How to Be an Effective Jump Shooter

Effective jump shooters are an important part of any winning basketball team. Good shooters provide offensive firepower and space the floor for teammates to find their own shots. Talented shooters keep defenses honest by forcing them to respect the possibility of perimeter scoring. Because jump shooters can come in all shapes and sizes, they can contribute almost anywhere on the floor. While guards are generally the best shooters on the floor, soft-shooting post-players (such as former Houston Rockets center Yao Ming and Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki) tend to be especially valuable. Whatever your position, becoming an effective jump-shooter is just a few steps away.

Instructions

    • 1

      Move without the ball. Effective jump shooters have the ability to get open and create space between the defender. Utilize cuts and ball screens to find the open shot.

    • 2

      Use discretion in your shot selection. Take only shots that are within your range and only shoot when open. Effective jump shooters are able to differentiate between high-percentage shots and bad shots.

    • 3

      Use proper technique when shooting. Catch the ball with your knees bent, legs shoulder-width apart. Grip the ball with only your finger tips and form an "L" with your shooting arm (forearm pointed upward, elbow to shoulder pointed horizontally). Explode upward, release the ball with your shooting hand at the highest point of your jump, and hold your follow-through until you see the ball reach the rim.

    • 4

      Exercise to improve your shooting range. Implement a strength training regimen that builds muscle mass in both the upper and lower body. Shoot with a weighted medicine ball to make a regulation basketball feel lighter when you shoot.