How to Teach a Child to Shoot a Basketball
Basketball is a great game for children to learn, but there is a definite right way to shoot a basketball. Kids should be taught early on how to shoot properly so that they do not learn any bad habits that have to be unlearned later. When teaching children to shoot a basketball you should do your best to keep things simple and to teach the fundamental skills, which can then be built upon later as they progress.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Position the children with their feet on a line, facing the basket, with their shooting foot slightly ahead and feet shoulder width apart. Have them hold the ball with their shooting arm bent at a 90-degree angle and their shooting wrist wrinkled. The ball should be on the finger tips of the shooting hand, as well as all the large pads of the fingers, except the large pad of the pinky finger.
-
2
Go through the motion of bending the knees with the children, while simultaneously bringing the ball up to shoot. Their shooting arm should move up under the ball so that they are ready to push the ball.
-
-
3
Go through the motion of pushing up with both their knees and their shooting arm, but not yet releasing the ball.
-
4
Have the children go through the entire motion, from positioning the ball to bending and finally pushing through the ball and releasing at the arc of their jump. Have them concentrate on their follow through after the ball is released.
-
5
Line the children up on two opposing lines after the basic movement has been taught. Have them practice shooting to each other, while you go around helping individual children with any instances of bad shooting form. At this stage, form is more important than hitting the target.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Now B.E.E.F. is a great way for coaching basketball shooting to kids but it is not the only way. I am sure that every coach has their own way or teaching shooting. Whatever method you use, remember this. A good shooter has done something that many fail to do. That is Practice, Practice, Practice.
References
- Photo Credit Photodisc/Valueline/Getty Images
More Like This
Comments
-
Kerry Winans
Nov 21, 2007
Great article, Coach. With this instruction at a young age, they will grow into great shooters. For the kids that are 8 and younger, it works well to use a smaller ball (27.0 size)and lower the hoop..they are able to really focus on technique without having to hoist the ball up to the regulation height...they will grow into it. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
