How to Make a 3-Pointer in Basketball

The 3-pointer is a great shot in basketball made famous by a number of players in the NBA, for example John Stockton, Ray Allen and Reggie Miller. The 3-pointer was first allowed in 1945 at a college level game. The distance of the 3-point line from the goal varies according to the level of play. The 3-point shot has been the bearer of many last-second miracles in the game of basketball, tying or winning a game for the team making the last shot.

Things You'll Need

  • Basketball
  • Non-permanent way to make a mark on the floor or ground near the goal
  • Basketball goal
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Instructions

  1. Make a 3-Pointer in Basketball

    • 1

      Learn a good jump shot technique. The long-range shot will require you to push off with your legs, extend your elbow and flick your wrist with great force to send the basketball to the basket.

    • 2

      Imagine the ball flying through the air and going through the basket with each shot you take.

    • 3

      Pick a small target to throw the ball to for your shot. Decide on aiming just over the part of the rim closest to you or just before the part of the rim farthest from you. Always aim to the same part of the goal in relation to where you take the shot.

    • 4

      Measure the court and mark a line on the court 5 feet from the basket and every foot from the basket up to 20 feet. The 20-foot mark is a couple of inches longer than the 3-point line in high school and college but helps you practice shooting from a position where your toes are not on the line.

    • 5

      Make short jump shots from the 5-foot line, 6-foot line and so forth. Make 3 shots before going to the next line. Notice how much force is required to make each shot as you progress to lines farther from the basket.

    • 6

      Focus on shooting the ball with just enough power to make the ball go through the basket lightly. If the ball catches the rim, you want it to land softly and go through the hoop because of the backspin.

    • 7

      Shoot 3-pointers from the same line until you can make at least five in a row.

    • 8

      Get a feel for the distance you are from the basket so you can shoot the same 3-pointer from various locations outside the 3-point line.