{"id":45,"date":"2008-08-26T13:18:20","date_gmt":"2008-08-26T18:18:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.breakthroughbasketball.com\/blog\/index.php\/21-basketball-shooting-tips\/"},"modified":"2015-01-16T08:24:36","modified_gmt":"2015-01-16T13:24:36","slug":"21-basketball-shooting-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.breakthroughbasketball.com\/blog\/index.php\/21-basketball-shooting-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"21 Easy Ways to Improve Your Basketball Shooting Percentage"},"content":{"rendered":"


\nTip #1 \u2013 Locate Your Target (the Rim) Earlier<\/strong><\/p>\n

Getting in the habit of locating your target (the rim)\u00a0earlier will improve your shooting percentage.\u00a0 Why?<\/p>\n

Locating the rim just a split second earlier gives your brain more time to subconsciously calculate distance and focus on your objective. Your eyes should be on the rim as early as possible. To make this little trick work, you need to develop this habit in practice, which carries over into games.<\/p>\n

Tip #2 \u2013 Always Hold Your Follow Through\"follow-through-full.jpg\"<\/strong><\/p>\n

You\u2019ve probably heard this a hundred times but there\u2019s good reason for it.\u00a0 Holding your follow through solves a multitude of shooting problems.\u00a0 This simple movement helps you maintain good basketball shooting technique <\/a>without even thinking about it.<\/p>\n

Tip #3 \u2013 Finish with a Relaxed Wrist<\/strong><\/p>\n

A common mistake is for players to follow-through with a tense wrist.\u00a0 Your wrist should be as relaxed as possible.\u00a0 Your hand should finish on line and even bounce a little during the follow-through.<\/p>\n

Tip #4 \u2013 Use a Colored Ball to Improve Rotation<\/strong><\/p>\n

To improve the straightness of your shot, try a colored basketball during practice.\u00a0\u00a0 This makes it easy to see the rotation and direction of the ball.\u00a0 The immediate feedback makes it quick and easy for you to adjust and improve your shot.<\/p>\n

Tip #5 \u2013 Don\u2019t Shoot like Kobe (By Hanging In The Air)<\/strong><\/p>\n

TOO many kids try to copy Kobe and end up with bad shots for the REST OF THEIR LIVES!<\/p>\n

Youngsters have no business trying to hang like Kobe and shoot.\u00a0 Kobe is a freak of nature!\u00a0 You should shoot as you’re going up (at least 1 inch before you reach the top of your jump).\u00a0 Trying to mimic Kobe\u2019s shot will just earn you a place on the bench and lots of frustration.<\/p>\n

Tip #6 – Stop Thinking about Your Shot During Games<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the worst things you can do is think about your shooting mechanics<\/a> during a game.<\/p>\n

Thinking about your shot is for practice, NOT for games!\u00a0 In fact, you should only think during certain parts of your practice.\u00a0 It\u2019s ok to think during a form shooting session <\/a>or when learning a new skill, but once you start developing rhythm and get further into practice, don\u2019t think!<\/p>\n

During games, train yourself to think about other things or nothing at all.<\/p>\n

You\u2019re going to miss a few.\u00a0 So what!\u00a0 Don\u2019t think, just shoot the damn ball!!!<\/p>\n

If you adopt this mentality, your shooting percentage will go UP.<\/p>\n

Tip # 7 \u2013 Eliminate Negative Thoughts with this Simple Trick<\/strong><\/p>\n

Eliminating negative thoughts can dramatically improve your basketball shooting<\/a> percentage.<\/p>\n

To stop thinking and eliminate bad thoughts, you can try this little trick\u2026<\/p>\n

Before each game, practice, and shooting session, tell yourself that you don’t care if you make any baskets.\u00a0\u00a0 Say it out loud or in your head several times.<\/p>\n

THEN, when you go to shoot (right as you’re catching the ball), say something to yourself like, “Nice shot. I can do better.”\u00a0 In other words, try not to care if it goes in or not.<\/p>\n

This simple little trick helps you to relax into the process and not think about the result. Using this technique will be enough to break you out of mini slumps and restore your confidence.<\/p>\n

Tip #8 \u2013 Develop Optimal Arc<\/strong><\/p>\n

DID YOU KNOW that a shot with a flat 35 degree arc only has .6 inches of margin for the ball to clear without hitting the rim?\u00a0 The shot has to be almost perfect to get a swish.<\/p>\n

BUT a shot with a 45 degree medium height arc has a 3 inch margin of error!<\/p>\n

That\u2019s right.\u00a0 Just by increasing the arc of your shot, your margin of error could increase as much as 500%!<\/p>\n

How many shots bounce OUT of the basket because you missed by just a fraction?<\/p>\n

As a general rule of thumb, finish your follow through with the rim clearly visible beneath the fingers of your shooting hand.\u00a0 That way you will ensure that you have a decent arc on the shot.\u00a0 Shots with proper arch have a much better chance of going in.<\/p>\n

Just don\u2019t go too high.\u00a0 Because if your arc gets too high, you’ll loose your distance control.<\/p>\n

Tip #9 \u2013 Watch DVDs<\/strong><\/p>\n

Simply by watching great shooters groove their shots over and over, you can improve your confidence and form.<\/p>\n

The good habits and examples can be contagious.\u00a0 As you watch, the good form becomes ingrained in your mind.<\/p>\n

Not to mention, you should never stop learning.\u00a0 There are lots of good shooting DVDs <\/a>and books <\/a>for you to learn from.<\/p>\n

Tip #10 \u2013 Use a Partner to Tune your Shot Alignment<\/strong><\/p>\n

Spend a little time during each practice lined up along a court line about 20 feet from a partner, shooting back and forth and trying to have the ball bounce as close to the line as possible. This simple practice technique will help you to fine tune your control of the precision of your shot.<\/p>\n

Tip #11 \u2013 Land In Front<\/strong><\/p>\n

Balance is a very important aspect of shooting.\u00a0 You achieve balance primarily through a proper stance and footwork.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

After your shot, you should land in front of where you started.\u00a0 You can do this by making sure that your momentum is going towards the basket on every catch. You should also establish good balance from your stance.<\/p>\n

Tip #12 \u2013 Film Your Shot<\/strong><\/p>\n

You\u2019d be amazed at how filming your shot in both games and practices can help you.<\/p>\n

The most common response from players is\u2026 \u201cThat\u2019s how I shoot!!??\u201d<\/p>\n

That\u2019s right.\u00a0 Most players haven\u2019t seen their own shot before. Seeing your shot on film can help you to detect poor mechanics and motivate you to make commitments for improvement.\u00a0 Bottom line– it\u2019s a great way to refine your shot.<\/p>\n

Tip #13 \u2013 Get a Partner<\/strong><\/p>\n

When possible, try to\u00a0shoot with a partner.\u00a0 Because when you’re alone,\u00a0you end up chasing the rebound before following through properly.<\/p>\n

This is important.\u00a0 Think about how you practice\u2026<\/p>\n

You shoot and then you start following the shot immediately so you can get lots of reps.\u00a0 Guess what?\u00a0 This can mess up your follow-through.\u00a0 You need to FINISH each shot and hold your follow-through.\u00a0 That\u2019s why we recommend getting a partner to rebound for you.\u00a0 Now just because you can’t find a partner you can (and should) still practice by yourself.\u00a0 Just be aware of holding your follow through.<\/p>\n

Tip #14 – Fix Bad Habits by Immediately Correcting Your Shot<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is one of the easiest ways to break bad shooting habits<\/a>.\u00a0 For example, let\u2019s say you forgot to hold your follow-through.\u00a0 Well, immediately after you shoot, raise your hand back up and put your hand in the correct follow-through position.\u00a0 This simple technique will help you quickly correct the bad habit<\/p>\n

Tip #15 – Use a Return Device<\/strong><\/p>\n

Using basketball rebounding and return devices <\/a>can literally double the number of shots you can take in practice.\u00a0 Just think how much time you spend chasing the ball when you practice.\u00a0 A return device solves that problem and lets you take more shots in less time.<\/p>\n

Tip #16 \u2013 Get To Set<\/strong><\/p>\n

When you catch the ball, you should get the ball to your set position as quickly as possible. This will speed up your shot. Your set point can be anywhere between your hip and your shoulder.<\/p>\n

Tip #17 \u2013 Don\u2019t Fall for Gimmicks<\/strong><\/p>\n

Too many players spend their hard earned money on shooting gloves and gimmicks, thinking this will make them great shooters.<\/p>\n

You can\u2019t use these devices during a game so it really doesn\u2019t do you much good.\u00a0 You need to learn how to shoot effectively without these devices.\u00a0 There is NO magic pill.<\/p>\n

Tip # 18 \u2013 Keep Your Shot Motion Balanced, Fluid, and Consistent<\/strong><\/p>\n

A fluid motion means that there are no jerky movements or stopping points, just one constant flow from start to finish.<\/p>\n

Consistency can\u2019t\u00a0be stressed enough.\u00a0 Your feet, arms, set point, and jump height should use a consistent motion every time you shoot.\u00a0 All the greatest shooters in the world have amazingly consistent movements.<\/p>\n

Tip #19 \u2013 Groove 50 Shots Before Every Game<\/strong><\/p>\n

Before every practice and game, face the basket and shoot 50 EASY shots about four to ten feet from the basket.<\/p>\n

Not only does this improve your shooting form, but it helps to develop phenomenal confidence.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll quickly become very good at grooving these shots over and over.\u00a0 You\u2019ll see the ball going in the basket over and over.\u00a0 You\u2019ll swish the ball repeatedly and probably shoot 60%, 70%, 80%, or more, which is great for your psyche.<\/p>\n

Why do you think that NBA players do this before games?\u00a0 Why do you think that Tiger Woods starts all of his practice sessions by making 100 three-foot putts?<\/p>\n

Because it works!\u00a0 Don\u2019t overlook this powerful strategy.<\/p>\n

Tip #20 \u2013 Quickly Chart Your Shot to Determine Tendencies<\/strong><\/p>\n

Head to the gym and shoot a bare minimum of 50 shots.\u00a0 Ask your partner to chart your shots.\u00a0 The KEY is to chart the detailed results of each shot.\u00a0 You will track how many shots fell short, too long, to the left, and to the right.\u00a0 This information will help you to determine what you need to work on.<\/p>\n

For example, if you consistently miss short (like many players do), you\u2019ll need to work on your power and distance control.\u00a0 If you consistently miss to the right and the left, you need to fix the mechanics of your foot and\/or arm alignment.<\/p>\n

Tip #21 – Work Game-Like Movement into Your Practice<\/strong><\/p>\n

To make game shots, you need to practice game shots.\u00a0 You should use good shooting drills <\/a>and practice movement off screens, cuts, chairs, and pivoting in both directions.<\/p>\n


\nGet to the Gym and Apply What You’ve Learned<\/strong><\/p>\n

There ya go… 21 simple ways for you to improve your basketball shooting percentage.\u00a0 Now get to the gym, apply what you’ve learned, and knock down more shots!!<\/p>\n


\nRecommended Shooting Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n

FREE Basketball Shooting Workouts, Drills & Guide<\/a><\/p>\n

Baden 28.5″ Shooting Basketball<\/span> <\/a><\/p>\n

Baden Heavy Training Basketball – 29.5″ <\/span> <\/a><\/p>\n

Baden 35″ Oversized Training Basketball<\/span> <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Tip #1 \u2013 Locate Your Target (the Rim) Earlier Getting in the habit of locating your target (the rim)\u00a0earlier will improve your shooting percentage.\u00a0 Why? Locating the rim just a split second earlier gives your brain more time to subconsciously calculate distance and focus on your objective. Your eyes should be on the rim as […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[57],"tags":[53],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.breakthroughbasketball.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.breakthroughbasketball.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.breakthroughbasketball.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.breakthroughbasketball.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.breakthroughbasketball.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=45"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.breakthroughbasketball.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1797,"href":"https:\/\/www.breakthroughbasketball.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45\/revisions\/1797"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.breakthroughbasketball.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.breakthroughbasketball.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=45"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.breakthroughbasketball.com\/blog\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}