The aim of basketball is to score more points than the other team. To be able to score more points, one of the skills you’ll need to know is how to shoot the ball into the ring. Much like any other sports, shooting a basketball successfully requires a good technique and practice. In part one of this two part article, I will describe how to set yourself up for taking a shot with several key points.
Receiving The Ball
Before you can take a shot, you need to have the ball. If you don’t have the ball in your possession already, you need to get it from your teammate who has the ball. A future article will go into more detail on this topic, but the idea is to get into a position where you can receive a good pass from your teammate, and within your shooting range.
Look At The Target
Once you have the ball, not only do you need to know where the basketball ring is – you also need to look at it. Don’t look at the ball, or at your opponent – look at the ring. It will increase your focus and therefore increase the accuracy of the shot. As you make the shot, keep your eyes on the ring and not on the basketball.
Shooting Stance
One of the main things that helps the accuracy of your shot is your shooting stance, or how you place your feet before taking the shot. There isn’t really a definite or correct way of feet placement or style – what’s more important is that it is comfortable for you. Once you find a stance that is comfortable, be consistent with it.
The recommended stance involves your feet being about shoulder width apart. They should be facing the general direction of the ring – possibly directly at it, or to one side. If you’re a right handed shooter, it could be to the left, and if you’re a left handed shooter, it would be on the right side.
Grip The Ball
The way you grip the ball is important as it dictates how you start your shot. The ball should be held just above your waist. At your chest or near your head is probably too high for an effective shot.
Your preferred hand (either right or left) is used to push the ball towards the ring, and your other hand is used for balance and guiding the ball in the right direction. Place your preferred hand on the ball, with your fingertips spread out comfortably. Your fingertips, and not your palm, should be the area that makes contact with the ball.
Your opposite hand should be placed to the side of the ball. For right hand shooters, the left hand is the hand that goes to the side of the ball. As mentioned above, it’s used for balancing the ball on your other hand, and for making sure the ball leaves the hand in a straight line.
Stay tuned for the second part of this article coming soon! Feel free to leave a comment if this has helped you, or if you have any other tips on what helps you shoot the basketball. shooting Budapest