If you can’t shoot, you can’t score. And if you can’t score, it’s tough to impact the game. In today’s game, shooting has never been more important. In fact, according to NBA tracking data, more than 39% of all field goal attempts are now three-pointers—and at every level, from youth leagues to college, the players who can shoot with consistency are the ones who get the most playing time.

Yet, what often separates great shooters from average ones isn’t just talent—it’s form. Every great shot begins with proper mechanics. The truth is, once a player develops bad habits, they’re incredibly hard to fix later. 

That’s why form shooting is the foundation. It’s not flashy, but it’s what builds shooters who can knock down shots under pressure, in games, and from any spot on the floor.

This page brings together our best videos, articles, and resources to help coaches, parents, and players understand and master the fundamentals of form shooting.

Why Form Shooting Matters

Form shooting is like laying the concrete foundation of a house. Without it, the rest of the structure doesn’t stand.

One disclaimer: if you look at the forms of many of the best shooters in the history of the game (Ray Allen, Steph Curry, Dirk Nowitzki, Caitlin Clark, etc.), they are NOT the same. There is not 1 right way to shoot the ball. That said, there are commonalities and principles that almost all great shooters possess.

Here are the key factors that every player and coach should focus on:

• Stance & Balance

  • Feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, weight slightly forward. Shooting foot even with or slightly ahead of the opposite foot. Feet squared to the rim or slightly turned opposite of the shooting hand.

  • Proper stance gives players balance, rhythm, and power without needing to “force” shots.

• Hand Placement on the Ball

  • Shooting hand under the ball with fingers spread for control.

  • Guide hand lightly on the side—never pushing or flicking. In fact, it might be helpful to think of it as a “balance” hand rather than a “guide” hand, as it shouldn’t be guiding the ball at all.

  • Eliminating the dreaded “thumb flick” is critical at a young age. This is a common problem for young players seeking to generate more power.

• Shooting Pocket & Rhythm

  • The ball should consistently come to the same spot (the “pocket”) before going up.

  • Smooth, rhythmic motion—no hitches, no pauses.

• Release & Follow-Through

  • Elbow under the ball, wrist relaxed, fingers pointing to the target.

  • High arc and soft touch—think “up and out.”

  • Hold the follow-through to build muscle memory. (I once heard an Ohio State assistant coach say their players shot 20% when they held their follow-through!)

• Repetition with Purpose

  • Hundreds of reps done the wrong way only cement bad habits. If you have bad habits, it will take patience and persistence to develop new muscle memory.

  • Quality reps—slow, deliberate, focused—are the key to long-term shooting success.

• Progression From Close Range

  • Start near the basket (3–5 feet) with form shooting every day.

  • Gradually extend range as mechanics become automatic.

FREE BONUS PDF
Shooting Workouts

What You’ll Find in This Hub

• Step-by-step videos that demonstrate proper form shooting drills.

• Breakdowns of common mistakes (like the thumb flick or fading backward) and how to fix them.

• Coaching guides on how to teach form shooting to players of all ages.

• Training progressions that take a player from basic form shooting to game-speed jumpers.

Table of Contents

• Basketball Form Shooting Articles

• Form Shooting Drills For Basketball Players

• Youth Form Shooting Basketball Resources

• Form Shooting & Basketball Shooting Technique Resources

Form Shooting Articles

• Proper Basketball Shooting Technique, Fundamentals, Form, Mechanics

• What The BEEF Acronym Gets Wrong

• One-Hand Form Shooting - What I Don't Like

• How to Develop Long Distance Basketball Shooting Range

• 5 of the Biggest Basketball Shooting Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

• The Overlooked Importance Of Arm & Wrist Angles

• 5 Basketball Shooting Tips For Better Arc

• A 3 Part Plan To Address The 2 Hand Shot Problem

• Start Close, Finish Strong: The Key to Becoming a Better Shooter

• How to Break Bad Shooting Habits and Keep Your GUIDE HAND Quiet

• What is “Perfect” Basketball Shooting Form?

Basketball Form Shooting Drills

• How To Develop Into A Great Shooter - 6 Shooting Drills To Do At Every Workout

• 12 Drills to Fix Common Shooting Mistakes and Build Better Form

• Basketball Shooting Footwork 101: The Foundation Of Every Great Shot

• 5 Shooting Footwork Drills That Build Game-Ready Shots

• One Hand Shooting Basketball Drill

Youth Basketball Shooting Technique & Form Shooting Resources

• The Essential Guide to Teaching Shooting to Youth Players

• Is the Right Size Basketball More Important Than a Lower Hoop?

Form Shooting & Basketball Shooting Technique Coaching Resources

• Recommended Basketball Shooting Aids, Resources, DVD Reviews

• Rick Penney’s One Motion Shooting - all of us would like to shoot like Steph Curry. Coach Penney will teach you the principles that Steph has used to become the greatest shooter in the history of the game. His method encourages players to use a 1 motion shot. This results in a shot that is more efficient and quicker. He goes through all the form shooting exercises necessary to build your shot, including shooting off the dribble.

• The Breakthrough Basketball Shooting & Scoring System- shooting is the most important skill in basketball. It also might be the hardest to teach. In this product, Coach Jim Huber takes players through an encompassing program that covers the in & outs of shooting. He starts with form and then progresses players through increasingly higher levels of difficulty. After learning how to catch and shoot, players are taught how to shoot off the move & the catch.

Final Thought

If you want to become a great shooter—or help your players become one—it starts with form. Every rep is either building a habit or breaking one.

By focusing on the fundamentals, you’ll give yourself (or your players) the tools to shoot with confidence, consistency, and accuracy for years to come.

FREE BONUS PDF
Shooting Workouts

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