Proper Basketball Shooting Technique, Fundamentals, and Form

It's often said that great shooters have a place on any team.

Even if you aren't blessed with tremendous speed, strength or athleticism, great shooting is one of the surest ways you can stand out on the basketball court.

If you spend the time developing and practicing your shot, it will pay off in:

Making the team
Getting more playing time
Scoring consistently
Feeling confident and having fun every time you step on the floor

Now, let me start with some good news!

Yes, you do need very good shooting form and technique to shoot consistently well.

But it does NOT need to be "perfect".

If you watch enough great shooters, you'll see that their form varies quite a bit based on what's comfortable (and what works) for them.

But almost all great shooters follow the principles I'll explain in this article. So keep reading for (all the good stuff)!

Stationary Basketball Shooting Form and Technique

In this section, we give you the raw form and mechanics of stationary shooting.

In other words, this section does NOT address the fundamentals of shooting on the move and more advanced footwork you'll need for game situations.

Here's a quick roadmap of the stationary shooting fundamentals that we'll be covering:

Eyes on Target
Stance and Balance
Shot Pocket
Grip
Balance Hand
Delivery
Upforce and Landing
Follow Through
Correct Shot

shooting-fund-eyes (20K)

shooting-fund-stance (15K)

shooting-fund-pocket (13K)

NOTE: If you�d like specially-designed workouts for shooting and scoring, download our FREE Breakthrough Shooting Workout. It includes over 30 drills you can do by yourself or with a partner � all you need is a ball and a hoop!

Related Products & Helpful Resources

I'm 14 years old and I'm an incoming freshman in high school, I recently decided to play basketball in June and I am determined and ready to put it my all, this has helped me a lot. Thank you, Coach!

I am in middle school, and if you think your shooting form is bad well you should see mine!
But anyways, I was curious and looking for good shooting form (because my shooting form is actually foul) and I found this, totally helped! But just a question, does my index finger and my middle finger need to always be between the air hole? Because it takes time to always grip the air hole. Thanks so much for this, I mean I have been promoted to a PG because of this!

So im in middle school too and I am about 5''''11
and 63kg. So I have a problem too and I don''''t know if it''''s the same problem you got. But its just that when I shoot the ball go left or right just never middle. So how I fix it is that i let my guide hand go. the reason the ball do that is because my guide hand is pushing the ball too. So i just relax it and I am a shooter now. Tip to swish(what i did) is that shoot the ball high straight and release the ball soft. So soft and high and it should swish.

So i dont have the best form I'm in middle school, about 5'7-8 maybe around 130Lbs and I always find that maybe my guide hand is in the way or I don't get the ball up good, or just bad form in general, its kinda bringing my confidence down, Any tips on how to fix it?

I have found while using this technique of shooting that I can barely get any distance and that it is not even that accurate, do you think that I'm doing something wrong? Or is there a better form?

I think you need to jump a little higher, remember not to lead with the ball, and remove the guide hand right before release. Also flicking your wrist harder helps

Hey,after 2 years i''m back on this website and I need more help. Im 12 years old now,and I have a problem with shooting in practice vs shooting in game. I can shoot the heck out of the ball in a game,but in practice i can barely even hit rim,this is a huge problem considering that i''m trying out for a new team next year and I want to prove that i''m good for the team. Any help out my situation?

In practice, try to ask someone to stand in front of you with their hands up so you can shoot with a hand in front of you. Also , land in the same spot u jumped from to ensure your balance is good

Hi coach Jeff I'm Nikko from Philippines my height is 5'2 and my weight is 88 I play the power forward my problem is my shooting form I have to many shooting form but the problem is they did not come in the ring?

I started practicing my shooting recently, and I am a absolute beginner at shooting. I never learned the proper shooting form before, so I was pretty much just using my strength to shoot. I recorded myself making shots and realized that my left hand, which was supposed to guide the ball, always drops when I am halfway shooting. My right hand looks like it is okay, but my shots are extremely inconsistent because of my left hand. When I tried to bring both arms up to shoot, I shot even worse than before, because it felt very unnatural. Is there a way that I can feel natural bringing up my left hand to guide the ball? My left hand always seems to be getting in the way when I am shooting.

Just to clarify, I am actually not sure if I am shooting properly with my right hand as well, I just noticed that on every single one of my shots (from recordings), my left arm always drop halfway.

Hi, thank you for the great tips and advice. Been playing ball for a long time including high school varsity team back in the late 80s.

Some experts say that after the shot release that your elbow should be at or slightly higher than eye level. I was never taught to do this but this technique sounds correct b/c I assume it's to improve the ball arc trajectory so it's not flat.

With that said, I feel like I'm making a conscious effort to try and release at a higher point since naturally all these years, I believe my elbow is lower than eye level after shot release.

Should I try to correct where the elbow should be so it's at eye level after release of the ball?

Elaborating further trying to get the elbow at eye level after my release just doesnt feel natural bc I actually have to think about doing it

HI! whenever I shoot it, it veers right. I think my right hand isn't shooting straight. Why is that?

It would be hard to pinpoint that without seeing what you are doing but take a look at this article it may help you figure out why your right hand isn't shooting straight.

We also have a fantastic product called Breakthrough Shooting & Scoring System with Jim Huber. A fantastic product that will perfect the best mechanics for your body type, develop proper hand placement, master essential footwork. If you are interested in becoming a great shooter.

Hi Caleb,
Sorry for late reply, but This may be due to excessive force to the guide hand. Remember, the guide had should just be there to hold and guide the ball straight. Try letting go sooner of the ball and putting more force into the fingers. The follow through will feel more natural. If that doesn't work and you REALLY believe it's your right, put your index on the air hole (as a reference). This will make the follow through straighter. Again, sorry for the 2-year reply, I only just looked at this site today.

Im an experienced shooter. Im having issues with my release, specifically snapping my right wrist and locking my elbow. I tend to miss left and I struggle with my arc. The ball continues to roll off my right pinky finger and Im struggling to release at a 45 degree angle. My wrist is turning to the right rather straight over my forearm. Im focusing on my middle finger on the valve and middle of the ball. My thumb and pinky finger are gripping the opposite sides of the ball like train tracks. I tend to bring the ball over my right eye. Let me know if you have some thoughts on fixing my release, wrist and elbow. Thanks

If you tend to miss to the left, start with form shooting and getting back spin on the ball. Just focus on following through every time, getting some backspin on the ball, and shooting straight (no to little missing left or right). Use the drills here:
https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/fundamentals/shooting-drills.html

Start with step 1 and 2. Do those every day for weeks until you get really good technique. Then keep progressing to additional steps.

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Hey Jeff so i have a pretty good form and have been consistent in my shots a few weeks ago and then i gave a slight adjustment to my release timing and grip position and everything else started falling apart. So what do i do to gain a perfect form. My finger release is mostly i think my middle.
i still try to postion with my old form and compare it with the new one and now none of my shots are going in?(i am 6'1 and 185 pounds)

Good Morning Hrithik,
Thanks for the feedback and reaching out. Below are a few articles I found on building shooting confidence and maybe guidance with breaking your slump. Hope it helps.

I''m 5''2 97 pounds and I play point guard in 8th grade my shooting is decent but I don''t normally use it in games and I am trying to develop it. However, I can''t find the confidence to take more shots, what should I do? Also do you know any good AAU teams in the Bay Area?

Thanks in advance,

If you wanna build more confidence just shoot the ball, if you miss you miss, if you make it you gave your team more points, just keep thinking to yourself "im gonna make it, im gonna make it"
and if you wanna gain more confidence practice making 100 threes, if you can do that, then you'll be more confident in making it in a game

I am a 7th grader 6'2 275 and play center on my basketball team people say I am one of the worst shooters on the team and I know It is true I have made a change with my form where I am starting to shoot with my non shooting elbow out but keeping my shooting hand and arm straight under the ball I am doing better but I am still missing How do I make that stop.

practice makes perfect

Hello Coach Jeff,
I am 13 years old and I am currently 5'2 and weigh 100 lbs. I currently a point guard for my team. I usually score points in games by finishing with layups. Recently I've been getting blocked very often by taller defenders, so i started working on my shot, something I haven't before now. I have practiced my mechanics and shot of the dribble and used the 5 spot shooting drill for practice. My problem is that when I take a shot, my shot usually ends up going into the basket but bouncing off the rim. Thats what happens when I go for swishes, it does not happen when i use the backboard to make my shot. Should i use the backboard in my shots from now on. Can you also help me figure out why my shot is bouncing off the rim.

Thank you in advance

I would have to see a video. If the ball its bouncing left or right off the rim that could be a lot of things but mainly your elbow isn't underneath the ball and your probably chicken winging it.

Thank you in advance

Hey Jeff, I am a 5'6 140 pounds 13 year old Power Forward, when I was younger I trained and practiced to be a shooting guard or point guard, but because of my height I was placed as a Power forward. I worked on driving to the basket and using my body and recently got placed as a shooting guard but missed most of my shots. I then practiced more shooting drills but can't seem to knock down threes, I am able shoot the basketball but can't seem to make it in, I am suspecting that it's my guide hand that is preventing me from making my shots but can't tell, any advice?

My bad I accidently used a old report, I am 5'8 and 143

I would recommend doing single hand form shots. Go close to the basket to start. Hold the ball just like you would for a normal shot, but remove your balance hand before shooting. Balance the ball for a second, then shoot focusing on finishing high when you release. After making a lot of consistent shots then step back a little and keep repeating this. After you have moved back far enough, go to the free throw line and shoot a couple shots but keep your balance hand still or move it very little. This should help a lot.

Hey, anyone reading this, i could use some help. Im 16 and i was cut from the team a few months ago. I really want to be a good shooter and i am most of the time. I practice everyday because i want to make varsity next year and play collage one day. when i practice, my shooting is weird. I dont make or miss shots cnsitently. I know good form, i try to have a good set point and good arc and use all body parts together, but i go through days a lot where im just off, like i dont miss consitently. I know im a good shooter but it just seems like im never consitent. my main issue now is that is raise the ball up as my hips go down and ive heard from everyone that is bad. also sometimes my shot line goes off, and ( this is a big one) my head jerks back everytime i shoot, and my guide hand goes back behind my head after i release sometimes. can anyone help?

I would try shooting in slow motion to make sure you're not dropping your hips. Then go faster as you get more comfortable. I would also try getting the ball to a shooting position, then placing the guide hand behind my back before shooting. Start in a comfortable spot so you don't loose form. Then move back as you get more comfortable.

I play 5th grade ball and currently stand at 5'2 104 pounds.
My problem is that I can get off a consistent shot,but a lot of the time my shots bounce off the rim,or hit the backboard and roll of the rim,or even roll around the rim for like 5 seconds and fall off!

I need help with that,seeing as how I'm one of the best dribblers in my whole school if not the best,so its no problem getting an open shot,its just I can't hit the shots consistently
Please help me

People say "You can't splash swish or get a lucky bounce or rim and in shot! Sure,once you get in rhythm you make every shot you take but,before you get hot you can't make a shot to save your life!"

Yeah that's a problem

I'm also a lockdown defender and like I've mentioned, amazing at dribbling, and decent at finishing in the paint.

I really need help with this issue

Thanks in advance

Jack,10 year old (nearly eleven)
Point guard
2-way slashing playmaker style
5'2 104 lbs
Hot zone:Mid range

Hopefully that will help you in figuring out how to help me
Thanks Jeff

My 15 year old son is right hand shooter. When he shoots the ball from 3pt range he is dipping his right shoulder before raising the ball to his shot pocket. Is there a way to fix this?

Without seeing the shot, it's impossible say for sure. But this is usually a strength issue and they need time to mature and get stronger. So the fix is to move a little closer to the basket for majority of reps until the athlete matures and develops more physical strength.

first of all his shoulder should be behind his elbow.Sedond bend his arms less than 90 degrees to get power.Im just saying thats how curry does it.

I took 1 thing personal:
"Finish high. You should see your fingers at the top square of the back board."

This is possibly the most damaging advice you could give.
Geometry tells us that if we look past a certain object (fingers) to locate an object at a distance (square).
And we change our distance or angle, the object we look for (square) wont be there.

sure, the distance and angle of our fingers remain the same if we keep our form.
But we all know that the distance and angle of the backboard changes every step we take.

step outside free throw range and only a smurf will see the backboard past his fingertips after release.

really helpful thanks!

I notice that my footwork skills need some fine tuning. I cant juke as fast as others, and I cant seem to lose the defender thats on me and end up having to shoot a fadeaway 99% of the time. Any tips on how to work on this issue? Thnaks.

So, to me it sounds like your footwork doesn't need fine tuning, it needs to be discovered! If you're shooting fade aways on 99% of your shots your footwork def needs improvement. However, if you're taking that many faders you also need to learn how to move without the ball and use the offense (and what the defense is giving you) to get yourself open for more less & uncontested shots. Obviously practicing your footwork with a regimented approach is key, if you are playing competitively. Do you? Or is this more recreational? I'm asking because if you don't put in the time working on your footwork (just like putting in time working on your shot or your handle) it will never improve and you'll be shooting fade away jumpers 100% of the time. Do you play the post? Back court? 1,2,3,4,5? If you play for a team, tell your coaching staff that you want the team to start working with SPARQ training; Speed Power Agility Reaction Quickness. It costs money but if $ is an issue most of the equipment could be sourced elsewhere (dont NEED to pay for the brand name. Maybe there are even cheaper programs similar?). Its actually made by NIKE and originally designed for football BUT, it benefits ALL athletes. It is an amazing program for improving everything in its name. I swear its phenomenal. It has AMAZING footwork drills and exercises. Obviously, you get out what you put in and if your team puts forth the effort I guarantee that you all will see personal as well as team improvements as most of the program is done with a partner or a few guys/gals.

Hey breakthrough basketball.For black history month i made my players pick a player that they wanted to be like in the Nba for just Febuary. I have one player that wants to be like Kevin Durant.He can shoot the piss out of the ball but cant hit a left handed layup for his life.His layup on the left side isn''t natural and he always has to make sure he is in the right spot.Another kid wanted to be like LeBron but he cant hit a 15 foot jumper if the rim was a foot high.He shoots if with one hand and his guide hand but he pushes the ball straight with no arc whatsoever. And the last kid wanted to be like Dywane Wade but can''t even get a fadeaway jumper to hit the rim.All of them are 12 year olds. What should i do since this is a absouloute mess?

Teach them how, dummy

dude that was kinda, harsh dont you think?

I would try and teach them and not roast them to pieces on a basketball website, if your the coach its your job to show them and guide them on what to do not a website. If teaching your players is too hard or frustrating for you consider resigning. :)

I have been shooting great recently.On a ten foot rim we have no backboard.Its hard to get the ball into the basket since I can't indicate when I shoot.The ball will hit the backboard and will roll out the rim.I have range and everything.I can create space from a defender and break them too.Open shots bounce off the rim.I have some stats on paper of what i"m like with shooting.Here they are.

Layups 82%
Floaters 69%
Standing layups92%

Close jumpers 81%
Mid range shots 67%
Three point shots 23%

I'm like Dwight Howard shooting threes (I only made 18 threes in a real game out of 1 year.

I need help knocking down open threes and some mid range shots because i am great at getting some space.Please Respond as soon as possible with the answer.Thanks.

From-
13 year old.
Point guard/Shooting guard

Pass First point guard and finishes out the rim but doesn't have a shot.Short(5'2) with a high basketball IQ

Thanks Jeff hope you respond.

That's really good info, strong stats and a great foundation to work from. To improve your 3s, it sounds like it's most likely one of three things.

1) You might just need time to get older, bigger and stronger. Your midrange % is very good but there's a huge drop off from 3s. So it sounds to me like it's a size/strength issue which is fairly common. You have to use more muscles and strain to get the ball there, which adds more variables and lowers accuracy. Time, patience and strength training will fix that problem.

2) Do you shoot different from 3s versus 2s? In other words, do you change your shooting technique to compensate for the distance and get the ball there when shooting from long distance? That could be the issue.

3) Your shooting technique could have big energy leaks and/or not transfer energy in an efficient way. For example, if you try to jump, hang and shoot right when you start coming down like Kobe did, you need to be very big and strong to do that from long range. Where if your technique is more like Steve Nash or Steph Curry, normal humans have a chance to get the ball there from long range with really straining or changing your shot. There are some really rare athletes in the NBA and sometimes trying to mimic them is just impossible 99.9% of the population.

I don't change my form at all when i shoot from three.I shooting about a inch away from the three point line.I can shoot from our school logo.I make sure i bring the ball up from my chest,have my feet and shoulders at the same spot.I make sure that i don't heave the ball up like i used to.Here is some game play of what my coach wrote on a paper and gave it to me for me to look at.

Jamal shoots a three.It rolls off the rim but Jordan is able to get the board.Jamal drives in for a layup and instead breaks Hayden off and shoots a mid range shot.Money. (I'm getting rid of the defensive game play and me getting assists) Jamal passes to Dion and goes to the corner but runs off Oliver's screen and shoots a mid range shot.No good.Shot clock is down and Jamal has to drive in for a layup and banks it in.(This is the final 10 seconds of the game now) Jamal dribbles up court and starts to iso Hayden. Jamal shoots at 1.8 seconds left after doing a stepback .He misses after it bouncing off so hard it might have hit the basket support. He walks over to the bench and mutters something under his breath as I walk towards him.

I miss every clutch shot i take if its a three.And my coach is serious about the game and will curse me out if he wants to.I really wish i had clucth shooter equiped from 2k21.Threes are my only weakness. I really need help with them since my team relys on me to shoot threes since our shooting guard is working on his three stil and our small forward can only shoot corner threes.

I know this was really long but i had to let you know since i wasn't clear the first time.

Look at your 3pt shooting on video in slow motion. Then look at 2pt shooting on video. Is there anything different? Maybe you don't realize it.

Also, it could be strength and you don't realize it. You have to recruit more muscles and strain more to shoot 3s. where maybe 2s are more relaxed.

Are these 2pt and 3pt shots off the dribble or off the catch? There are so many factors. it's hard for me to know just from text messages. Have you filmed your shot and showed it to local coaches?

Those are just a few thoughts that might help you figure out the problem.

Hey..I just looked at a video and noticed that when i shoot a three (off dribble and of catch) I sometimes get my feet tangled up with my defender and land on my left foot and my follow through messes up.I also notice that when i shoot wide open threes i shoot also as soon as i get the ball instead of waiting a moment to make sure the ball is on target.I know i have so strength issues since i am a quaterback on my school team and a pitcher on my baseball team.I also have track to help with my speed.I can through 55 mph fastballs and can throw 70 yard touchdown passes. i will film my shot on tape again and see what other flaws i make when i shoot in a few days.(I broke my wrist when I was playing db and got hit by the ball at maybe 60+ mph) Thanks for the tips and i will record in a few days since its 70 degrees outside for the week.

Hey Jeff I'm young (Under 13) But Older than 8.I have been shooting on a eight foot rim recently and my jumpshot doesn't work because my wrist flicks across my face when im doing my follow through.I know ere to aim now but one this is all over im planning on joining my school team but my release and jumpshot isn't right.I have been practicing 4 foot shots and about 7 feet is where i have been shooting. I have seen alot of videos that try and help me but I haven't been getting a good release.My parenst have been helping me but I just haven't got the right jumpshot. And I can only practice when we go to the court.Sorry for making this so long but it's important please respond as soon as possible.Thanks in advance.Be safe.God Bless You.

Why do you say your jumpshot isn't right? What's wrong with it?

What is your shooting percentage from various ranges? When you miss, are most of your misses left, right, long or short?

im shooting about 20 perecnt from mid range and the same with the three ball when i shoot.My wrist goes across my face messing up my shooting form and making me miss more.And i am strong enough to shoot the three pointer but i have to shoot with two hands.sometimes im swishing every single shot i take and then the next thing you know im airballing shots,having them hit off the backboard,and airballing layups!I try and try all over again but my shooting form isn't natural since when i shoot my hand flicks across my face and i miss.I also try to shoot floaters but the ball will slip out of my hand or i wont get enough power to it.I need to learn how to shoot 7-15 foot jumpers maybe 15-18 foot jumpers too because i cannot keep on missing.Please respond as fast as you can.Thanks.

Also,my shots are short,long,left, and right because the ball isn't on path when i shoot,and even if it was,the shot would have airballed or would have bounced off the rim or would have hit the backboard and would have not even touched the rim. And when i have it the ball rolls off the rim.

Sorry for bothering you again but I just wanna let you know that I need to get some arch too.

You need to spend a lot of time on your form shooting. You should practice away from the basket or very close. Stay close when you shoot. Spend many months working on your form. Then once you get good at it, make you you do form shooting before every workout to maintain your technique. Follow the advice in this article: https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/fundamentals/shooting-drills.html

My 12 year old son had the exact problem. We solved it by simply changing to an open stance as Jeff describes above in the article.

Stand with your feet, hips and shoulders slightly turned to the left (if you are right handed). This will put your shooting shoulder slightly in front of your left making your follow through more towards the basket.

Also, make sure you are not rotating your shoulders as you load to shoot. This will bring your shooting shoulder behind the other shoulder and you will have to rotate back to shoot. This will also cause hands to move across face.

For my son and many others with this issue.

Cuz when I make shots my flow through is fingertips just above the rim and its swishes

So I basically do all that but for my follow through is it okay if my wrist is located to the rim but my fingertips end just above the rim

to fix your jump shot you need good balance my dude, because back in my day I had no shoes and my jump shot was crap but once I got real quality basketball shoes I was like Larry bird in his prime. hope this help and all the best in the future from bobby

Coaches use to say reach as if you trying to reach a cookie jar on top shelf. Finish with snapping your wrist as if over the rim of the cookie jar and relaxed. Hence hand in the cookie jar.

I learn to dribble and shoot more efficiently in accurate .

I always practice my shot but I don''''t improve, is there a reason why. I also want to know how to ark the ball better without left to right misses.

Try sweeping your legs forward as your shoot so you land slightly in front of where you started. That will naturally angle your arms up slightly and give your shot more arc

Coaches use to say reach as if you trying to reach a cookie jar on top shelf. Finish with snapping your wrist as if over the rim of the cookie jar and relaxed. Hence hand in the cookie jar.

Hi Im liam Im tall and have been playing basketball for a couple years the only thing that I cant fix or that isnt good is my jump shot I have a problem of shooting the ball on the way down of my jump shot or in other words after the peak of my jump can you help me fix this and tell me what to do.

To fix this try to shoot earlier than you normally would. If that does not work then keep trying until you get it once and remember how long it was approximately and try that.

Start by not trying to jump so high. Do it gradually and make sure u are releasing before u peak, at first barely leave the ground. Hit 3 in a row and start slow increasing your jump. It takes time and practice dont get frustrated not going to perfect it overnight.

I am used to using two hands near the middle of the ball. How do I adjust the form and be comfortable with it? It feels slightly clumsy causing me to miss shots only because I move to the left or right.

Practice lots of "form shooting" to correct the habit. Take your time when doing form shooting, making sure your guide hand stays still. After completing your 1 hand form shooting, you can start place your guide hand next to the ball so you don't touch it. Try this routine:
https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/fundamentals/shooting-drills.html

Im really trying to perfect my form at the moment, I feel like everything is getting better except this one problem I have. The problem is that whenever I shoot I tend to arch my back backwards and it takes away a lot of power.

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Ive been form shooting a lot, and consistently hitting my shots, but when Im playing a pickup game, my form breaks down A LOT. Its been getting better over the past couple weeks, but I wanna know what Im doing wrong exactly. Its really good when shooting, but not playing. How do I fix this?

If you are not already, try practicing at full speed. Many times form breaks down when you go to game speed. Additionally, you may psychologically be bothered by having a player in front of you or coming out at you. Get a teammate or friend to play defense in front of you, simulating a game experience. Hope this helps.

And please I wanna know how my thumb should be when am releasing or dribbling with the ball.
Infact if am in contact with the ball.

you should place your thumb inside the basketball.

Hi anytime I shoot the basketball the ball moves to the left it doesn''''t move straight .

Hello Sa'id. Your shot is moving to the left because your elbow is not lined up to the rim. Try tucking your elbow in, closer to the center of your body so it goes straight up with the wrist and release of the ball even with the rim. You must have your elbow inward from the beginning of the shot so it always maintains a straight line to the rim.

Also, look at your wrist and fingers and see where they end up from beginning to end. They should be pointing into the rim.

One last thing is sometimes when we don't have enough power we try to push the ball too much, which makes it curve from the right side to the release on the left side of our body. A quick fix for this is to practice getting more power from our legs by bending them more and then following through like a cannon shot all in one motion starting with the ball close to our waist and then a high release right above and in front of our head. Again, every thing must be centered on the rim target.

It''s nice ,and I want to play basketball

Take a look at the top of the page, does that give you a good idea about what you should be doing?

THIS should answer your question as to where the ball should be on your hand

Place the air hole between the middle and index fingers.
Line up your fingertip pads parallel to the long seams of the ball, so you can monitor the back spin.
Leave space between the ball and the middle of your palm. You should be able to insert a pencil between the ball and your palm area.
Spread your fingers far enough apart to comfortably balance the ball in one hand.
The ball should sit on your finger pads.

Do some form shooting against a wall. try this. take one dribble and bring the ball up with your shooting hand only. NO GUIDE HAND. that should help with your form a lot. shoot it with one hand too,

As for your fingers bending. you are talking about the release of the ball and the follow through.

Your wrists should be floppy (relaxed).
Fingers should be pointed at the target (rim).
Finish high. You should see your fingers at the top square of the back board.
Hold your follow through position until the ball hits the rim.

Hi my name is daniel and i am wondering how exactly is the ball suppose too be on your hand when your gonna shoot which fingers are you suppose too use and do i have to let my fingers bend when i shoot?

The basketball should be able to rest on its pads, not on the palm. If you shoot the ball like that with the ball on the palm, you lose aim and accuracy. Make sure to use your finger pads when shooting to maintain control and direction when the ball flies toward the rim. Also your fingers should be able to bend in a gooseneck-like form for the proper follow through. This is very important in shooting a basketball.

Im tall and anyone says to me that im very good in basketball because of my body nature.

can u please give some advice becaues im just start playing basketball about 5 months and im very poor in shooting and moving into my enemies ring side (zone)

I think you answered your own question. smaller hands, ball is too big and the rim is too high for that age group.

If you can get a smaller ball and find a shorter rim.. you will have a better chance of helping them. right now, most coaches would say, don't worry to much about shooting, they aren't strong enough to get the ball up there. some might be able to but the vast majority cant.

Teach them how to pass and catch the ball, how to dribble a little bit and then let them have fun.

Bog Bigelow has a great DVD on Coaching Youth Basketball. You might take a look at that. Good luck and have fun with the kids.

I have been coaching older youth for nearly 14 years and now and am switching to a younger age group. How do I teach proper shooting form for 7-8 year old girls? If I try the above their hands are so small they have a hard time holding the ball and they also don't have the strength to come close to the rim.

Without seeing your shot it sounds like it is kind of flat. As you are releasing the ball your elbow should be around your eye/ear area. There should be a nice "window" for you to look through.

You might need to use your legs a little more?

Are you leaning back ( fade away ) that could be another reason. I have seen some kids stick their butts out when they are shooting which results in a flat shot too.

Do some FORM shooting and then tell us what you see. or have someone else look at your shot and let you know if any of these are happening.

When i shoot, my ball keeps on hitting the place where the rim meets the backbpard and just bounces off. Is it something wrong with my form or what. Please help me

Being that you are 12 I think I wouldn't worry to much about the 3 ball. I really think that the 3 ball has ruined the game for younger players.

I know everyone wants to dunk or hit the 2, I get it. But IF I am you I would work on my shorter game8 - 16 footers. and when its windy, its hard for anyone to shoot successfuly (score) you can do everything right and the wind can take thae ball where IT wants it to go.

Keep working on your form. make your shot automatic by shooting the same way every time. what we call muscle memory. I had my players start their work out shooting with one hand. to make sure their form was correct. Do a lot of form shooting - 100s/1000s and after you feel that your form is good ( good for you, something that you feel comfortable with and are successful with ) do some shooting. work in close at first. 6-7 feet, shoot 10 and when you are shooting 60% or better, step back a few feet and do that again. Keep doing that and that will show you where your range is. IF you have a hard time shooting 60%, step in a bit and try it again.

As for the 3 ball. is your form the same outside the arc as when you are at 15' or so?
AND, IF you want to work on your 3 ball, wait until its not so windy, you will have better results. but only shoot the 3 ball until you are shooting at around 605 inside the arc.

Don't worry about how high you jump, that will get better as you get older, bigger & stronger.
Good luck and IF you have any questions or need more help, feel free to reply to this.

Dear Joe, i do sometimes struggle on shots because sometimes while doing it outside baecause of the wind and plus when im tryiny to put all my targets i always think beef(balance,eyes, elbow,follow through) which sometimes work and don't.it seems, hard to control when playing outside because of wind and every time im on the 3 pointer shot i always try to jump high but again the wind is preventing it from scoring how can i improve on this joe? help me i will be glad if you answer this. and by the way im 12 years old

Hey, kid, I can't answer that question but I can reply.

Its a natural cause for wind to do this. If you know that you are following the same shooting procedure, try to go to a gym or outside when its not so windy to help you stay in focus when shooting a basketball. That stuff is going to happen.

Take a look at this page -

Go to the top of this page and look at the pictures. that should give you a step by step suggestions regarding holding the ball and where your guide hand is.
You can talk about exacts and even do that when shooting free throws.. but in games you don't have that luxury, you catch the ball in a good shooting position ( we talked about catching it in the triple threat position ) and you can go right into your shot if you are open.
The pictures also show you where to have your guide hand and it comes off as you are shooting the ball. the guide hand has nothing to do with the shot.

How do i get more lift on my jump shot? I want to jump higher on my jump shot.

I want the exact placing of fingers on the ball and even the position of guide hand and when to take off guide hand while shooting. Any comments . I hv seen mny videos a bt want 2 read an article .

Forget the pros Dan -

They are the best of the best . they can pretty much do what they want. most of them have great form. but you have to find what is comfortable for YOU.

Take a look at the top of this page . then start working on your form - break your shot down.
Balance - Elbow under the ball - eye on the target and the follow through.

Work on your FORM by shooting against a wall with one hand.. 100s of this daily. Its going to take you some time to create your shot, but if you do this, that should solve the problem with your form.

Then start shooting close to the basket. 4-5 feet, make 6-7 out of ten and then step back a few feet and do it again until you get to the 15 foot range. you should still be making 60 - 70% of those jumpers. free throw, IF it were me, I would be aiming for the 80% range.

Just keep working your way back. stay comfortable, make sure your %s are good. stay inside the arc. once you think you are doing this well. shoot more at game speed, that is more realistic.

I play alot of basketball and practice when i could..Ive got everything down..but i cant find a good shooting form that i am confortable with.I have tryed to study the forms of some nba players but i cant get and acurate shot that i like and is confortable. What should i do?

No insult intended here, but, do you have the strength to shoot the 3 right now? Its great that you have come here to find out how to correct your shot.

How is your shooting percentage from inside the arc, say 15 feet? I take it your season is over right now, so this is the perfect time to correct your shot.

Without seeing your shot it sounds like you are not shooting the same shot every time. When you come up short, that could be because you are not using your legs when you are shooting?
Shooting to the left (or right ) sounds like your release is not consistent. look at the pictures at the top of the page and ask yourself, "Is this what my shot looks like? "

Shooting is all about muscle memory which comes from a lot of repetitions - 100s/1000s of shots.

I would have you start with FORM shooting against the wall - starting with ONE hand, over and over until you are very comfortable and are doing everything correctly. Then you can add your guide hand.

Then you should start close to the basket 4-5 feet and shoot. set a % for yourself. 6/7 out of 10, once you achieve that . move back a few feet and do it again - don't go any further back until you are successful there. Keep doing this until you get to the arc. This might take some time Alex, but if you are serious about correcting your shot and becoming a better shooter, this is the way to start.

I would suggest that you find someone to work out with. it wont be as boring, it will seem to go faster and you will enjoy it more. Then go find someplace where you can play in some games. when you get into your serious shooting workouts. remember to do them at game speed.

Good luck and I hope this helps. Let us know how this is going and if we can be of further help.

Hi Joe,
I'm a 12 year old kid, just trying to get better at shooting my 3 shot. I always find myself with perfect aim, but it's short, or it's got enough power, but I shoot it to the left (I'm a righty). Do you have anything that could help me put more power in my shots. I have better aim than I do power, but if you could give me something that could help me with my aim as well. That'd be great. Thanks Joe!!

Look at the top of the page and follow the instructions there. and I would start by FORM shooting against a wall. 100s / 1000s of repetitions.

Its hard to tell since we cant see your shot, but, are you using to much guide hand? Is that why there is not very much backspin?

Again, check out the pictures and instructions at the top and see if that helps. IF not, tell us what you are doing that is not the same as the instructions above.

when i shoot i put the ball over my head and i have a REALLY high arcing shot and not that much backspin. how can i fix it.

You sound like a typical parent and to top it off. a coach. You want nothing but the best for your son.

Let me ask you this. IF he wasn't your son, what would you want to do for him?

Where is his elbow as he is releasing the ball?
It should be even with his eye/ear as he is releasing the ball.

You can always have him do more FORM shooting for now. before he does his shooting workouts. He is still young enough to fix that shot and become a better shooter.
YOU are a professional, you know whats right. I can see that you don't want to turn your son off. but in this case, I would think that "Father Knows Best."

I was trying to help this 7th grade boy who was shooting with two hands ( more with his right - but still two hands on the ball with his release ) He did a lot of good things shooting. but in my opinion, IF he was to become a good high school player / shooter, he needs to shoot the ball the right way. His dad wasn't so sure but I think with my coaching experience (and yours) I know a little more about the game than he did. I have seen some good shooters with that technique but I wouldn't teach that.

Now, with all that being said. Is your son willing to work on this? Is it something he wants to correct? Show him this site and the pictures at the top of the page. Then let us know what he is thinking. Good luck

What would you recommend in this situation. I am a high school coach and my son is now in junior high. 8th grade. I have completely over-coached him. He has been a great shooter since the 6th grade but it seems like he always develops a small a problem with his form and I start forcing him to change it. Now he is shooting too much from the side. (the ear/temple area) I am wanting to go through the long process of fixing it again and getting the ball out in front more but he will start high school next year and I'm afraid of starting over again since he does shoot pretty well. Please advise.

By the way Kate - I meant 100s of shots DAILY..

You should try some form shooting against a wall. 100s of shots until it becomes second nature or what we call muscle memory.

Look at the top and use that form. remember . hold the follow through until the ball goes in the basket. . in this case against the wall. until it hits the wall and comes back at you.

My name is Kate. I shoot good at practice but on the court I never seem to be following through. How do I get in that habit?

It sounds like you are going to have to rebuild your shot from scratch. Look at top of this page, step by step, picture by picture.

Work on your form, make sure that it is close to being perfect. no ones shot is perfect, but it has to be good and you have to feel comfortable with it.

When you are bringing the ball up into the shooting pocket. there should be a "window" for you to look through. your elbow should be by your eye/ear as you release the ball - then hold your follow through. I'm sure you've heard put your hand in the cookie jar.

This might take 1,000s of repetitions before you correct the shot and get it the way you want it.

Good luck and I hope this helps. be patient with yourself.. don't forget, you've been shooting that push shot for several years. its going to take time to change it.

I played high school basketball and averaged 14 points a game for my career. I have a push jumpshot. I am able to extend my range well beyond the three point line due to the power I get from pushing the ball- but it's not what I want. How do I transform my jumpshot, from being a push-shot that starts in front of my face and is pushed toward the rim, to an actual jumpshot above my head that gets the power from my wrist and legs like consistent midrange jumpshooters. Any good drills to make this transition at 20 years old?

The best thing you have going is your form. you shoot well in warm ups because there is no defense / no pressure.

There is a little more pressure in your school games then the Y or gym class. You need to relax a little bit - and when you are open, think - I'M HITTING THIS SHOT! Negattive thoughts will get you negative results.

Forget about Ray Allen or any other Pro. just be yourself. don't watch Ray LOL Another thing you need to do is to practice your shots at game speed - maybe even get someone to put a hand in your face to simulate a defender. Then, practice, practice and then pactice some more.

I play high school JV, and Im a great shooter. I have the best form in my whole school. During when I warm-up I hit 90% of my shoots, yet in games, I'll either air ball over the rim, or just miss? My hot spotts are the mid-range jum shots. Left and right corners, also around the key area. My players get me the shots when im at my spots because im usually open, because i get my self where i need to be. Yet, when i play games at the YMCA or warm-ups, or during gym in school. I hit mostly all my shots constistitnly. Still in games, i miss. I tend to believe if Ray Allen has a great or good shootting game..I will. And if he doesnt i wont. & thats hw it usually works out.

Try catching the ball in the triple threat position in practice. that should help with your problem of curling your hand around the ball. You can also toss the ball up and catch in the triple threat position just on your own. this will take a lot of repitions. 100s / 1000s maybe. but it will create muscle memory and once that happens you should be ok.

Great work out Joe. hopefully more of the players reading and posting here will take a look at this.

You say that you are a pretty good shooter? What does that mean % wise??
If you are shooting well I would question changing your shot unless you are very young. As for your form. stand by a wall and shoot 100s / 1000s of form shots until you have it corrected. take a look at Jeff's work out.

It seems the answer to almost all your questions is almost always the same.

If your shooting mechanics are messed up (whether you pause at the top of your jump, your shot feels awkward, or what ever), you need to.

1 - Practice thousands of "form" repetitions away from the basket and/or 1 foot from the basket. You must take your time and be very focused on your technique. If you do it wrong, correct it on the next rep. Be very mindful on doing it correctly. You might not be accurate at first. But you are training your muscles and developing new muscle memory. You need to get 1000-5000 repetitions with perfect form. Then you should have developed new habits.

2 - Now you can start shooting about 4 feet away from the basket. Once you can make at least 60% of those shots, move another 4 feet back. Keep doing that and moving back as you are able to shoot accurately from each spot. Keep in mind these are game speed shots, unlike the slow "form" shots from before. If you did enough form shooting before, you shouldn't need to think about your form any more and you should be able to just shoot with out thinking.

It's as simple as that. This is how you make adjustments to your shot. It's hard work but that's the only way to do it.

I would add this for you. as you practice close to the basket, go into your shot and make sure that you come down in the same place you left the ground - a ton of repetitions will help to solve your problems.

I'm a pretty good shooter just cant keep my form consistent and when i do shoot its either flatfooted or a small fade away shot how can i fix this, I'm tired of being a good shooter and being unable to keep a consistent form

I cant see your shot so I can only take a guess regarding no back spin. Too much OFF hand? The guide hand should have nothing to do with the shot. it just helps you control the ball until you start your release.

Look above at picture #4 and you will see some space between the ball and your palm.

Place the air hole between the middle and index fingers.

Line up your fingertip pads parallel to the long seams of the ball, so you can monitor the back spin.

Leave space between the ball and the middle of your palm. You should be able to insert a pencil between the ball and your palm area.

If I were you I would do some form shooting against a wall. one handed. make sure you have good balance ( BEEF ) dribble the ball once, bring it up and go into your shot and hold the follow through. ( reach into the cookie jar )

Do this until you have the problem solved. it might take awhile since you have some kind of a bad habit to break - so, repetitions are the key here. 100s / 1000s of shots against a wall. I have seen guys break this habit over a weekend. one of my players. told him on Friday that he wouldn't be playing in the 4th quarters next year. he asked why. I told him that all the coaches knew he couldn't shoot free throws ( because he was shooting 2 handed )

He came into camp on Monday and said, is this right? Problem solved. he was motivated to fix it so he could play. How motivated are you to correct this problem?

Good luck, hope this helps you.

hi, so i am in 11th grade and i've only been playing for 3 years and i am a shooter and good at it sometimes but i dont have and rotation on my ball its either twisting or not spinning at all and i was wondering what can i do to get spin on my ball. also my coach says to palm the ball but i pretty sure that is wrong but i dotn know what to do can someone help?

First thing I will tell you is to play to YOUR strengths - your'e young, you will get bigger and stronger. I know I was small at 13 ( 4' 11" ) and I think that Joe and Jeff were pretty short at that age too.

Now is the time to work on all the little things, make sure that the mechanics (form) of your shot are good. Look at the top of this article and follow the instructions.

Once you are sure of your form, start your workouts by shooting very close ( 6-8 feet ) to the basket. don't move back until you are comfortable with where you are shooting from.
Just keep working your way back as you are successful from the previous spot.

This will take a lot of shots, repitition is the key to success. You say that your shot always comes out different. so lets talk about FORM. start by shooting against a wall, that way you wont have to worry about making shots. the KEY to shooting success is your FORM. once you get that down, you will have developed what they call "muscle memory" - this is the key to consistency. You might have to shoot 100s / 1000s of shots against the wall before you develop good form.

IF you have any questions about your form after reading the information at the top of the page, come back and ask more questions.
We will be more than happy to help you.

Hi im 13 years old and im not the strongest kid out there so i cant really shoot from far. I can drive and make layups nicely but i dont have a shot. I am trying to get some sort of shot and it always comes out different. If i try to do it the fundamental way which everyone says, the ball doesnt really go that far because of my strength. Any help on trying to find a good shot and form??

Zak -
What level do you play at?

Before I would worry about my off hand I would want to perfect my right hand shot. make sure you are as good as you can be there.

As for shooting with your left. I would start with lay ups. baby hooks in the lane - the Mikan Drill and something that we called X out where you are using both hands.

If you need help with those drills let us know.

I''m a pretty good right-handed shooter, but I want to develope some ambidextrious skills. How can I work on my lefty shooting while maintaining a good right-handed form?

Take some time to work on your form.. Do a lot of form shooting against a wall. Then start shooting close to the basket.

Being that we cant see your shot its hard to say what is happening. but you should concentrate on landing where you take off from. maybe a little bit forward?

Are you trying to shoot out of your range? So you are pushing the ball a little bit? Is this affecting your shot and if it is, how is it affecting it? Long, short, to one side?

Take a look at the pictures at the top of the page and see if you can work on that form. Let us know how its going.

I don't know what happened but I used to have really good shooting form but somehow my shot changed alot. Everytime,i shoot somebody makes a comment about it and its just annoying. They say my body kind of jerk s forward but i'm not sure how to fix dis. Any tips?? I'm hoping to play high school nexy year so I wanna fix this

If a defender is taller than you and maybe more hops. you need to create some space between you and the defender. IF he is too close, then thats probably not a good shot. If he is a better player, then you have to be smarter, play to your strengths and try and find the weaknesses in the defenders game and attack that.

Bigger players LOVE to block shots so use that against him.
Try a quick head and ball fake to get him off the ground or at least straight up. once that happens you can make a move, crossover etc and get some space for a shot

To all the players with questions regarding your shot. take a minute to see what has been written previously and see if that helps you. At teh very beginning of this article, there are some great ideas and pictures. Jeff and Joe have made great comments here.

Above all, be patient and just keep working on your game and the fundamentals of the shot.

Hi,
How can I shoot over players who are taller than I am. I am 5"11", and I have a hard time when there is a taller player who's guarding me.

I made this comment to another player -

Go to the top of the page and look at the form this player has . thats how you want to end up. Now, on to breaking that bad habit ( and thats what it is )

You need to work on your form exclusively.. you can do this against a wall and that way you wont worry about making shots. Dribble the ball one time and bring it up with your shooting hand. LEAVE YOUR GUIDE HAND TO THE SIDE OR BEHIND YOUR BACK. bring the ball to your shooting pocket and go into your shot - the elbow on your shooting hand should end up around your eye/ear as you are releasing the ball. HOLD your follow through.

This is going to take you awhile. you will need 100s of repitions a day to do this. Try this out and let us know how it is going.

Hi, I have a pretty consistent shot and I make most of my shots, but I have a problem with my balance hand or right hand (I'm left handed). I end up shooting with 75% with my left hand and 25% with my right hand so i shoot eith both hands. How can I fix this?

my nephew shot very well from 3 about 6 months ago, he injured his back in a game and was out for about 6weeks. He has been playing since but appears to have developed a habit of arching his back a little very close to his point of release on his shot, we think he developed that habit to take some of the pressure off of the back pain he had. He is healthy now and has been for sometime. Any suggestions on how to break the habit of arching his back on his three point shot?

Try having him do some form shooting against a wall until you get the results that you are looking for.
Shooting is all about form and attaining the proper muscle memory . A LOT OF REPITIONS.

To all the shooters out there. work on your form. A LOT . every day. remember that practice doesn't make perfect. PERFECT PRACTICE makes perfect. Thats why (as both Jeff and Joe) are saying to start against a wall . so you can achieve that perfect muscle memory. once you do that. you wont have as many problems in games.

Remember that in games things are a lot different, the pace at which you play and how well they are defending you have a lot to do with how well you shoot some days.

My son shot really well last year but this season he's shooting with too much arc, it's like a rainbow and not going in as often. He gets good rotation, etc. What would be some tips to tell him to get a lesser arc so it goes in more? Thanks

Without seeing your shot. I would say that maybe your body is drifting to the left? The ball tends to go where the body goes. if you jump back, most of the time your shot will be flat.

Have someone watch you shoot and see if your body is drifting to the left. you should be landing in the same space as you take off from. maybe a little bit forward.

Let us know how its going after you have someone watch you. Then we can talk about a way to correct it.

I've watched numerous how to shoot basketball videos. I feel like I have proper form where I'm balance with my feet, ball is in shot pocket and no dipping the ball before shooting. I've noticed that my shot tends to drift left a lot, even when I score, doesn't go straight as often (right hand shooter). What's my problem and how can I fix this?

First of all. be the best shooter YOU can be, don''t worry about shooting like anyone else. work on your form and make sure that is correct.
Since I cant see your shot its hard to tell what it looks like.. but if it is hard? NO arc on your shot? Shoot a little higher would be my best guess.
Both Jeff and Joe have put a lot of links regarding shooting form and mistakes on the thread. go back and take a look at some of them,

hi im in 8th grade and i shoot like a mix of ray allen and kemba walker im not a tall guy but i still jump high and get rebounds since i jump high i shoot with too much power and advice

I have seen this in several players. sometimes its because you are shooting out of your rrange. I don't know if thats your problem since I cant see your shot.

So, lets start here. back to the basics. Go to the top of the page and look at the form this player has . thats how you want to end up. Now, on to breaking that bad habit ( and thats what it is )

This is going to take you awhile. you will need 100s of repitions a day to do this. Try this out and let us know how it is going.

BTW, your coach is right, you DO need to correct this if you want to play high school ball.

Hi , im in the 8th grade and my shooting is decent but when i shoot i twist my body and i bring my arms up from the left of my body to the right and my coach says that i need to fix this to become better. is there anything that can help ?

when i atempt to shoot a three pointer should i jump as high as i can?

I wouldn't worry too much about how high you jump as long as your form is good and you are having some success %wise.

It sounds like you have good form shooting the ball. as for a quicker release, don't try to do this all at once. increase the quickness of your release a little at a time . once you get comfortable, you can work on getting quicker. Have some confidence in your shootting abilities, that alone should help you out. and when you are in practice, practice your shooting at game speed.
Good luck

Hi, I'm a decent shooter but, i don't jump that high when i shoot. Should i be jumping high? If so how high?

Hi, i was just wondering something.. During practice or if im shooting by myself, i make almost every shot. Then a game comes, and i miss my shots almost every time. Its very frustrating and i dont know what it is. However i tried to do fast shooting during practice like i would during a game, but that only throws my confidence off because i miss the shots. I dont know what to do to make myself better! Any thoughts?

Hi, i was just wondering something. During practice or if im shooting by myself, i make almost every shot. Then a game comes, and i miss my shots almost every time. Its very frustrating and i dont know what it is. However i tried to do fast shooting during practice like i would during a game, but that only throws my confidence off because i miss the shots. I dont know what to do to make myself better! Any thoughts?

My advice would be to do tons of form shooting close to the basket and slowly progress.

Here is a sample progression:

2 Weeks - Perfect Form - tons of shots close to the basket. 200 form shots every day. You'll progress from, 1-hand using no legs on the shot, 1-hand incorporating legs, Adding the guide-hand using no legs, guide hand using legs

3 Weeks - Add the Jump and Close Range - Still tons of shots close to the basket. 100 form shots every day. Use the progression above. Then 200 shots 5 to 8 feet from the basket with good form and now with a little jump. remember, don't shoot at the peak of your jump. Shoot as you go up. This will make your shot quicker, give you more power and consistency.

4 Weeks - Same as above. but now extend your shooting range out to 12 to 15 feet.

4 Weeks - Add dribble. Now you are shooting off of the dribble from the same spots. You are still shooting the same shots without the dribble as well.

3 Weeks - Extend your range a little further.

3 Weeks - Start shooting off of pivots, etc.

These are just arbitrary numbers. Everybody is different and the time on each phase varies. Don't expect to shoot 3-pointers with good form in 6 days. Try more like 6 months.

One of player's biggest restrictions is that they don't take the long-term approach. They want the quick-fix and don't have the patience and work ethic to develop a good shot.

Hi, im 14 years old and i cant shoot very good but im decent but, i can dribble insanely good. Any advise on how to improve my shooting?

i am 14 andd i dont shoot as well as i should. i tried doin the whole elbow andd wrist thing but it didnt feel right so i used the keep the eye on the basket andd follow through thing and last game i was 12 for 12 from the three point line andd im a power forward

hi i am a senior in high school. im my team's go to shooter. i am about 63% from three point range. yesterday i was 0 for about 9. the game before that i was 6 for 7. why did that happen? it was very discouraging.

i'm 14 and when i shoot my wrist does not line straight up with my elbow. i never broke any thing on my body, so why is happening? (In other words, my wrist won't turn around to line up with my elbow). it makes me mad because i can shoot well already, but if my wrist and elbow could line up. i would be the best because i practice ALL DAY

My shooting form is so good wit ur help, i shot a three in my first time

I am having trouble with my shooting. Most of my shots hit the front of the rim. I am having trouble. Please Help

do you have any advice or drills on how to improve your shot fluidity? I need to work on shooting in one fluid motion so i can get my shot off quicker and smoother. Some drills to help me improve this would be very useful

I'm 18 and i admit that i'm not a good consistent shooter.I wanna be sharp shooter especially 3-pointer.It's hard to think all of this techniques at the court.I wanna make all my shoots taking up score.Tips and advices needed.Thanks

Hey,
I'm one of the best 5th grade girl AAU players in the country but I still need some help with my shooting, I was wondering which finger to really roll the ball of, there are so many theories and also, how do you shoot no jump free throws?

this is so very useful.

when i catch the ball to shot my wrist curles around the ball so when i shoot it , it takes longer and has to much back spin any help?

Just choose a technique that is comfortable for you then practice it the same way over and over (thousands of times). Once we have comfortable technique down (whether it's going in or not), don't change it. You need thousands of reps to get a feel and rhythm.

I played basketball a few years back but I never really worried about my shooting, but now that I've started again I can't seem to shoot the ball well.

Normaly my shoot is effort-less and I either flick with both hands accidently or when I flick with my shooting hand it goes off on an angle.
I just can't consitanly shoot with the same action everytime with out messing up

Not only that but I can't seem to realease the ball at the right time, I watch Ray Allen's shooting techneque and when I try to realease it right before the top of my jump it airballs, but if I realease earlier it's un-accurate.

I need to learn how to be consitant with the correct shooting form.

Sorry I wrote so much, I just really need some help. Thanks :)

Hey, i'm starting to get the form down for good shooting but how do I get it to where I can shoot 3's cause I'm point guard.And in our play book there is alot of shooting after screens and stuff so could i get any tips that could help me thanks.

I have been playing basketball since 2nd grade but I took 9th grade off to focus on school. I am now a sophomore and really want to make Varsity this year for my school. I have regained most of my skills relatively well but my coach failed to ever teach my team to shoot properly so now I make practically every shot I take, but only when I use two hands (I actually say 1 1/2 hands because my shot is sort of a mix between correct form and 2 hands). When I try to shoot correctly, I airball on foul shots and it makes me really frustrated considering all of the years I spent trying to perfect my whole game. How can I learn to use my legs more (it seems to be my main problem for finding power in the shot when I use proper form) so I don't completely whiff every time I shoot?

Andrew - Without seeing your shot, I have no idea why that is.

You should never think about your shot or adjust anything except during the form shooting sessions of your practice. You get lots of reps doing it the "right way" during form shooting. Then you go out there and shoot to develop a rhythm. Your shot needs to be the same ever time (your technique will never be perfect, but it should be comfortable). You shoot the same by practicing form shooting. Then once you take game shots, your muscles just remember. Never think or analyze your shot during a game. Just let it fly. You might miss 10 in a row during a game, but then you could go off and make the next 10. How many times have you seen great NBA players miss their first 10 shots of the half. Then in the second half catch fire? If you're going to shoot, you're going to miss. It doesn't mean anything good or bad if you do miss. That's just part of the game.

Hi jeff,
Im 16 this year and have played basketball all my life but really started working on my shot daily over the summe. Up until recently I didnt real think about how i positioned my feet or what fingers the ball touched last. Now i cant stop constantly readjusting how i stand and relese the ball and i am missing alot now. the ball seems to drift slightly to the right if that helps. Any idea as to why this is? Thanks in advance.

Try shooting at the school gym more. Ask the coach if there is a time you can get in (open gym, etc). Start shooting close (4ft). Once you make at least 6 out of 10, move back 4 more feet. Keep doing this working your way back. If you don't make 6 out of 10, stay at that spot until you do. This will get you a rhythm and confidence. Bend your knees, be ready to shoot, and go up. This should help you get a feel for your shot again. It just takes practice and the right type of reps.

I'm having trouble making my jumpshots at my school gym which worries me because tryouts are coming. When i go to the park my jumpshot goes in 75% of the time in practice but at the school gym my shot always hits the top of the rim. Any advice? Thanks.

Try getting more legs into your shot. Practice sitting down in a chair and then shooting. Teach yourself to bend your knees and squat down more when you shoot. And practice.

hey there Jeff.im 23,guard.and i've always been the teams' 'straight up shooter'and i've had my shot technique consistent for the past 8years or so with no changes,at least not major negative ones for along time.lately though,its been almost a month and a half with the same problem.technique is consistent release,balnce,pocketing,but i keep coming up short on a VERY big percentage of my shots.cant fix it,never had that before.im desperate.help

When i shoot my ball doesn't have a backspin or or arc. it always goes flat and low. why is that. is it because i don't have enough power? BTW where should your hand exactly be above your head?

Hey, I am 15 years old turning 16 in this year. Today was my first day of school and I am a sophomore. I've played basketball since 1st grade. After 8th grade I changed my form, it was about at the chest area, because I wanted to boost my advantages and be better at shooting. I have been struggling with trying to find a form to shoot with and it is very difficult for me. I've tried shooting with the ball over my head, not good. I've tried at my forehead above my right eye, I can't shoot consistent and my strength seems too decrease around the foul line. I've tried shooting with ball beside my head and It works for me, but I mess up. Every form is like that for me, I work real hard and I mess up and don't know what's going on in the end. I've tried shooting off the shoulder, which I found out was bad. Please help! It's hard to drive constantly in high school and not be able to be an effective shooter.

how is it you dod the shot to do that

Davis - If it's just your grip that's messed up when you move, then break it down in to pieces. Just practice moving and then gripping the ball. Practicing with incorrect form just teaches you to shoot incorrectly. So move, prepare to shoot (grip the ball), and check to see if you did it right. Keep repeating that and really focus on gripping properly. Do that a few thousand times and your brain should learn to grip properly.

Hey guys,
Im 14 and going into the 8th grade. I am usually a very good shooter, but I have found that when shooting off the move, I sometimes grip the ball with my middle, ring, and pinky fingers in the center of the ball, throwing my shot of considering I usually shoot with my index and middle in the middle and consequently touching the ball last. This bad habit occurs about half the time when I shoot of the move in practice, and about 3/4 times in games. I am open to any tips and drills that will help me break this bad habit.

P.S. I practice shooting of the move thousands of times a day.

thanks Jeff! i really hope this works! (although i dont have any doubts)=)

Derrick - You probably want to do what is comfortable for you. It also depends on which eye is your shooting eye. When you shoot a bow or gun, which eye do you use? If it's your right eye you might put the ball more towards the middle, otherwise more towards the left might be better. But it's really impossible to give you good advice without seeing your shot. So the answer is that it depends on what you are comfortable with and the other aspects of your individual shooting mechanics.

If the ball rotates it is usually because a player does not have their hand center on their ball when they grip it. And/or they thumb the ball with their guide hand.

Hi,
I'm generally a pretty consistent shooter but i've noticed that the ball rotation slightly rotates diagonally. I have my elbow right underneath the ball but when i do my follow through my hand slightly points inwards. should my arm be more in front of my head or slightly to the left? (i'm left handed)

Brian - As much as I want to help we can't get into that level of detail through comments. The best way for you to learn those things is to get a shooting coach to work with you. The next best thing would be to get some books and dvds about shooting. You just won't find that level of detail for free and you'll need some good products. Here are some good resources for you:
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/pr/btshooting.html
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/fundamentals/shooting-resources.html

I haven't touched a basketball in a longgg time. I was always a good defender and a pretty decent athlete. Im about to go to wvu. I want to try out for the team.. But I need my shooting to improve big time.. I tried these tips.. Do u have a video I can watch about shooting.. When am I suppose to follow through? When my elbow is higher then my eye.? Please help me and give me great details. Thanks

You just need to practice away from the basket and then close to the basket. You can start at a wall and just focus on jumping straight up and down when you shoot. You can just shoot to a spot on the wall. Double check to make sure you land in the same spot. This way you're not worried about making the shot, just the jump.

After you do it correctly about a hundreds times you can go back to the basket (real close). Stand a few feet from the basket and shoot, pay very close attention to your jump and don't worry too much if you miss.

Do this 200 times every day for 2 weeks. Hopefully by then you have enough reps doing it right and have developed a new habit / muscle memory.

Hi! im 11 yrs old and people say that im pretty good at bball but the one thing that i need to do better is stay in one place while i shoot . example : my dad says that i jump forward and i dont how to control it . my dad says that i need to work on that!any tips?

Marcus - The reason you can't shoot at a 10 foot rim is because you are too young. With time you will grow and get stronger. For now just use a smaller basketball and a lower rim. Otherwise you'll develop bad shooting habits. Those are the only pictures we have. If you're not sure how to follow through, ask a local coach to help you.

Oh btw (the pictur of the follow through is blury (i cant c it write))
just take a pic from on top of your hand without having to jump or do anything .. just take a pic of the positioning of your finggers

I am writing this because of two reasons:
1:i dont understand how a correct follow through looks like.
2:i cant understand why i cant shoot far enough on 10 feet rim , oh btw im 10 years old

There are lots of good pictures above that show you good follow through. If you look at the 10th picture and the very last picture, those are good examples of what a good follow through looks like.

how does a follow through look like? can any1 send a link if u know how a correct follow through looks like

I think shooting is a habbit and in grows gradually in you.. So just keep up the good work like i do.

Thank you very much Jeff.
I look forward to the hard work.
I don't want anything to come easy,I want to work for it.

It seems the answer to almost all your questions is almost always the same.

If your shooting mechanics are messed up (whether you pause at the top of your jump, your shot feels awkward, or what ever), you need to.

It's as simple as that. This is how you make adjustments to your shot. It's hard work but that's the only way to do it.

Im having trouble shooting properly like i kind of shot like shawn marion but i follow through how can i get my shot to be at like my chin so i can form the 90 degree angle with my hand i shot like underneath my chin an my shotting percentage is terrible

any help on that? thank u

Oh yea and when I use the correct form it feels awkward and I usually airball.
Any help on that?

I am a very good and accurate shooter but my form is all messed up.
I shoot with both of my hands on the sides of the ball.
Any help on how I can get the right form displayed in your tips?

For some reason I like to pause at the top of my jump before I release the ball for the shot. Any suggestions on how i can reduce that so that my shot flows easier? Thanks

I am not very good and don't get to practice much. I figured I would lead off with that before I ask the question. I can stay in a stationary place and maybe hit 50% of my shots. Shooting when coming off of a dribble makes the percentage go down. I have noticed that have really have no consistency in my shot. Are there any tips for learning a constant, proper shooting motion that will work in these situations?

You probably need to have someone watch your shot. But it's probably because you are trying to jump and shoot at the top of your shot like Kobe. Try getting your legs into the shot. Try shooting the ball over the back board. That will require you to use your legs and give you a feeling of how to incorporate your legs into your shot and shoot before you get to the top of your jump. In other words, don't hang and shoot.

When I practice form shooting near the basket, I have the same form. But whenever I move out and add a jump, my form always changes. any help?

hi, im having trouble keeping the same shot form for more than a day how can i fix this?

Gerald - You should only shoot one way no matter where you are on the floor. If you have two different shots you need to pick on and then practice that way over and over (thousands of times) until you habitually use that technique. It's essentially the same advice I gave before. Generally you want the ball rolling off your index and middle finger (resulting in back spin) but the most important thing is that you shoot the ball straight and shoot the SAME WAY every time.

Thanks Jeff for the advice. I will try it out next time. I have another problem.First, in shooting the basketball, do you use all of your fingers to flick your wrist or just the middle and index finger? I read a few articles on shooting and they gave me those two answers. I do not know which one I should follow.

Second, how can I extend my shooting range without sacrificing good basketball form. I am a good mid range shooter but, when it comes to three pointers, I unconsciously shoot in an awkward and different way than my mid range jumper. What can I do to fix it?

Thanks again for the previous advice!

Jerald - To fix your backspin try shooting away from the basket. You can lay on the floor, sit in a chair, or stand up. It doesn't matter. But just practicing shooting the ball up in the air and let the ball roll off your fingers. Practice different ways to shoot the ball until you can get it to roll off your fingers with good back spin. Once you get that "feeling" you can start practicing your form shooting at a wall. Take 4000 form shots with perfect form, then you can go to the basket and start practicing. I also suggest filming your own shot and try watching it in slow motion on the computer. And if you can get help from a shooting coach that would be even better.

Cody - To fix your mechanics you need to do something similar. You need to practice perfect form away from that basket (shoot to a spot on the wall, to a partner, or to a spot on the floor). Once you take about 4000 form shots you should have developed muscle memory by then so you don't revert back to your old shot in games. If that doesn't work, take a couple thousand more.

Thanks hope this helps

I am a JV basketball SF. I play excellent defense, which is why i made the team, but i am a very inconsistent shooter due to my shooting mechanics (think Shaun Marion style) The Varsity coach wants to put me on his team, but says i need to improve my shot before that happens. I now have good form when im just shooting around or i have a lot of time to shoot, but when im rushed or i have a guy in my face i always revert back to my old shot mechanics. Is there anything at all that i can do to fix that?

For the guys in breakthrough basketball or anyone who can help me, I need some advice. When I take a shot, the ball has an awkward backspin. I don't know what the problem is. I make sure that the ball is aligned and placed correctly before I take the shot. What should i do to have a nice backspin?

For the guys in Breakthrough Basketball and anyone who can help me, I need some advice regarding the backspin and generating enough force. When I take a shot, the ball spins in an awkward way but before the shot I make sure the ball is aligned correctly. What should I do to have a better backspin? Also, I' am having trouble generating enough force from my shooting hand. What should I do?

hi,
im a 15 year old,i am 5'5" and 170ibs,my coach says i have a talent in running with the ball and manuvering,but i i cant make a shot to save my lifeive tried the technique,but i cant seem to get it right,what should i do?

2 weeks agos I was 20 for 20 when it came to shooting but now I keep missing and an only make 3 of 10 shots. I think it has to do with me either releasing the ball of my hand too ealry or too late. Do you know something i can do to fix this

hi i work on my game alot and its very frustrating when i get up 200 shots a day and not have the results im looking for. My shot always falls to the left (im a righty) it almost feels like I hve to push the ball strait with my guide hand. ill take any advice thanks.

Hey I need some advice Im An Excellent Mid Range Shooter Im 13 14 tomorrow My Jumper Can Hit From Midrange But Not Enough Power To Get It To Hot From 3 Any Advice.

Hey, I need some advice. My shots are really inconsistent. Some days I'm swishing every shot I take and the next I'm missing everything. Everything falls short or just bounces off the rim. I don't know what's happening.

hi i'm David i'm 11 years old and my shots always have good power but go off target. What can i do to make sure they stay on target?

When i follow through my shooting hand finish sideways. I dont know how to fix it. Tips?

I have a habit of shooting with 2 hands and my guide hand ( when ball released ) goes across my body (left to right) and i never get enough arc, i shoot very flat.

I was wondering if there was a drill i could do to work on shooting with just 1 hand im 13 years old if age makes a differnce.
I really want to become a better shooter

My son is in 6th grade and is a good shooter, however his form he begins his shot low. I would like to see him begin to learn to shoot above his head like high school and college age kids. What is the best way to help him to begin to do this without impacting his confidence.

oh the arh is well i meant the flicking

i am ryan in missouri i am 15 i flick my thumb on my guide hand i shoot good but right now its turning the ball so i cant get a strait and arched shot i didnt notice that it was the problem till my coach said it was it and it was because i have been paying attention more closely how do i fix this problem?

PLEASE ANSWER! i think ur my chance to getting a good shot i dont know where else to get help srry if it was a dumb question

Hi,
I'm Thomas Marsh and i play for my highschool freshman team. When i am doing shooting drills my form is right but when we do scrimmages or shootin on the run i tend to use my left hand to shoot the ball to. Also i have no arc as a result. Do i need to strengthen my shooting arm.

I need help with my jumper..I went to a church and some guy came up to me and talked to me about joining his team,<( 2 teams )>..he knows Dywayne Wade and lots of athletes so this is important..I am normally a great shooter but I switch up my shooting form too much..is there a consistent form I should follow..If it's the form you posted then that's fine but I sometimes tense my wrist and in vise~versa..please help'!

Thanks BBall Enthusiast I'll try it when spring finnaly comes.

There are two things that can should help you. The first is additional shooting arc and the second is ball rotation when it leaves your hands. Being 12 years old it may be hard to add additional arc, so concentrate on the ball rotation. This helps the basketball "grab" the rim better.

hey i hit rim almost every shot but i can never get the right bounces. any helpful advice.thanx
by the way im 12

If you do not have anyjump on your shot woll that lower the chance of it going in?

Hey Joe,
I'm a fairly profficient high school shooter, but I struggle to gain a consistent grip on the basketball (after receiving a pass or dibbling) consistently and quickly enough to maximize my shooting opportunities. Any suggestions.

hey joe, wat does cocked /loaded wrist mean exactly, and where should my hand be wen i bring it up. My head or the side? the ball is usually wobbly in my hands wen i bring it up to shoot, thanks for ur helpp

Thank you sir. I will try this as soon as I can to see if your tips work

John, most complicate this too much. I know I did as a player. It's actually pretty simple. Shoot lots of reps with the same form and rhythm every time. Whether you hop or 1-2 step (don't try to do both), do the same thing every time. Same placement of your feet, same shooting motion, and same release.

hey joe. I im 14 and im an ok shooter, but i usually find myself missing alot for my first couple of shots, then i get into the rythme. Probably because i dont have a consistent shooting form, it get quite frustrating, any suggestions? Thanx

Noah, are you rotating your body? Is your guide hand affecting your shot? Are your feet lined up properly before you shoot? Is your follow through consistent?

I would video tape your shot from the front, behind, and the sides to see if you notice anything in your shot.

Hi Joe
I am 13 and i have all of the correct shooting fundamentals listed above in my shot. But sometimes my shot will still go wide right or left and i dont''t know why. Can ypu please help?

Good coaches will always involve the parents of the players in their training routines. Many good players have progressed thanks to the positive influences of their parents.

Hello my name is felipe , I`m from Chile and this website its very important for the technique ,in order to be able to improve the launch periods, the best thing of the page is that it has different types from strategies to be able to learn things that one wants to progress , thank you for this page its a since it has an excellent material so a trainer looks for, them desire the best thing and than has Merry Christmas

That's tough, D'Angelo. It could be all in your head. You should have the same mental approach if you've missed 10 shots or made 10 shots in a row. Shooters always think they're going to make their shot. If you miss a shot, you should think "big deal." If you get down on yourself, you're only going to underperform.

why when i play basketball one day im good and the next day im doing bad and im 15 and 6'0, am i suppose to be shooting 3's or no?

1) A good reference is to finish your shot with your elbow above your eyes.

2) I prefer players to jump straight up, because it makes the shot more difficult to block and provides consistency to your shot.

3) Every player is different. As players get stronger, the point usually rises. Have the ball start somewhere from your shoulder to your eye level depending on your comfort level.

The key is to have a quick, high release.

so I'm 16 years old, I'm trying to get a good basketball form not for playing on our school team, but just to be decent when me and friends are playing around. I can hit a 3 point shot kind of often, but I don't have much of a set form so I'm pretty inconsistent. I have a few questions about certain things I'm not sure on.

1) When I'm shooting the ball, how much under the ball should my shooting hand be (like pushing the ball forward vs. getting under the ball and pushing it up)?

2) I've seen a lot of really good basketball players here jump forward a few inches during their shot, is that good or bad form?

3) How high up do I want to hold the ball before I shoot, compared to my face level?

If someone has good answers to those that would be SOOO helpful thanks

Nic, I have seen great shooters that use little flick in the wrist. Actually, Tom Nordland claims the greatest shooters use a relaxed wrist when they shoot.

I would do what's comfortable and get really good at it by shooting thousands of reps.

Hey Joe,
I find that I don't use my wrist when i shoot. I just push the ball like a pass. I'm not a bad shooter like this but my form is holding me back. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

I need some help on my shot and i just wanna know how to prevent the ball from going behind my head because that often happens when im in a rush to pull up for a shot. Thank you!

This may sound simple, but don't shoot it if you are closely guarded. If they can block your shot, it's likely that you're taking a difficult shot.

Also, make sure that you are releasing the high enough. Your elbow should be around your eyes when you follow through.

Hi Joe I need help on my shoot i just want to know how to make my shot quicker off the dribble because I often get my shot block because im shorter than my opponent.

How old are you? Younger players typically under the age of 15 shouldn't worry about 3-pointers. Younger players often don't have the strength or coordination to shoot from that far out with proper mechanics. Often, players may make some long-range shots with bad mechanics and have to completely change when they get to high school which is very difficult to do.

hi joe i need some tips on how to shoot from midrange to the 3-point line better

I've seen players that are extremely effective using both methods. I prefer the continuous fluid motion that Stephen Curry uses. I think you develop better rhythm and a quicker shot.

I''''m a 13 years old boy, and i''''m trying to change my shoot. I always wanted to know a thing.
Normally when i see nba, or other leagues, i see that most of the best shooters, have got their shooting form divided in 2 positions. First they got the ball in their chest, then they raise the ball up, and they stop for a split second and only then they shoot. I want to know if it''''s correct to do that or if the best way to shoot is a continuous movement. thanks.

I can't give you advice on the broken wrist, because I am not a doctor and I have never broken my wrist.

However, I do think with some repetition and shooting close to the basket, you'll quickly gain your previous form.

A lot of shooting coaches teach players to have the ball leave the index and middle finger. I'm not as picky as long as the shot is consistent and accurate. Some players may need to tweak their shot, while others may be just fine. It would take some training sessions together to figure that out.

When you release the ball, it's good to have your elbow around your eye level, so you should be releasing the ball above your head. Some coaches also say "elbow to ear."

Hope that helps.

I am a 16 year old girl training for the upcoming season. I recently broke my right (shooting) wrist and I was in a cast for 8 weeks. Before the cast, I had a very nice shot and I am working to get it back. Should I expect to have the same shot that I did before the cast or will my form be slightly different?
Also, does it matter if the ball rolls of my ring/pinky finger last or should it roll off my pointer finger?
Lastly, how high up should my release be? For example, should it be chin level, or eye level, or above the head?
Thanks

Ron,
Just it's going to take thousands of repetitions to make your shot fluid without thinking about it. As our friend, Don Kelbick likes to say, "Don't think. Just shoot." You may want to start shooting against a wall, so you don't get discouraged with misses and makes. Actually, even when you go to a hoop, don't worry about makes or misses. Concentrate on having a fluid shot. You can always adjust.

Kevin,
I don't think it's necessary to point your feet directly at the rim. Your shooting foot should be pointing at some part of the rim. I prefer a staggered stance.

However, your shot needs to look the same every single time. If you are constantly adjusting your footwork or your form, it'll be hard to develop consistency.

Dear Joe,
I wanted to know if it is really neccessary to to point your feet directly at the rim. Also, do you have any suggestions for me to become a better scorer in the games?

Dear Joe,
When i shoot the basketball it seems as is i have a hitch in my shot. This meaning that I go through the motion stop a little before i jump and continue to go through with my shot. How can i change this so it could just be a fluid shot with no pauses? Would form shooting help this cause? If you could answer this I would be very greatful.

Thank you Joe i will try this and see if it works

Rather than rolling the ball off of your fingers, try to push through the ball with your fingers and keep a relaxed wrist. If you tense up, you will lose the soft touch.

Practice this thousands of times close to the basket. As you get better, start working off the dribble and taking game-like shots.

Shoot over and over and over. You need lots of repetitions to become a good shooter. You also need to take game shots at game speed. Otherwise, when you're in a game, the shots are new to you because you've never taken them at that speed during practice.

And don't worry about the miss. Check out these articles for mental tips:

Dear Joe,
When i shoot the ball i pay too much attention on getting enough backspin on the ball. Therefore i end up flinging my wrist instead of just shooting and having my wrist floppy and relaxed. What can i do to stop this?

i struggle to keep shooting consistancy up and keep the ball palm up and elbow at 90 degrees

In middle school I was a terrific scorer and shooter but every since freshmen year I haven't been able to shoot very well. What can I do?

Kristen - Shoot with 1 hand away from the basket. You need thousands of repetitions to break a habit. You can shoot away from the basket by shooting at a wall, shooting to a spot on the floor, etc. Then once you get the form down you can slowly start shooting at the basket. It takes lots of practice (reps) to break a habit and develop a new good one.

Kristen, try some one-hand shooting.

How do I brake the habit of pushing the ball with 2 hands ?
Any tips or hints

oh i am young boy with the height of 2.7m and i want basket to be my career, but am lack of experience.
so i will like help from people to help me about my career. i am definitely interest about the support to help me.
i am living gambia

Thank Joe this will help me

Bobby, I don't think you would want your follow through to cross in front of your face. However, if you shoot a high percentage and quickly get off your shot, I wouldn't change it. Think. Reggie Miller. I would need to see how you shoot during games and practices to determine if you should adjust your shot.

When shooting the ball, you should aim to have the ball roll off of your index & middle fingers. However, I've known great shooters where this doesn't exactly happen.

Dear Joe,
Two more quick questions. When i shoot to the hoop my shooting arm tends to go to the left in front of my face instead of just forward.Does this mean i have a bad habit, and if so how can i break it?Also, when I shoot a basketball should my index finger and middle finger be the last two fingers to leave the ball? If you could answer these questions i would appreciate it.
From,Bobby

Yeah. This is an awesome guide. My shooting has improved dramatically since reading this article. Now I'm heading for the NBA with the likes of Kobe. Cheers.

Shane - If you feel that you need to make a change to your shooting mechanics, then you need to get lots of repetitions away from the basket. Shoot with the new form against the wall. Shoot to a partner. Shoot to a spot on the floor. Get tons of reps and you'll eventually develop new muscle memory. Then you can slowly go to a basket. It takes time and you shouldn't practice at the basket because that will only discourage you.

Dear Joe,
When i shoot a basketball i usually shoot with the ball in front of my face, how can i be able to move the ball over to the side so when i shoot from my shotpocket it will be much easier.Thank you if you can answer.
From,
Shane

hi my name is michael crane i play basket ball for a middle school team and i think im pretty good but i have a few small problems
1. I snap my wrist down but the ball doesnt spin back wards
2. when i dribble im not sure if ive got complete control
3. how do i judge my arc on the ball
4. when i shoot a free throw in a game i get really nervous
please send back want to play in nba sooooooo bad but not as good as the nba players were in middle school

I am 14 years old and i have a vertical of 24. i can jump over people and make the close up shots. But when it comes to outer shots i miss by going slightly to the side of the rim and it hits the edge of the connection of the rim and backboard. Have and advice on how i can straighten my shot up? I need to figure it out so when i get fouled i can make my free throws.

Hey Joe, I have two shooting techniques i use for basketball games. An over the head shot used for medium to close range, and your style (thank you by the way for teaching me) for long and 3 pt range. Is it a good idea to use two shooting tecniques?

Ryan i used to shoot different every time too. i just studied a good players shot, i used carmelo anthony, just get ur guys shot down good study it hard and practice it alot, i year ago i was horrible, now im pretty good, my handles still suck, but im a very good shooter and defender.

Hey Joe,
when I shoot, my shooting arm on the release somehow ends up going diagonal blocking a bit of my view from my right eye. I've tried to fix this but it keeps reverting back to my old shot or it doesn't feel right and my shots are always not in line, any help?

Also, will lowering my release point provide a quicker release(I've watched stephen curry's release, not of a full jump, but releases ball at around forehead)

i shoot with my right hand what should my left hand do and how should it be placed on the ball.?

When I Shoot I always shoot differently and How do i get a perfect form and also when I shoot i don't follow through and How do i practice follow through.

wat i suggest is practice ur shot standing still except ur legs r bent shooting. prety much shooting but taking ur time to square up. then practice throwing the ball to ur self stepping into the shot not shooting just working on footwork. after those feel comfortable peice it togethr to ur shot. it may feel strange at first dont worry. i just changd my shot to improve it and now my old shot feels weird after 4 days and shooting 120-500 shots a day and form shooting

I have a real good form when shooting, but my feet are usually not shoulder width apart, how can i get more squared up to the basket?

r u trying to say u shoot with both hands or the positioning of the ball is somewhere in the middle of ur body. Cuz if the 1st one is the case then i would recommend form shooting and the shooting strap by jumpusa.com. if its the second one then form shoot off ur right eye. Ur dominant foot should line up to the bball. ur feet should be shoulder width with ur non shooting foot .5-3 inches behind the dominant foot (staggard stance). Ur shooting arm should line up with the dominant foot (right hand with rite arm and left with left) thus shooting off ur eye

I am 13 and I shoot kinda of in the middle between lefty and righty

Just cuz u change ur form doesnt make it good, but it may be but since unless u put it up on youtube no one but the ppl u kno will be able to tell. First mk sure its good form elbow in, ball not flat on hand, etc. Then start close for a while dont start shooting strenous shots where ur almost pushing it untill ur shot is muscle memory, utherwise it will mess up ur shot and gradually work back, shoot with a heavy bball up close and then work back a little bit. Do exercises or lifts that strengten ur wrist and forearm and legs. As u shoot farther back ur shot is the exact same just more leg power is used

Hi, I recently changed my form and am shooting much better, but I am a very bad 3 point shooter. How can I improve this?

I used to have the same difficulty of having a quick release point but to make it better I used a 5lb ball laid on my back and shot it up in the air for 5 minutes then when I picked the basketball up. my release was quicker. The next day it processed in my mind that the ball is light, so therefore, it made my release very quick and my percentage went from 40% to 62%.

practice warm up ur usual way shoot at ur pace. JJ Reddick says his first 50 shots are 5-7 feet away from the hoop. This way he his shooting his muscle memory shot and is not missing any parts when he does his intense shooting workouts. Then start up close and speed ur shot up after it has become comfortable then move to off the dribble and and picks

Im 15 and my shot has changed over the years, but the shot is going in but i do not remember how to shoot of the dribble quick enough like my friend says. How can i make my release more quicker?

I would love to answer all of your questions. However, time is a big issue. We have a committee of coaches at our forum that can help answer your questions. Please visit our forum to ask your questions:

I"m 14 years old and im having trouble shooting the ball. I shoot one day with one form but the next day I shoot with another form and its like I forget my last form. I can''''t find a shot that goes in the basket. Any tips?

your web site is the best i have looked at so far but i really wanted to know i am 13 years old and i have a basketball championship in about five days and every game i go and play in, and i shoot jumpshots and miss them for no reason and in practice i drain my jump shot. I just wanted know if you could give me some tips on my jump shot so i will be able to make my shots in my game. thans joe

thanks for the good advice

U gotta sweat in the gym (court and weights) get a wrist roller to increase fore arm. Practice form shooting with one hand to perfect form and then with gide hand to perfect shots. ur first 20 at least should be no farther than free thro. Wen u start to shoot farther out shoot the same shot but add more legs. I found that if u increase speed of ur shot u get more power into it. ANd wen u make one shoot the EXACT same shot. dont think about it while u shoot feel it come off the same way. then u will build muscle memory after a while (not in a few days) and ur shot in a game wil become the shot u use wen u practice and it will become second nature.

thanks how can i extend my range because i do ha a quck realease an a decent shooter

I may not be the person who answers the questions on this site, but james u have to increase your range past the ther 3 pt line like 3-4 feet then defenders wont know what to do because out their they dont bother guarding u. Look at Erving Walker of UF hes shorter than 6 ft and can shoot past 3pt line. Increase ur speed so u r faster and can go by him and then pull up and he wont block u without fouling. Also little guys like me have to increase the speed of ur shot. Guys like Rotnei Clarke of Arkansaw are excellent shooters he goes 90-99 out of 100 from the 3pt line and his release is less than .6 seconds which is really fast and harder to block hope i helped while u wait for Joe

also can u get 2 me as soon as possible thanks

im 12 and i am in the 8 grade so i havnt hit my growth spurt yet so i asking how can i get better at finishing layups with a taller defender guarding me without getting my shot blocked

This is an awesome site for beginning and advanced basketball players. I think the advice that you are offering on a daily basis is to be commended. I began playing basketball when I was a teenager and began playing again when I was 34. Your guidance here is on point. Basketball is an incredible game and the discipline and enjoyment that comes from playing it benefits a person for all their life. Kudos to you sir.

I consider myself pretty athletic multi athlete but developing my basketball shot has always been difficult for me. I never really practiced a lot before college, but not correcting my shot is more important. At one point I developed myself so much I was hitting every shot I took. But once I went on fall break and didnt pick up a basketball for a week it was as if I forgot how to shoot. Now that I''m back at school I have done everything to correct it but nothing is working. Every now and then I will see glimpse of my old shot, but I cannot figure out what is wrong. I definitely feel confidence is apart of it, but I feel my rotation on the ball is also a large component.

Do you have any tips about shooting jump shots? Cause whenever i shoot them its feels unnatural, and my shot gets messed up.

Hi Joe,
2 questions.
First, how I stop having to take 2 steps when I shoot because if i don't, my shot feels unnatural.
The second thing is where should my release point be? By that I mean I sometimes shoot with a really big arc and the ball get's really high above the basket and (kind of)goes straight down and sometimes I shoot with little arc and the ball doesn't travel very high above the basket.

My daughter is 11 and has finally hit that growth spurt. On the positive side she has become a very good ball hangler to allow her to get to the basket because she struggled to get it to the basket from any distance, and it took her two hands to do that. Now we are working on getting away from the "2" handed shot. Getting a lot of shots not even close to target during the transition. Any suggestions?

I am 13 and my schools team is very competive as we got 4th in state last year. I play good in practice, but going into a game I get nervous and mess up, is there any advice for this?

That's funny, Michael. He must be a good trainer. :)

As for the guide hand, I think that is going to take some experimentation from you. You are going to have to shoot and see how it feels. I can't get you an exact moment when your body is moving or timed second. I've seen some people take the guide hand off extremely early and I've seen some people take it off as the ball is moving forward.

Ok thanks you sound just like my trainer. One last question is when I begin to shoot higher up like the one in the pictures above and college players when does the guide hand come off. If you could post a link to a video or a video itself i would be very grateful. Also who do you suggest players of current times to look at to study their shot. So far i am looking at JJ Redick and Rotnei Clark of Arkansaw who has the fastest release in college as of rite now (.6seconds). Since I have never shot high up (release point wise) i am very unsure about when to take the guide hand off

Michael, I think you are concentrating too much on the specifics of the guide hand. As long as it is not affecting your shot, who cares. If it is affecting your shot, you may want to adjust it. Everybody is different and it's hard to give you advice without watching you shoot in person.

As for elevating your release point, take plenty of shots away from the basket. I would shoot against the wall. Then, after you've done hundreds of these shots. I would move to the basket and shoot hundreds of shots from 2 feet away. After a few days, gradually move back.

Aim to have your elbow above your eyes on the follow through.

The only way to get better is through lots of hard work and repetition.

Do plenty of one-hand form shooting. We also have more tips in this article that could help with your problem:

Jabber, that's part of changing your shot. In order to be great, you may have to take two steps backwards before things get better than the old way you were shooting.

Since at this age level, they are still very much in the guided discovery learning stage which usually occurs between ages 6 to 10, I would make everything very outcome-based and focus very little on teaching them technique. For example, rather than saying dribble the ball exactly like this, say try to dribble the ball between the cones as fast as possible. This will help with their learning curve.

Also, since very little will stick from a shooting technique standpoint, I would spend a lot of time on dribbling, passing, and lay ups. I would also spend a lot of time developing athletic skills. Play games like tag, dribble relays, obstacle courses, red-light yellow-light, hopscotch, and any other games you can think of. This article will explain it in more detail: http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/blog/index.php/should-we-teach-basketball-skills-to-kids-under-the-age-of-10/

We also have a ton of helpful information in our youth basketball coaching section: http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/coaching/youthbasketball.html

I am coaching a 6 and under team so I am very limited on what I can coach. I really appreciate your website because it helps me with ideas and fundamental drills. We are focusing on very basic stuff (shoot, pass, rebound). If you have any advice for this age I would appreciate it greatly. My biggest challenge is making the drills fun to keep them focused. Thanks

Hey Joe,
Ive got 2 questions. The first one involves the guide hand. When you shoot is the guide hand supposed to be straight up, vertical, or at a small angle. I have noticed if you literally move it out of the way when shooting, the guide hand is vertical, but if you dont move it out of the way, but the guide is still down like you let it slide off, the guide hand is still at an angle, what do you think because when I look at the pros, Kobe's is straight up but Ray Allens is at an angle. Next question is I am in 9th grade, how do I elevate the release point so it is higher up like the example pictures from above instead of shooting at a lower release point. What are your suggestions. Thanks

hey i have always struggled with pushing with my balance hand an messing up my rotation i think its from shooting with two hands when i was younger can u help me stop using that hand an only use it to balance like im suppose to?

yo,i guess this technique you've got there wasn't too comfortable to me.my techniques were better,because of your technique i scored (0)pt 7 attemps all of it got missed.

yah men,yesterday 10 /13/10 we played basketball
i scored over 8pts (4/7) consicutively and ihelp my team win,yah men.

Josh, in the comment above to Mike. I would recommend the same thing to you.

Mike, take hundreds and thousands of shots with good form close to the basket. I do wall shooting, because you don't worry if the ball goes in the hoop or not. You just use good form. Gradually move out. I'm not talking one or two days. It might take 2 or 3 months to get to 15 feet. Don't rush too quickly to take outside shots. Otherwise, you'll go back to your old habits. It's going to be frustrating and time-consuming, but the hard work and persistence is well worth it.

HI my name is Joshua Taylor and i have been playing basketball for 2 years now i'm 15 years old and i'm having the most difficult time working on my jump shot because of bad habits from shooting by pushing the ball and people have been telling me that i have no proper mechanics. and i have been working on my fundamentals and mechanics but just seem to cant get it down and cant seem to shoot the same every time i have listened and read but i just seem to cant get it. could you PLEASE Help me your HELP is needed

Hey when i shoot my coaches say my elbow does not form that L shape and that I bring the ball back to my shoulder. I have noticed this when i hav had my brother take pictures of my shot. How can i fix this. I bought the Bandits shooting machine it is still in the mail as well as the Star shooting strap how can i make my elbow make that L shape? also when i looked at ur preview video for Better Shooting 2 JJ Reddicks arm dips a little back but not as dramatic as mine. What can i do to make that L shape or near L shape. Also when I air shoot in the mirror my shot is how i think a perfect shot is. Any advice or help would be appreciated

Tnx. now I can cope up with my friends in playing basketball^_^

How do you learn to shoot dead straight into the basket. How do you aim the shot? I've learn from someone that i should shoot with the ball coming off the index and middle fingers last. Is it correct? How do i acheive a good aiming of my shot. Pls explain it to me. Thx!

i bend elbow in follow through and cannot break habit please help

i became interested in basketball this year, i really want to play this year but i don't know any of the rules of the game, or even the game in general. The rules published on this web page don't help with what im looking for.I know basic things like number of players per team and fouls but since ive never played before im just looking for a place to learn.

I'm 15 years old and I have decent ball handling, quickness, and court vision. I'm 6 foot 2 and trying to play college basketball. My problem is shooting consistently. I can't seem to get the rhythm of my shot right when I jump or or a smooth release. I always seem to stop the ball on my forehead and end up pushing the ball. My form is less than satisfactory and I continue to practice, but I can't seem to get a consistent shot with good form. What are your thoughts?

im 13 years old and have a pretty good shot, even more so when i dont actually jump, just going up on my toes, but i want to work on my left hand shot and layup, that hand is obviously not as strong and form will be really hard to get but i want to work on it, thanks

We coach youth basketball, what about inside pivot vs strong foot pivot all the time. Is there really a better way for shooting consistently. What is your theory on this? Which do you think is better?

my son is 11 yrs.old and he shoots the ball from the waist up,everytime i corrected him from a jump shot or practice he gets the right form but come in real game or if he gets an instant pass he shoots the ball again from the waist,thats why he got block easily by small guys,it seems like a habit to him and he's also a flatfooted cause he rarely jump when he shoots the ball..how do i correct it

My shot is horrible when i get further away than about the freethrow line mostly past that point i always fall short i try to use my legs and all that but i just dont understand how to use the legs to get force into the shot

hi im going to be a 10th and starter on jv next year and i have trouble with my guide hand when shooting. sometimes it moves sometimes it doesn't. which is more likely to help the the consistent when shooting and how do i corrct it

Hey great board.

How can I develop rhythm? Any drills, books, mental techniques I can utilize?

i want to be a long range shooter but air ball it alot any tips

I'm 15, and I love ur website, it gives great advice, I just have a few personal questions. One is more personal than fundamental and that is, well i've been practicing and practicing ALOT. As a determined player as urself I'm sure u know what i mean. My parents think I'm playing too much basketball and need to focus on other things. They dont mind that i play basketball, but they do mind when I play it all the time. But you see Joe, I'm really happy when I'm playing basketball, and I've always had this thought that when I'm not practicing somebody else out there is, and is getting better than me. I just don't see how I can get better if I don't put a lot of time into it. How much do you think i should practice daily? And my last question is, I had an ok form that would be going in most of the time, but I saw that you said that I should be looking for something that should help me in the long run. So I've been doing that. The only problem is that I've been working on my fundamentals for awhile now, and i cant help but get impatient, my other question to you is, how long should i expect to wait until i can be good again, with truly sound fundamentals, and how can i stop myself from going insane and staying more patient and have a peace of mind that will allow me to work effieciantly and with the same motivation, when trying to develop these new techniques? I hope this doesn't confuse you Joe, but I'm sure u know exactly what I mean. Thanks Joe, keep doing what you do best!

For the past week, I have come to notice that the thumb of my balancing hand seems to influence the flight path of the ball everytime I shoot. I was wondering if anyone had simillar problems, and how they were able to rectify this.

I have really bad form, but I make a lot of shots. I was thinking about changing it and I was wondering how to get my set point like the picture that goes with the delivery section of this article?

Hey Joe. I'm 16 years old. Some people say I have an awkward shot. But I have a good mid range game. My shots usually go in. Does your shooting form really matter? Some of the players in the NBA have akward shooting forms, like for example Shawn Marion but he is a good 3 pointer.

I have a good mid range game, but I want to inrease my range and hit the 23 foot three point range. I have been practicing, but I don't see any huge improvements. Should I change my shooting form? or stick to my normal shot were I am comfortable?

plzz help me what form of shot will i do im only 13 years old?

why are my shot falling short and sometimes it fall so hard

First I should mention that there is no such things as "perfect" shooting release or technique. In other words, your mechanics will never be 100%, and you don't want to be robotic.

With that said, you'll never be a great shooter unless you have "satisfactory" mechanics. It's very common for players to have fatal flaws in their approach, and frankly they have no chance of becoming consistent shooters.

The key is to develop solid mechanics (not perfect) and unwavering consistency. Your shot should be the same every time.

The trick is to work on your mechanics AWAY from the basket and/or up close to the basket. Then after getting some repetitions, just shoot "game shots" without thinking about your mechanics! You need thousands of practice repetitions to develop the proper "muscle memory" and so you can shoot properly without thinking.

my name is aaron how do you get the perfect shooting release

I'm glad to hear about your improvement. Some hard work and deliberate practice can get you a long ways.

Can you shoot shots from left to right, baseline to the top, curling off a screen, fading to the corner, etc.? Can you shoot those shots at game speed?

Plenty of players can shoot the ball great while standing still, but when they have to move, their form falls apart.

Can you shoot well during games? How do you do when a defender is in your face?

Take what you do in practice and play a few games to practice your game-shots.

I wouldn't worry about a fade away. Continue to refine your shot off the catch and off the dribble. Can you shoot as well going to the right as the left?

It never hurts to try to develop a quicker release, either. Most of that deals with getting set as you catch the ball.

I've been practcing alot lately and I've improved ALOT. I really don't know if my form is picture perfect. I just followed the guide here and practiced alot. now my shots are more consistent and I can shoot 90% when no one is guarding me.

Im 16 yrs old.
What should i practice next? A quicker release? Fade away. etc..

hi i suck at bball how do i get better ive gone thru 2 years of private training 4 hours night how do i get better?

Also, your shot should become automatic. The more you think about your shooting form, the more it will mess you up. It's okay to concentrate on a thing or two, but if you worry about everything, your shot will be a mess.

For example, if you do not feel like you are getting proper lift on our shot, think hips back before you shoot. I actually am naturally a straight-legged shooter and this has helped me tremendously.

With your guide hand, your grip should be similar to the pictures above. If your guide hand is too far in front of the ball, it can affect your shooting accuracy.

I don't think it matters too much if you take your guide hand off early, it matters HOW you're taking your guide hand off. Are you bringing your guide hand down to the side of your body immediately? Are you moving the ball as your bring down your guide hand?

If you bring your guide hand down too early, it can cause you to twist your body which will make the basketball miss to the left and to the right. You want to have zero twisting or turning of the body during your shot. Most importantly your shoulders, make sure your shoulders do not twist or move.

If the ball is moving around in your shooting hand, because you do not have it properly balanced, it will make your shot go everywhere except at the hoop. Make sure to have your shooting hand underneath the ball, so it does move around as you take your guide hand off the ball.

The guide hand should be in the same spot as your set position. Look above if needed to see picture of set position. Once, you start to move your shooting hand forward to shoot the ball, you guide hand should stay in the same position. When you start to shoot, the guide hand should not touch the ball. We do not want the guide hand affecting the path of the shot.

The height of your jump is not very important when it comes to shooting. Only very few people can or need to jump over people to shoot. If somebody is in your face when you shoot a jump shot, it is not likely a good shot. However, you do need to include your legs to generate power for your shot. You should bend your knees and push your hips (butt) back. A lot of players shoot straight-legged and it does NOT allow them to get to generate enough power or get as high on their jump shot.

As for practicing, start away from the basket. Do thousands of wall shots to engrain the good form. Once you do that, take your shot to the rim. Reference our shooting guide. It takes you through step by step on how to rebuild your shot.

I was wondering if you could give me a little advise on shooting. When I shoot, people tell me that I always shoot one-handed, something I am really trying to work on. They say I take my guide hand off too soon and that it is partially in front of the ball, which is really hurting my shooting accuracy. Although I realize that my guide hand is partially in front of the ball, I am strugging to fix that problem. Also, is my guide hand supposed to follow my shooting hand and the ball until it leaves my hand?

Next, people tell me that I don't get high enough when I shoot the ball, something that I have come to notice. Also, I believe I am having trouble with my release, but someone has yet to comment on it. However, many of my shots have been falling short or move to the side. It could possibly be due to the fact that whenever I shoot I worry about my form, but could you give me a few tips just in case, please?

I would also appreciate if you go into the steps of a jump shot in great detail, as although the shooting guide helped me somewhat, I am still having trouble converting to a better form even though I shoot very often every day.

Thank you for the guide and I am sorry for such a long comment, but I really want to improve.

It could be a number of things and it's too difficult to determine without being there. I would advise that you have a coach analyze your shooting.

Are you bending your knees and pushing your hips back to generate leg power?

Are you following through properly?

Are you holding the ball properly?

Is the arc appropriate?

Could some weight training with a professional help you?

These are a few things that you would need to determine.

I would focus on the technique and not even look at the hoop. Do some wall shooting everyday. Then, do some form shooting close the basket. Gradually, work your way out. It's perfectly fine if you do not shoot outside 15 feet within the first 6 months. Your goal is develop your shot close to the basket and eventually be able to shoot from further out. Remember, shooting is a long-term practice. It's nothing you fix in one or two days.

hi, im 15 and im right handed and everytime i shoot my left hand always gets in the way it always moves i cant help it and when i to shoot without letting my left hand interrupt it lacks strength so it cant make the basket. why?

Without being there to visually see what is happening, it's hard to instruct you on what to do. There could be many factors affecting your release such as your knee bend and hip position, feet position, shoulder position, follow through, etc.

We also have a Breakthrough Basketball Shooting Guide that takes you step by step developing your own shot: http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/pr/btshooting.html

Another piece of advice would be to shoot hundreds and hundreds of shots away from the basket perfecting your form. Once you have done so, go to a basket and shoot tons of shots close to the basket. Then, GRADUALLY move out over time. This could months and years.

im 12 5 ft 7 and i cant get my pousture right or my release. i dont want a quick release and sometime i sometimes get my shot above my head can u help me.

hi!
i love basketball,my position is center
i'm a 6 footer but my body are slim that's why i alway practice my shooting bcause i want to improve it.sometimes i make shot in critical position some are counted but more are not.i want to be a three pointer can you please give me more tips to improve my shooting skills?thank you

Thanks a lot for the advice! It really helped.

but I seem to be shooting the ball with only my index finger. I mean i apply the force mostly in my index finger since my middle finger and the other fingers are slightly a degree to the right. (so if i use all my fingers, it means the ball would go to the right.)

I believe that affects my range and my accuracy. Sorry for the silly question. Just can't help it!:D

I have a problem with my backspin and following through with my supporting hand. I am 15 and right handed. When I shoot sometimes the ball goes spinning awkwardly but it goes in sometimes but the form is not right and I want to fix it. Also when I shoot the ball off my right hand I also let go of my supporting hand but I have a habit of following through with my left hand as well.

Consistency will come with deliberate practice. Make sure to practice shooting form everyday.

Shooting with the ball leaving the infex finger is fine. That is not a major mechanical issue to worry about.

It could be happening, because you're shooting too late. As soon as you jump, shoot the ball. Most players shoot too late and lose all the power generated by their legs.

Hi Joe,
I am shooting well on the court but im not that consistent. Is there a way to improve my consitency?
and I prefer shooting with my index(only) lastly touching the ball. Is that okay?
and how can I improve may range? I find it hard making 3s.:D

Does it matter that i dont get a whole lot of jump when i shoot? surprisingly it seems that i get more power when i dont jump than when i do, its kinda wierd, got any advice you can give me?

When shooting I exert force from all of the fingers. However, I prefer to have the ball come off my index and middle finger last. I also produce power from my legs and upper body as I bring the ball up.

I always have the ball on my finger pads. You dont' want to palm the ball.

Hey Joe,
Just a couple of questions. When I release the basketball for the shot, which part of my hand should be exerting force on it(which fingers)? Also, when I am squaring up for the shot, where should the ball be rested on my palm? Thanks a bunch.

I was wondering if you had any tips on how to keep your guide hand wrist from moving. My shooting stroke is pretty good, but the only knock-off is my guide hand. Whenever I go up for a shot, my guide hand's wrist turns towards the basket therefore the fingers point the basket. Any tips on how to keep the guide hand wrist from turning and keeping those fingers pointed up?

I have no problem shooting short to mid-range but my outside range is terrible all the sudden. I recently changed my shot to a more fundamental and more successful shot, but only from the field. Any advice on shooting the long ball? Thanks

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it sir. I will start doing this right away. Thanks

It's hard to know because I have not seen you shoot, but I think I have ran into this same problem myself. If you can, just start with the ball a little bit higher. That helped me, because that means there's less movement from my release point. If you can't, continue to shoot from your shot pocket.

Also, try practicing your shot hundreds of times away from the basket. First, without your legs. Just the motion of the upper body. Then, incorporate legs after you feel comfortable doing that.

After a few thousands shots, move to the basket. Start extremely close to the basket. I would highly advise to stay within 15 feet for the first 3 to 4 weeks. Remember, we are trying to develop your shot over the LONG-TERM.

After you feel comfortable shooting from that distance, gradually move out. If you take the long-term approach, you'll be much better off than somebody who changes their shot and tries to jack up 3-pointers right away. It just doesn't work.

You need to take thousands and thousands of shots with the correct form close to the basket.

I'm 15 years old and I've been struggling with consistently getting a fluid motion in my shot. I've done a lot of strength and plyometric training and try to do as much ball handling as i can in my spare time. But my shot is the one thing it seems i cant get down, Over the summer my shot felt pretty good but this whole season I've bbeen struggling. I've watched a bunch of DVDs and stuff and know a lot about shooting and have even video taped myself. I see what im doing wrong but cant seem to fix it. It can get frustrating, but right now It seems like i just cant go straight up from the shot pocket and get the coordination of my shot down. Do u have any advice on form shooting drills or just some tips?

We see lots of 12-13 year olds who learned to shoot with two hands (starting on 10-foot rims at age 7 or so) and then have trouble when we teach them to align the ball w/ one hand. What are some "re-training" ideas that worked for you?

I can dribble and do everything i need to in basketball but I practice and Practice and I cant make a shot as much as i would want to.

If I were you, I would not worry about dunking. First off, you need to improve your basketball skills. You can visit this page to learn more about improving your skills: http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/fundamentals/basketballfundamentals.html

You can also visit our player's page to find some our best drills and article that will help you improve as a player: http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/players/players.html

Part of the reason, you could freeze when you enter the game is that your skills are not as developed as they need to be. Therefore, you lack the confidence needed to succeed during the game. I would advise to work very hard on your ball handling, passing, and shooting. As you become better, you will be more comfortable on the court.

Getting 5 year olds to play basketball can be tough. They're not physically and mentally ready for the demands of basketball. Like you said, they can't even shoot the ball on a 8' rim. Sports like swimming, gymnastics, soccer, and martial arts are excellent for really young kids. These sports are tremendous for their athletic development.

In any case, lots of organizations start basketball at this age and kids want to try. So you need to make the best of it.

For basketball practice with 5 years olds, you can do.
- lots of ballhandling drills/games
- use the real small mini balls for shooting at 7' baskets
- do lots of games that teach movement, spatial awareness, rhythm, and develop them athletically. examples of this would include tag, basketball tag, hopscotch, jump rope games, relay races, obstacle courses, copy the coach (they try to do whatever movement you do), skipping, jump stops,etc, etc.
- passing drills/games
- keep things fun! make basketball, sports, and physical activity something the kids learn to love -- so they don't end up getting fat in front of the play station. it needs to be lots of fun.

Good luck and let us know if you have more questions.

Hi there,
I'm a first time coach with an all 5 year old team; this is all their first time playing organized basketball. I have played many years in youth, high school and college rec.

Although our rim is only set at 8', many of the kids have a tough time getting the ball to the hoop. Strength and mechanics at this age are hard to come by.

What is the best way to help them strive for making baskets NOW, yet not undermining their form for future years?

Many thanks in advance!

Hey Joe.
I'm 16 this year, 184cm tall, 53kg only.
I bring the ball slow and players can just catch me up easily. cant shot well. i jump as high till my fingers touch the rims.
i keep practicing at home when i'm free but when i go on the field, my mind just gone blank. sometimes i can shot perfectly but mostly all just misses. oh ya, i notice that most of my balls always hit the part where the rim connect the board. it just always bounce off over there.
Do u think i should just train my jumps so that i could dunk? Please give me some good advice. I really need it badly plus it is my last year playing for the school team.

Hi,
I have pretty good shooting form - sometimes i get like 4-6 shots straight but sometimes i do exactly opposite

i know its a problem with my left hand (im right handed), i keep using it too much and it makes the ball go right but sometimes its too hard to control

also when shooting far shots like threes its really hard to shoot far enough without using my left hand eventhough it goes it sometimes

If you are hyperextending your elbow from shooting the ball, my guess would be that you are not using your legs enough. Your legs should generate most of the power to get your shot to the hoop.

Bend your knees and sit your hips back.

I am 15 and sometimes when i shoot i hyperextend my elbow it hurts so what can i do to stop it from hyperextending.

There could be a number of reasons that this happening.

1. Are you taking the same mental approach as you would during practice? Are you rushing your shots?

2. In practice, are you practicing the same type of shots you take during the game? If not, you need to start practicing shots you take during the game

3. In practice, are you practicing at game speed? If not, you need to start practicing shots at game speed.

hi i am very good shooter in practice . but when it comes to the actual game why cant i shoot that well.

Thanks this helps me alot. I use to have my form shooting but when i was practicing vollyball i losted it. So thanks for you help. This will help me with not only my 2''s but my 3''s too. Go Lady Cards.

To figure out where your elbow should be:

1. Squat slightly and place your hand on your leg that is on the same side as your shooting hand.

2. Bring your hand up into the shooting position. Let your elbow just folllow where it would go naturally. That should be the placement of your elbow when you shoot. Don't strain your elbow.

The important thing is to have the ball travel from your shot pocket to your release to the hoop in a straight line.

I am 13 but i cant get a good form, i either shoot it over my head with a good release or i shoot with my elbow out if im trying to keep it below my head, i cant get in between is there a drill i could do to get it to be in the right spot

Thank you thats a great help

I have never used a rim reducer and I don't think you need one to become a great shooter, but here are some of my thoughts.

A rim reducer will force you to become more accurate when shooting. When you take the rim reducer off, it should feel easier to make the shots.

On the other side, it could decrease shooting confidence if you see yourself miss too much with the rim reducer on the hoop.

So, I would only shoot with a rim reducer part of the workout.

Hi, i am a pretty consistent shooter and am considering buying a rim reducer to take my shot to the next level
there are two i cannot decide from
one reduces the rim from 18 to 16 inches and raises it 1 inch
the other reduces the rim from 18 to 12 inches and raises it two inches
i am 15 years old
please advise

If you go to this link and scroll to the bottom of the page, it will give you a good idea of what to teach: http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/coaching/youthbasketball.html

I am a first time coach of 4th & 5th graders. What do i need to focus on with these boys to give them a good fundamental start. Thanks, any help would be great. TFB

I'm already a fundamentally sound shooter
STATS: 16/17
But the intructions does help beginners that need some work