how to be a better shooter in basketball

Shooting a basketball takes years of practice to master. Even professional players may take hundreds of shots every day in an effort to improve their jump shot and to be able to shoot at a high level. You may be excellent at shooting during practice at the gym. Yet the stakes are higher in a game, where you may become fatigued or struggle against a good defensive effort. At any stage of your game, you can improve your shooting form.

Step 1

Keep your eyes on the rim despite defenders that try to distract you by running toward you, waving their hands, making noises or attempting to block a shot. Work to ignore distractions; failing to do so will make your shot much less likely to go in.

Step 2

Follow through and curl your wrist using proper form, which leads to better shots. Snap your wrist to put backspin on the ball as it leaves your hand, making it easier for the ball to drain through the net if it hits the back of the rim.

Step 3

Create your own shot by dribbling with the ball to get open to shoot. Run through picks, fake out defenders and move to the open spot on the floor. Pay attention during set plays in basketball practice. Understand the purpose of the plays and work hard even when the ball is out of your hands to outsprint defenders and put pressure on your opponents.

Step 4

Set your feet, square up to the hoop and jump straight up; avoid imitating professionals who shoot as they fall forward, backward or to the side, which leads to low-percentage shots. Release the ball near the top of your upward motion for the most accurate shot.