How to Shoot a Basketball From Underneath the Basket

Granted it's not necessarily a practical shot, but shooting from underneath the basket will help you learn to put different types of spin on the ball.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Facing Out of Bounds

1. Stand directly underneath the basket so you can look up through the hoop.

2. Hold the ball in your dominant hand.

3. Extend your dominant hand to your side.

4. Keep your hand underneath the ball.

5. Raise your extended arm up using your shoulder and flick your elbow up.

6. Twist your wrist clockwise if you're left-handed or counter-clockwise if you're right-handed.

7. Swing your arm away from your body.

8. Aim for the top corner of the shooting box on the backboard.

Facing the Court

9. Follow steps 1 through 6 above.

10. Swing your arm inward toward your head.

11. Aim for the top corner of the shooting box on the backboard.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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on 7/23/2006 The reason why jumping high in the air is not good for your shot is that you are going to lose accuracy. I think I understand when they say jump high and shoot because you don't want your shot to be rejected, but the side-affect that comes in is that all the energy produced from your legs into your shot will diminish and your shot could be rejected. If you hang too long in the air it gives the defender a split amount of time to contest your jumper. The best way to have a clean jump is to have your guide hand, which is the hand you pick the ball up with, at the side of the ball. Your shooting hand, the hand that you release the ball with, should be on the center of the ball. You should time the release of your shot with your feet coming off the ground and the last two fingers that should touch the ball is the index and middle finger. This puts control on the ball and direct your shot. Practice means repetition!

on 2/14/2006 I'm just under 6 feet tall, but I can almost always take a guy taller, or bigger than me. When you have your back to the hoop in the low post, and you're going against someone who is bigger/taller than you, surprise them by taking one large drop step toward the hoop while strongly putting the ball on the floor once. If you keep your elbows reasonably wide, take the ball right into your defender and power it up strong. You will probably get the foul call for being the aggressive one. And, next time down the court, guys of all sizes might not want to guard you too tight. Hopefully, this will allow you to expand your game.

on 11/22/2005 It is important to jump and time your jump with the release of the ball. When you're at the peak of your jump, release the ball with your dominant hand and let the unused hand steady it before release. Flick your wrist when releasing the shot and it will go in. I've perfected my shot so I can go to the hole strong or just pull up for a mid range jumper. With the lift from your jump, your shot will also be harder to block and defend against.

on 11/22/2005 When coming off of a screen, you would brush your shoulder with you teammates, making it hard for the defender to get between you and your teammate. When you catch the ball, you would square up to the basket and with good form - shoot the ball. Rubbing shoulders with your teammates will get you open 90% of the time for a nice curl shot.

on 11/22/2005 This is a bit tough, but practice makes it easy. You should be good in soccer. First, you and your teammate should charge toward the basket from different directions (for example, you should be on the right and the other person should be on the left). Both should jump at the same time, and as you jump with the ball, throw the ball on your partners head. It should probably be headed into the basket.