Properly Shooting a Basketball

Throughout this Instructable, I will show you how to get into triple threat positioning and from that position, how to properly shoot a basketball.

-always be facing the person you're receiving the pass from

-put your hands up as a target for the passer

-make sure you're balanced (feet shoulder width apart) to ensure that you don't travel after receiving the pass

The footwork for catching a pass and shooting is the same.

-sequence of left foot, right foot

OR

-right foot, left foot.

It comes down to what's most comfortable for the shooter. You MUST have your first foot of the sequence planted by the time you catch the ball otherwise it's a travel.

After you catch the ball and have completed the sequence of footwork without a travel, you're almost in triple threat positioning.

Triple Threat: the ability to either shoot, pass, or drive

To recap:

-feet shoulder width apart

-footwork is complete

NOW:

-Hold the ball so one hand is on the bottom and the other is on the side

-Hold it near your hip to keep it "safe" and avoid someone stealing it.

Recap:

-triple threat positioning

-feet shoulder width apart

-ball held at hip

-sequence footwork complete

Now:

BEEF.

Balance

Eyes

Elbow

Follow through

-feet shoulder width apart

-square up (face) desired target

Some coaches suggest keeping your eyes on the back of the rim, others suggest the front of the rim, and still others suggest the square on the backboard behind the rim.

It comes down to what works for you and what you need to focus on to sink the shot and maintain proper form.

-90 degree angle or a little less

-be able to balance ball on top of your most dominant hand

-place non dominant hand on side of the ball for support

-bend your knees for power

-flick your wrist and act as though you are reaching into a cookie jar on the very top shelf of your kitchen

-when shot is complete, your arm should be fully extended upwards and your wrist completely bent forwards