How to shoot a basketball
How to shoot a basketball
Here are the notes from the video...
The "Golden Rule" for shooting:
Your shot has to be comfortable
Your shot has to be consistent
Your shot has to work
Shooting mechanics:
The Shooting Base
Feet are hip-width apart
Shooting foot slightly in front
Slightly turn your feet so your shooting hand is naturally aligned to the rim
Knees bent
The Shooting Pocket
The mid-thigh or knee area
This is the place where you start your shot
The Target
Aim for the back of the rim
Reach into the "cookie jar" (emphasizes a high release)
"Scratch the back" of the rim (drops the ball into the back portion of the rim)
The Release
The index finger, middle finger and thumb are the primary fingers handling the ball
Handle the ball with your finger pads (the 1st knuckle)
Start your shot in the pocket, bring the ball up and into your release with one motion
Your knees straighten as the ball comes up
Release the ball at the top of your jump or when your knees are straight
Release the ball by flipping your hand and pointing your fingers down to the ground
Index finger, middle finger, 2-finger or 4-finger release emphasis
Scoring the basketball:
Different types of shots:
Static shots - shots from a still or set position (e.g. foul shots, set shots)
Dynamic shots - shots from a moving position (e.g. jump shots, shots off the dribble)
Different scoring areas:
Interior area - approximately 8 feet and in
Mid-range area - approximately 8 feet - 17 feet away from the basket
Perimeter area - 3-point territory
Typical shots in the scoring areas:
Interior - post shots, lay-ups
Mid-range - set shots, jump shots, shots off the dribble
Perimeter - set shots, jump shots, shots of the dribble
The power of footwork:
Hop as you catch the ball
Step and dribble at the same time - this gives you 2 extra steps
1-2 step or a hop to begin your shot
Hops or jump-stops off the dribble - this gives you 1 extra step
Read the defense
