How to Be Accurate at Shooting Hoops

Shooting a basketball takes practice. Proper hand placement, shooting motion and ball rotation are all key to consistently sinking shots. The difference between snapping a “swish” through the net and rattling the ball around the rim is a matter of inches. Only repetition will increase accuracy. Once you find your shooting motion and can sink baskets consistently, you have to continue shooting until the motion becomes natural. A good shooter can predict whether the ball will go in the hoop the moment it leaves his hand. Developing that amount of accuracy requires hours upon hours of practice. But once you get it down, shots will seem to land in the hoop almost effortlessly.

Instructions

    • 1

      Align your body and shooting motion with the hoop. Aim your head and eyes directly at the basket, along with your shooting arm and the index and middle finger of your shooting hand.

    • 2

      Position your hands properly on the ball. Space your fingers and thumb comfortably apart so that you are holding the ball. It should not rest on your palm but be supported by your fingertips. Hold the ball comfortably with your non-shooting hand to support it.

    • 3

      Release the ball over your head in a forward motion. “Push” the ball from your hand with a wrist-snapping motion rather than “throwing” it from your hand. Shoot in an arc so you see the ball rise above the basket and drop down into it. Do not shoot the ball directly at the basket, as this creates too much force and no loft. Proper release will also create backspin, which is what causes the net to “snap” back when you put the ball cleanly through the hoop.

    • 4

      Visualize your shot. Keep your eyes on the hoop as you go through the shooting motion. Don’t take your eyes off of the basket until the ball goes in. Watch how the ball goes through the hoop. Swish? Or off the rim? Accuracy means putting the ball in the hoop the same way each time. When it goes in perfectly, recall what that shooting motion felt like.

    • 5

      Practice the mechanics that create the perfect swish. Every shooter will have slightly different mechanics, but the fundamentals remain the most effective way to shoot the ball properly. Practice until you make 10 consecutive shots. Practice until you make 20 consecutive shots. Practice shooting from the free throw line until you can make 10 baskets with your eyes closed. Move around the court and find your favorite place to shoot from. Most shooters develop a “sweet spot” where they are more accurate on the court. Learn to “feel” what an accurate shot feels like when the ball leaves your hand. Know how soft you hold the ball. Know where your optimum release point is. Know what the ball feels like coming off your fingertips. Shoot as many baskets a day as you can, every day, until your shot becomes second nature.

    • 6

      Record yourself shooting hoops on digital video or videotape. By watching your shooting motion, you will become more aware of any flaws or “hiccups.” By recognizing the problem, it will be easier to correct.