How To Properly...
Shoot a Basketball
Basketball is a great competitive sport that involves many aspects to master in order to maintain that competitive edge. Among these is the art of shooting the ball into the basket with correct form. There are three steps in shooting the basketball and none of these steps should be overlooked.
The first step in shooting the ball is to place your dominant hand in the middle lower part of the ball and your other hand on the side to guide it. Make sure you are squared up towards the hoop and knees slightly bent. What I mean when I say square is that your legs should be shoulder width apart. Balance is key in this step. Get a good feel for the ball and the distance you are away from the hoop. Also, taking some practice shots, figure out how much effort it will actually take to get the ball to the destination.
The second step is to get the proper spin on the ball. A back spin is the type of spin you will want to learn in order to put accuracy into your shot. Proper strength and spin will come with lots of practice and game time. Practicing your spin stationary is great for perfecting spin. You could lay on your back with the ball in the correct form in your hand, and spin the ball upwards to practice. The next thing is to take it to the court.
The next step is to aim at your target. Focus your eyes on the front of the basket while keeping your shooting arms elbow below the ball. Grasp the ball with your fingertips not your palm. You will have better control this way. The best type of shots and most accurate ones are the ones that do not hit anything but the net. This is called a swoosh. Bank shots, hooks, and prayers are others but try to focus on swooshes.
The third step is to launch the ball from your hands to the basketball hoop. The strength it takes to shoot the ball mainly comes from your legs. With your legs bent like mentioned earlier, push off the ground into the air shooting the ball towards the target. Keeping the ball straight in front of your body is key for aligned shot attempts. You will notice the ball spinning which is a good thing. Avid players have a perfect spin to the ball which will make shots easier and more accurate. Practice is a must in this sport and without it you will not succeed. Getting a good feel for the court, the ball, and all the elements to the game are important in order to perfect your shot.
Practice, Practice, Practice. Go to several different spots on the court and practice at those spots, these spots are called your sweet spots. Try shooting off the dribble and also from a dead ball. Try shooting at different angles and use the backboard when fit to do so. Basketball is a fun sport and when you master the skills neccessary, the competition is a thrill. Also, you will feel a sence of achievemet when you see yourself getting better.
