Shooting is the only way to score point in the game of basketball, so it is very important to know how to shoot a basketball. Shooting accurately is not something you learn overnight. It takes lots and lots of practice. Honestly, whenever I hit the courts at the gym these days, I think my shooting is more accurate now than it was when I was playing ball in high school. There is one basic form that is the best way to shoot a basketball, but depending on skill level or abilities changes can be made to the basics in order for each person to make their shot the best. Whether you are a lefty or righty, the form doesn’t really change. From the outside perspective, it might look slightly different. However, when it comes down to the basics, it’s the same.

One of the best tips to help with accuracy is to find your target. In this case, your target is the rim of the hoop. Whenever your shooting the basketball, you always want to keep your eyes on the rim rather than follow the path of the ball. Next is a player’s stance. You want to be as balanced as possible or else your shot will be thrown off. It’s not impossible to make a shot even if you are off-balance, but it doesn’t help. Your feet should be shoulder width apart, feet pointed towards the basket, slightly staggered with your shooting foot slightly forward. In other words, if you’re a lefty your left foot will be pushed slightly forward, and if your right-handed your right foot would be ahead of your left. Your knees should also be slightly bent for more power behind the shot.

The concept of a player’s shot pocket where the ball and your shooting eye are aligned with the basket. When you catch the ball from a pass, the instinct is to let the ball drop past your waist. However, you want to keep the ball above the waist to bring it up to your shooting eye. The best spot is to keep the ball around your chest because from this position you are ready to shoot or choose another option. Your grip on the ball should mainly come from your fingertips leaving space between the ball and your palm. Fingers should be spread apart slightly and lined up parallel to the long seams of the ball. Your index finger should be on, ornext to, the air hole and create an almost “L” form with your thumb (backwards “L” for right-handed shooters). Your non-shooting hand should be placed on the side of the ball as a guide, and not as a force to push the ball. This is the hand that releases the ball first when shooting.

As you are shooting the ball, your elbow should be under the ball while your forearm is vertical and straight. The ball should be pushed up and over in an arc rather than pushing the ball straight towards the basket. The power behind the shot should come from bending your knees and your jump, not so much from your arms. The spin of the ball comes from your fingertips and the grip on the ball, as well as the flick of your wrist. Your elbow and wrist should create a straight line to the basket, and always follow through with your shot in this way. Once the ball has been completely released, your wrist should be floppy and loose.

Try and maintain this form when shooting with every shot you take, and eventually it will become natural habit. The more time you put into practicing this, the better your shot will be and accuracy will improve. For a video to visually learn how to shoot a basketball, head over to the “How to” tab and click shooting, or just click here to jump to the page.