what are the things you would expect to see if someone?

Sportplan TeamAdministrator, United Kingdom

Hi Hannah,

to coach correct shooting technique we use the mnemonic BEEF:

• Balance - Good balance, weight on the balls of your feet, just over shoulder width apart
• Elbow - Want the elbow tucked into your side. Want to keep everything in a straight line
• Eyes - Looking up and straight at the front of the rim
• Follow through - The ball should come off of the index finger and the follow through should be pointing at the basket

Hope this helps,

Matthew GuymonCoach, England

As a visual aid, this is probably as close to perfect shooting form as it comes.

JJ Reddick from Duke University

Basketball CoachCoach

Hanna,

Here are a key things to look for when shooting a basketball.

The basic mechanics include sight, balance, hand position, elbow-in alignment, shooting rhythm, and follow through. Concentrating on only one or two mechanics at a time is the best way to develop your shot

Keep on playing!

Alex Burciaga

Basketball CoachCoach

Hello Hanna,

This thread is old, but the question is timeless. The above posters are both correct. However, the best way to learn is to shoot one handed. Place the ball on your fingertips and learn to balance it. I tell my players they should be able to watch the Scooby Doo marithon holding the ball with the controlling elbow straight down.

Next, practice flicking the wrist and spinning the ball backwards-- you can do this lying on your back in the same living room as Scooby Doo is playing. Once outside, repeat the motion at the basket. Get power from your legs-- not chunking your shoulders.

Aim for a trajectory at the back of the rim-- if at the 45's, aim for the sweet spot of the backboard (it is your friend). If you cannot get the ball to the basket with one hand and your legs, you are outside your true range.  Once you have learned mechanics, you can then learn to hoist 3 pointers or 1/2 court prayers. To begin, focus on the freethrow line extended (elbow) in.

The backspin deadens the bounce and allows shots that are not perfect to find the net-- shooter's toch.

best of luck.

Basketball CoachCoach

Oh yeah, and what goes right, must also go left (same for dribbling). Do the same thing with both hands equally. do not worry if they go in at first. learn the mechanics. Is the ball going straight towards the rim or is it off to one side? If you are pushing one handed and flicking the wrist, misses should be distance related and not off to the side related.