How to Change Your Jump Shot

Like any sport, basketball requires certain fundamental skills to achieve effective results. One essential tool in the well-rounded player's repertoire is the jump shot. Players develop their own jump shots at an early age, but that doesn't mean everyone has perfect jump shot mechanics. To change your jump shot to improve your accuracy, you must completely break down your technique. Focus on the body mechanics of the set shot and transfer those skills to the jump shot once the mechanics are performed consistently.

Things You'll Need

  • Basketball
  • Hoop
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stand close to the basket, around halfway between the hoop and the free throw line. Square your body directly to the basket.

    • 2

      Spread your feet apart to shoulder-width distance. Set your feet firmly and flat on the ground.

    • 3

      Bend your knees and and hold the basketball slightly over your head. Use your dominant hand to grip the ball with your fingertips and gently secure the basketball in place with your non-dominant hand. Keep your eyes on the basket.

    • 4

      Unbend your knees while following through with your shot by extending your shooting arm, releasing the basketball and flicking your wrist toward the basket. Keep the shooting form in place until the shot leaves your hands to ensure the proper mechanics are maintained throughout the entire shooting process.

    • 5

      Continue Steps 1 Through 4 until you can make your set shot on a consistent basis and your mechanics stay consistent.

    • 6

      Move behind the 3-point line on the court -- or about 21 feet away. Utilize the same mechanics you repeated for the set shot but this time jump straight up before you release. The jumping motion gives the basketball the additional momentum necessary to reach the basket from a farther distance and makes the shot harder for defenders to block. The mechanics between the jump shot and the set shot are exactly the same, except the jump shot requires you to jump.

    • 7

      Continue practicing your jump shot around the 3-point distance, utilizing the set-shot mechanics. Repeat this until you can make jump shots on a consistent basis. Work on your mechanics by working on your set shot again if your shot becomes erratic or you start to lose proper form.