not from a stationary position
Step 4. Practice by simulating games
When you are comfortable with the technique and feel comfortable shooting alone, get together with friends for a game or join a team so that you can participate in some tournaments. Shooting under the pressure of the opponent and during a match is much more difficult than during a solitary training. You will need to receive passes, avoid attempts to "steal" the ball and be aware of the playing strategy that the coach and your teammates expect you to respect. However, if you exercise right and develop good muscle memory, you will be able to ring several points in no time.
Advice
- The legs play a fundamental role in the shooting range. Use your whole body and not just your arms to throw the ball.
- Practice shooting the ball over and over using only your dominant hand while standing in front of the basket. When you master the technique, you can use your other hand to stabilize the ball, but remember that this should not exert any thrust.
- Use your hands to guide the ball and your body to push it.
- Always lower the ball before shooting, unless you are catching it after a dribble or it is already low. In this way you "get into the rhythm" and make the shot smoother, more natural and less tense. Lowering the ball also helps you if you are having trouble shooting long shots.
