How to Shoot a Basketball

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

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The first step of learning how to play basketball is learn how to shoot a basketball. After this basic maneuver is learned, you can start working on the rest of the skills required to become a good basketball player. Here's how to shoot.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Basketball hoop
Basketball
Basketball shoes or tennis shoes

Step1

Head to a basketball court or any place with a basket at which to aim.

Step2

Stand approximately five feet away from the basket. Be straight in line with the hoop and the backboard. You don't want to stand any farther until you learn the basics. You also don't want to stand any closer because it won't give you the needed space to learn all the aspects of shooting.

Step3

Grip the basketball. If you are right-handed, place the basketball in the palm of your hand with your wrist bent all the way back and your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle. The ball should be centered in your hand. Put your left hand on the side of the ball. Your left hand will be used to guide the ball.

Step4

Bend your knees. A lot of new basketball players don't realize that legs are as important as arms are when it comes to properly shooting a basketball. Bend your knees slightly, but keep your balance.

Step5

Begin your shooting motion. To do so, straighten your knees and elbow in one fluid motion. At which point, you will want to propel the ball toward the basket using that momentum and a flick of your wrist.

Step6

Practice over and over. It's going to take a while for the shooting motion to become second nature to you. But once it does, you'll never forget how to shoot a basketball. As you practice, move to different spots on the court.

Tips & Warnings

Watch and observe how other basketball players shoot the ball. Apply their style to your own technique.
Contact a coach if you want more individualized help. Use the phone book to find an expert in your area.
Don't get frustrated by missing shots. You aren't going to be a sharp-shooter right away. Sometimes it takes years of practice to master how to shoot a basketball.