Shooting

See the Guide on Free Throw Shooting for the basic mechanics. Not all shots are static. Shots are taken from a variety of angles and distances. Therefore, a variety of approaches to shooting may be developed.

Technique:

1. Stance

For sets shots, it’s the same as the stance in the Free Throw Shooting guide.

2. Execution

Practice shooting in set positions, jump shot positions, in run-and-stop (“pull up” or “off the dribble”) positions, and in catch-and-shoot positions. Set shots can be practiced with or without jumping, but realistically most in-game shots are taken in the air. When executing pull up shots and jump shots, practice at game speed. Focus on a quick release but don’t hurry so much that you lose proper form. “Pull up” shots often involve “rounding:” a corner to outpace a defender. Try to keep your inside leg on the outside of the defender at all times. The inside leg is the one that will be closest to the basket. Extend it around the defender as you turn (for example along the three point line) but make sure you can get into a proper shooting position. If you don’t do this, you won’t create open space unless you “fade away” or using a dribbling technique to create space for your shot. When you are on the move, focus on the basket before you get to the position from which you will shoot.

3. Tips

• Practice shooting from near the basket and then gradually move out toward the three point-line and deeper.
• Frequently practice shooting from side (base line) angles. This eliminates reliance on the backboard and it helps you learn to focus on aiming at a flange or between middle flanges on the rim (See the Free Throw Shooting guide about flanges).
• Shoot from these positions every day: the foul line, the foul line extended (around the arc of the foul line before the three point line), the three point line, and a few feet behind the three point line. These shots are pretty common. Eventually you may also wish to practice shooting from “spots” along these areas where you will want to take most of your shots during games.