Let’s talk shooting!
We all know the object of almost every sport is to score points. Well in basketball shooting is obviously what allows that, so makes sense every player should improve this skill. I want to cover the basics of shooting so you can master the fundamentals and eventually become a great shooter.
First let’s bust a myth some people might have when it comes to shooting. “It’s all in the arms.” Wrong! Shooting is actually all in the legs, so you know how much power to generate when you shoot.
Let’s cover the 2 components that make up shooting. Arms and legs.
When improving your shooting, you want to make sure you have correct form. This means placing your dominant hand directly underneath the ball and your other hand, commonly referred to as the “guide hand” on the side of the ball, but not directly, just down the ball slightly. Now the guide hand is just that, a guide. Your dominant hand will be the one propelling the ball forward while the guide hand remains stationary. When beginning the shooting motion, keep your elbows slightly bent and to either side of your waist, and then bring your arms up with the ball, releasing it when your hands reach your just above your forehead. Again make sure your guide hand stays in place and follow through with your dominant hand, holding the pose to ensure accuracy.
Now let’s cover legs. As mentioned above, your legs are what determine the power behind the shot and whether the ball gets to the hoop. So when lining up to shoot, make sure your body is square to the basket, your legs are slightly bent, and you jump when you shoot. The farther from the basket, the more power you will need. When you combine this with the form, you will be well on your way to becoming a better shooter. I’ve attached a link to a YouTube video below explaining this in further detail. Check it out!