How to Position Your Feet When You're Shooting a Basket

Proper technique is essential to successful shot-making in basketball. The best shooters follow the same pattern for every shot until it becomes second nature. The position of your feet is one key element of the jump shot. Shooters who do not set their feet correctly will be off-balance, which leads to inefficient shooting. While feet placement may vary depending on the kind of shot you're taking, there are basic concepts to be aware of when trying to put one through the hoop.

Things You'll Need

  • Basketball
  • Hoop
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Instructions

  1. Jump Shot

    • 1

      With the ball in shooting position and your eyes on the basket, plant both feet on the ground shoulder-width apart.

    • 2

      Point both feet toward your target, the basket.

    • 3

      If you shoot right-handed, position your right foot slightly ahead of your left. Your left big toe should line up with your right heel.

    • 4

      Bend at the knees, push your feet off the ground and release the basketball toward the hoop.

    Layup

    • 5

      With the ball in your shooting hand, plant the opposite foot pointing toward the hoop. If you are laying it up right-handed, plant your left foot.

    • 6
      For a layup, raise the foot of your shooting hand as you approach the basket.

      Bring the foot on the same side as your shooting hand into the air with your knee bent. A right-handed shooter raises his right foot and leg.

    • 7

      Push off the ground with your plant foot. The ball and toes of the plant foot should provide the push.