How To Shoot a Basketball

Learning how to shoot a basketball well is a very rewarding challenge. I remember the first time time I every made a game winning shot. I wasn't a starter on the team, but got the call to be on the floor when we were down one point with 10 seconds left in the game. Our team's star drove to the basket, but was quickly double teamed. With no place else to go he dished it out to me and with out thinking I shot a perfect swish just as time expired. After that shot I was put in the starting lineup and cemented my place on the team with my great shooting ability.

That final buzz shot felt great, but I would never have been able to make it if I hadn't spent time each day learning how to shoot a basketball. It's something that doesn't come easy, but when you are finally able to experience that feeling for the first time it will be worth all your effort. Hopefully the basketball tips I share in the blog will teach you how to shoot a basketball, and many other basketball skills. The most important lesson is to get out on that court and practice. You will never be able to hit that winning jumper from your computer!

Video: Step By Step Instructions on How To Shoot A Basketball

Step By Step Basketball Tips - How To Shoot A Basketball

Here is a step by step break down on how to shoot a basketball. Print these directions out and go the basketball court and practice. Repeat the process over and over again. You won't be able to shoot as good as a pro quite yet, but if you don't use this process you will never be able to make even 10%. Good form is the foundation for a great shot.

1. The most important aspect of shooting a basketball is your foot placement. The foot on your dominant side (whichever hand you use to shoot the ball is your dominant side) should be slightly in front of other foot. You want your toes to be “squared up” between the basket. If your feet are pointing anywhere else but the basket you will have a very difficult time making the basket.
   
   
2. Make sure you have a good center of gravity between your feet before you take the shot.
   
   
3. Bend your knee, elbows, and wrists prior to beginning your shot.
   
   
4. Hold the ball in your dominant hand and place your other hand on the side for stability. The ball should rest on your finger pad and fingers, not on the palm of your hand.
   
   
5. For best accuracy your eyes should be focused at the back of the rim
   
   
6. When you raise your arms bring the ball in front of your head slightly above eye level. Make sure your elbow is directly under the ball.
   
   
7. As you raise your hands to this position, but before you release the ball, your off hand should be removed from the basketball. Control the shot with your dominant hand only; leaving your off hand on the ball at the peak of the release point will disrupt your shot.
8. At the same time as you are raising the ball to a shooting position you should be extending your legs and jumping. The timing is such that just after you leave the ground you release that basketball.
   
   
9. The follow through is very important. Your shooting arm should extend fully while your wrist flicks the basketball at the back of the rim. When you use this wrist flick it gives the ball backspin. Continue the motion fully even after the ball leaves your hand.
   
   
10. Watch the ball go into the net as you make the perfect swish to win the game!

Video: How to Shoot A Basketball By Ray Allen

Here is a good video where Ray Allen gives some great tips on how to shoot a basketball.