Basketball Shooting Experiments

If you've practiced your basketball shot and you still aren't having much success, your shooting form could be the problem. The mechanics of a basketball shot are designed so that if each movement is done correctly, the shot will go in the basket. Experimenting with your shot will not only teach you what you're doing wrong with the basketball, but how to correct it and experience success during future attempts.

  1. Trajectory Shooting

    • The most common reason shots are missed is because they are "flat," or do not have enough arc on them. If you are shooting the basketball properly, it should fall into the basket. The rim is big enough for two basketballs to fit through it at one time, so you should be able to make one basketball go through the basket pretty easily. Work on getting more arc on the ball by picking a place on the backboard above to the rim. Practice correct shooting form and shoot only at the spot you've picked out, trying to hit it each time. When you can consistently hit the same spot, work on shooting a regular jump shot with the same arc you used to practice on the backboard.

    Conditioned Reflex

    • Although free throws are easy if you have correct shooting form, they can be the hardest to convert in game situations. This is because you aren't totally focused while shooting due to crowd noise or because of the fear of missing. Your shooting routine should be second nature so that you are able to completely concentrate. Condition yourself to focus only on the task at hand by announcing each step quietly to yourself. If your routine is to dribble twice and then spin the ball in your hands, say "dribble" with each dribble and "spin" with the spin. When you are ready to shoot, say "shoot" and condition yourself to go through the motions in your head. When you let go of the ball, say "go in ball." As silly as it sounds, this will help condition your muscle memory and help you focus on making shots.

    Balanced Shooting

    • Balance is an important aspect to a good jump shot. If you are putting too much weight on one side of your body when you shoot the ball, you will likely miss to this side. To test this theory out, support your body weight entirely on one foot and attempt a shot. Next, attempt a shot shifting your weight to the other side of your body. Even if the rest of your form is perfect, your chances of making the shot will decrease. Once you've tried it, work on spreading your balance equally throughout your body while shooting. This will make your shot travel straight toward the basket.

    Blindfolded Shooting

    • Finding the rim with your eyes before shooting is the most important step of a jump shot. Without aiming, it is nearly impossible to guide your shot toward the rim. With the help of a friend or a teammate, blindfold yourself or simply close your eyes and attempt to shoot the basketball. Unless a lot of luck is involved, you will likely miss most of your attempts. After you've attempted this, focus on the rim before beginning your shooting motion and you should see an immediate improvement.