How to Use Correct Basketball Shooting Form

To become a good shooter you must use correct shooting form and dedicate to consistent practice utilizing this form. Every player needs a quick refresher on shooting form from time to time, but there is not always a shooting coach at your disposal. With this in mind, I will focus on a system that you can use to diagnose your shooting form quickly to determine if you are executing properly-it is called BEEF.

Things You'll Need

• Basketball
• Basketball Hoop
• Desire to be a good shooter

Instructions

1. B is for BALANCE. Check to see that your feet are approximately shoulder width apart with knees bent before you begin your shot process. To test this, have someone push on you-this should be your strongest position. Most shooters stagger their feet with their shooting foot slightly ahead.

2. E is for EYES. Be sure that your eyes are focused on the target. The target should be the back of the rim. By focusing on the back of the rim, a shorter shot will still go in and a longer shot has a chance if shot with proper form, which will provide backspin.

3. E is for ELBOW. When shooting, it is important to have the elbow tucked inside your body. A great guide for this is to envision your shooting elbow being inserted into your front hip pocket. By keeping your elbow in, it will keep the ball on a straight path (a cocked elbow will force the ball across your body).

4. F is for FOLLOW-THRU. After the ball is released, the shooting arm should be extended with the shooting wrist flopped over. This follow-thru will aid in providing a soft touch with proper backspin on the ball.

Tips & Warnings

• There is no substitute for taking thousands of shots while using proper form. Your muscles will get used to the proper shooting form and it will come naturally in game situations.

• Always practice at game speed. It does no good to shoot one way in practice and be forced to do it quicker in a game-your body will not be accustomed to the speed.