Scoring is the ultimate objective in basketball. Good shooters spend endless hours on the court perfecting their shots. Basketball players of all ages should practice their shooting constantly. As with any aspect of basketball technique, practice is important. I like to use the pneumonic device BEEF to remember the important aspects of shooting technique.
- B-Achieve balance by spreading your legs about shoulder-width and keeping your knees slightly bent. This is known as the triple-threat-position, so-named because you have the option to dribble, pass, or shoot.
- E-Your elbow should be positioned directly under the ball. The ball should be on your fingertips (not in the palm of your hand).
- E-Your eyes should be focused at on the front of the rim.
- F-Always follow through. Keep your off-hand on the side of the ball (this hand is only for guidance). The fingertips of your shooting hand should be spread out, yet relaxed. You can improve your chances of scoring by adding a backspin. This is done by flicking your wrists to add a backward twirl to the ball.
Shooting the Basketball
- Hold the ball with your dominant hand toward the hoop and place your off-hand on the side of the ball for guidance
- Try to score without hitting the rim or backboard by aiming just beyond the front of the rim
- When taking an angled shot, aim inside the boxed area of the backboard and bounce the ball off the glass, into the hoop
- Determine the amount of arm strength and elevation you need to achieve to make the shot. This is basically trial and error, so practicing in important.
- When shooting, your strength comes from your legs. Bend your knees and use the strong muscles in your legs to push off your toes.
- Watch for the opportunity of an offensive-rebound. Always follow your shot by running towards the basket after taking your shot in case you miss.
Practice makes perfect. Mark several spots on a basketball court and practice your shooting. Practice shooting off the dribble as well as from a dead ball. Experiment with different angles and using the backboard when necessary. Try to replicate game situations with other people or by using cones.
