Shooting Fundamentals Part #2
Shooting from the Floor
One you have mastered the layup shot you then you can learn the basic shooting technique from the floor.
The Jump Shot
- Hold the ball on the fingertips; it should not touch the palm of the hand. This is where “touch” comes from. The shooting hand should be behind the ball.
- The non-shooting hand is held on the side of the ball to guide the shot.
- Face the basket with good body balance. Feet should be approximately shoulder width apart with the shooting food slightly in front.
- Focus on the front part of the rim. Think in terms of shooting the ball over the front of the rim. As your skills improve you may be able to look at the back part of the rim or into the middle of the basket. For beginner however start by focusing on the front of the rim.
- Shooting requires great concentration.
- Strength comes from bending the knees and wrist action. You will do more or less of each depending on the distance from the basket.
- Elbow should be in toward the body like you were shaking hands.
- ROTATION- this is probably the most important aspect of shooting. The ball must have a backward rotation (backspin) in its flight towards the basket. This is achieved be releasing the ball off the fingertips with good wrist action or snap. All great shooters have proper ball rotation – there has never been a great shooter whose shot resembles a knuckleball.
- FOLLOW THROUGH- extend your arm fully and put your hand into the basket. Good arm extension creates a smoother, more powerful and more consistent shot.
- The body should lean slightly forward on shot release … not backward or to the side
- You must have control of your jump. Jump as high as you can without changing your shooting mechanics.
- Retain body balance – don’t lean backward or drift sideways on your jump. Your shot will be much more accurate if you jump straight up and come straight down and you will also avoid any chance of an offensive charging foul.
- RANGE – know your distance. Most jump shooters are not effective beyond a certain range yet many constantly shoot from that distance anyway
Shooting Off the Backboard
We use the board on lay ups and can do the same on certain shots from the floor. You will continue to use the same skills as discussed for the jump shot.
- You normally must be at the proper angle to take best advantage of the board. Think in terms of an extended layup and this will give you an idea of the proper angle.
- Shoot the ball softly up onto the board
- Shoot or aim for the upper corner of the square which is on the board above the basket.
- This shot is usually easily rebounded if it is missed
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