How To Shoot The Basketball

Learning how to shoot the basketball is probably not as hard to do as you might first expect. Yes, it is true that playing basketball does require some basic coordination skills; however, even if you lack any sort of athletic ability, you can still learn how to shoot the basketball. It’s true; by following a little bit of advice, and incorporating a lot of practice time, you can become the next great basketball sharp shooter.

To shoot a basketball, you will need:

• A basketball
• A basketball court
• The will to practice

1. Start by practicing on a regulation sized hoop. It does not matter if you practice indoors or out, but, you are doing yourself no favors by practicing shooting the basketball on a shorter rim. Because learning to shoot is all about repetition, you need to practice with the same type of dimensions that everyone else plays with.
2. When you are learning the basics, start small. There is no reason to begin at half court and start chucking the ball towards the rim. You have to learn to walk before you can run. So, begin by practicing shots that are about four to six feet away from the basket.
3. Balance is important when you shoot the basketball. This can be achieved by spreading your legs about shoulder-width apart. Having proper balance will help ensure a quality shot.
4. As you begin to shoot the basketball, you want to grip the ball with the fingertips of your right hand. Use your left hand if you are left-handed. Your arm holding the basketball should be at a ninety-degree angle, with your elbow falling directly under the ball.
5. Your other hand, or off-hand, will be placed on the side of the basketball. This hand is used to help guide and steer the ball as you shoot.
6. It is important to focus. Your eyes should be focused on the target. Remain focused on the back of the rim as you shoot the basketball.
7. Believe it or not, when you shoot the basketball, your legs are just as important as your arms. You will want to create a slight bend in your knees, but be careful that you do not bend them too much. You want to remain balanced.
8. Next, all you have to do is shoot the ball. This is done by straightening your arms, and at the same time straightening you legs. This motion should be fluid. Use your off-hand to guide the ball to the rim. Also, make sure you remain focused with your eyes. Even a slight lapse in concentration can cause a miss.