How to Perfect Basketball Shooting Form

Proper shooting technique is an essential basketball skill, but it is often overlooked. Coaches and parents often stop working on this area of the game early on, even though a player's shot is developed throughout his career as he grows and acquires new skills. To achieve perfect shooting form, a player needs to practice a form shooting drill.

Things You'll Need

  • Basketball (properly inflated)
  • Regulation basketball hoop, net and backboard
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stand 2 feet away from the basket with the basketball at your hip.

    • 2

      Position your feet about shoulder-width apart, similarly to shooting a free throw.

    • 3

      Position your hands on the basketball. Your supporting hand should be directly on the side of the ball, or slightly underneath for younger players with smaller hands. Your shooting hand should be positioned on top of the ball; when you bring the ball to your shooting pocket, your hand will naturally rotate into a comfortable shooting position.

    • 4

      Put the ball in your shooting pocket -- the location from which you feel comfortable starting your shot. For most players, this is between their upper chest and head.

    • 5

      Shoot the ball, aiming just over the front of the rim. Your shooting hand should provide the power for your

      shot. The opposite hand's function is merely to guide and support the ball. Flick the wrist of your shooting hand to provide backspin on the ball leaves your fingers.

    • 6

      Follow through. Your shooting hand should end up looking like a goose neck.

    • 7

      Repeat this drill as often as possible. As you improve through repetition, try to "swish" your shot (not allow the ball to touch the rim).