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Learning and teaching basketball skills and tactics can be challenging. Executing them in competition can be troubling. Mastering them can be a career-long quest.
Is it possible that a single book can provide all the instruction you need to conquer these basketball roadblocks? First you must know exactly how the skill or tactic is properly performed. Check! Then you need to attempt it again and again, with corrective advice through those trials until you get it right. Check! Next comes practice. Lots of practice, with drills designed to make performance of the skill or tactic efficient and effective. Check!
In Basketball: Steps to Success, Coach Hal Wissel covers the entire progression of technical and tactical development needed to become a complete player. From essential footwork to key principles of defense, this guide details the skills and tactics needed to excel in today’s game. Shooting off the catch and creating shots off the dribble, running two- and three-player offensive plays, and many more topics in the book will prepare players to succeed in every situation on the court.
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Key to Diagrams
Step 1 Footwork
Step 2 Passing and Catching
Step 3 Dribbling
Step 4 Shooting
Step 5 Shooting off the Catch
Step 6 Creating Your Shot off the Dribble
Step 7 Scoring in the Post
Step 8 Rebounding
Step 9 Fast Break
Step 10 Two- and Three-Man Plays
Step 11 Team Offense
Step 12 Team Defense
About the Author
Dr. Hal Wissel has a wealth of experience in the National Basketball Association as an assistant coach with the Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, and New Jersey Nets. Hal was also director of player personnel with the Nets and scout and special assignment coach with the Milwaukee Bucks.
As a collegiate head coach, Wissel compiled more than 300 wins. He turned losing programs at Trenton State College and Lafayette College into conference and division champions, respectively. Wissel led Florida Southern College to four straight trips to the NCAA Division II tournament and three straight trips to the Division II final four (’80, ’81, and ’82), winning the Division II national championship in 1981. Wissel coached Fordham University into the 1972 NIT Tournament and also coached the Dominican Republic national team in 1975.
Wissel founded Basketball World and CoachWissel.com, instructional ventures featuring basketball camps, clinics, books, and DVDs. Basketball World’s highly successful Shoot It Better Mini Camps are conducted worldwide for players from youth level to NBA and WNBA level.
Wissel received a bachelor’s degree from Springfield College, a master’s degree from Indiana University, and a doctorate in physical education from Springfield College. Wissel’s best-selling book Basketball: Steps to Success has been translated into eleven languages. Wissel is also the author of Becoming a Basketball Player: Individual Drills, which has been made into a DVD. Wissel has also produced five basketball shooting DVDs.
Wissel’s honors include being named Coach & Athlete magazine’s Eastern Coach of the Year in 1972; Sunshine State Conference Coach of the Year (’79, ’80, and ’81); and Division II National Coach of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches in 1980. Wissel has been inducted into the Florida Southern College Athletic Hall of Fame, the Sunshine State Conference Hall of Fame, and the New England Basketball Hall of Fame.
Hal and his wife, Trudy, reside in Suffield, Connecticut, and have five grown children and one granddaughter.
"Hal Wissel demonstrates to the world why he is recognized as one of America's top-rated basketball clinicians. This book is a must-read for players and coaches at all levels of play."
Hubie Brown -- Basketball Hall of Fame, two-time NBA Coach of the Year, NBA Analyst for ESPN, ABC and NBA TV
"Hal Wissel is an outstanding teacher and has many years of experience coaching and scouting in the NBA. He knows what he's talking and writing about. This book will help players improve and help coaches teach."
Phil Jackson -- Basketball Hall of Fame, 11-time NBA Champion coach
"Hal Wissel shows you ways to build your own confidence. Coach Wissel helped me understand my own shot and become my own best coach."
Pau Gasol -- Player Los Angeles Lakers, NBA All-Star
"Hal Wissel's personalized teaching helped me improve my free-throw shooting, three-point shooting, and post-up ability."
Dale Ellis -- Former NBA All-Star, ranks fifth in NBA career three-point shots made, career .403 three-point percentage
“Hal Wissel helped me improve my field-goal percentage and three-point percentage, and his training led to my shooting over 40 percent on three-pointers for four consecutive seasons.”
Mike Miller -- Miami Heat, Former USA National Team Member
Develop your shot with shooting mechanics
These shots all share certain basic mechanics, including sight, balance, hand position, elbow-in alignment, rhythmical shooting motion, and follow-through.
Shooting Mechanics
Most players shoot seven basic shots: the one-hand set shot, the free throw, the jump shot, the three-point shot, the hook shot, the layup, and the runner. These shots all share certain basic mechanics, including sight, balance, hand position, elbow-in alignment, rhythmical shooting motion, and follow-through. The best way to develop your shot is to concentrate on only one or two mechanics at a time.
Sight. Focus your eyes on the basket, aiming just over the front of the rim for all shots except bank shots. Use a bank shot when you are at a 45-degree angle to the backboard. A 45-degree angle falls within the distance between the box and the middle hash mark on the lane line. The distance for the bank angle—called the 45-degree funnel—widens as you move out. When shooting a bank shot, aim for the top near corner of the box on the backboard.
Sight your target as soon as possible and keep your eyes focused on the target until the ball reaches the goal. Your eyes should never follow the flight of the ball or your defender's hand. Concentrating on the target helps eliminate distractions such as shouting, towel waving, an opponent's hand, or even a hard foul.
Balance. Balance leads to power and rhythmic control of your shot. Your base, or foot position, is the foundation of your balance, and keeping your head over your feet (base) controls your balance.
Spread your feet comfortably to shoulder width and point your toes straight ahead. Pointing your toes straight aligns your knees, hips, and shoulders with the basket. The foot on the side of your shooting hand (right foot for a right-handed shot) is forward. The toe of your back foot is aligned with the heel of the foot on your shooting side (toe-to-heel relationship).
Flex your legs at the knees. This gives crucial power to your shot. Beginning and fatigued players often fail to flex their knees. To compensate for the lack of power from not using their legs, they tend to throw the ball from behind the head or shove the ball from the hip. Both of these actions produce errors.
Your head should be over your waist and feet. Your head controls your balance and should be slightly forward, with your shoulders and upper body inclining forward toward the basket. Your shoulders should be relaxed.
Hand position. Hand position is the most misunderstood part of shooting. You want to make sure that you start and finish your shot with your shooting hand facing the basket (behind the ball). Placing the nonshooting hand (also called the balance hand) under the ball for balance is also important. This position, with the shooting hand facing the basket (behind the ball) and the nonshooting hand under the ball, is called the block-and-tuck. It leaves your shooting hand free to shoot the ball, rather than having to balance and shoot the ball.
Place your hands fairly close together. Relax both hands and spread the fingers comfortably. Keep the thumb of your shooting hand relaxed and not spread apart; this helps you avoid tension in your hand and forearm. A relaxed hand position (like a handshake) forms a natural cup, enabling the ball to contact the pads of your fingers and not your palm. Place your nonshooting hand slightly under the ball. The weight of the ball balances on at least two fingers: the ring finger and the little finger. The arm of your nonshooting hand should be in a comfortable position, with the elbow pointing slightly back and to the side. Your shooting hand is set behind the ball, facing the basket, with your index finger directly at the ball's midpoint. The ball is released off the pads of your index finger. On a free throw, you have time to align your index finger with the valve or another marking at the midpoint of the ball. Developing fingertip control and touch leads to a soft, accurate shot.
Elbow-in alignment. Hold the ball comfortably in front of and above your shooting shoulder between your ear and shoulder. Keep your shooting elbow in. When your shooting elbow is in, the ball is aligned with the basket. Some players do not have the flexibility to place the shooting hand behind the ball with the hand facing the front of the basket while keeping the elbow in. If this is the case, you should first place the shooting hand behind the ball, facing the front of the basket, and then move the elbow in as far as your flexibility allows.
Rhythmical shooting motion. Shooting involves synchronizing the extension of your legs, back, shoulders, and shooting arm and the flexion of your wrist and fingers. Shoot the ball with a smooth, free-flowing, and rhythmical lifting motion.
The initial force and rhythm for your shot come from a down-and-up motion of your legs. Start with your knees slightly flexed. Bend your knees and then fully extend them in a down-and-up motion. Saying the key words down and up!from the start of your shot until the release of the ball will trigger the down-and-up action of your legs, providing rhythm and range for your shot. Your legs and shooting arm work together. As your legs go up, your arm goes up. As your legs reach full extension, your back, shoulders, and shooting arm extend in a smooth, continuous upward direction. Be sure to keep the ball high with your shooting hand facing the basket. Use the down-and-up motion of your legs for rhythm, rather than lowering the ball for rhythm. Keeping the ball high fosters a quick release and also provides less chance for error.
As your arm goes up, the ball is tipped back from your nonshooting hand to your shooting hand. A good guide is to tip the ball back only until there is a wrinkle in the skin between your wrist and forearm. This angle provides a quick release and consistent follow-through. Direct your arm, wrist, and fingers straight toward the basket at a 45- to 60-degree angle, extending your shooting arm completely at the elbow. The final force and control of your shot come from flexing your wrist and fingers forward toward a spot just over the front of the rim. Release the ball off the pads of your index finger with soft fingertip touch to impart backspin on the ball and soften the shot. Keep your nonshooting hand on the ball until the point of release.
The amount of force you impart to the ball depends on the range of the shot. For short distances, the arm, wrist, and fingers provide most of the force. Long-range outside shots require the down-and-up motion of your legs with more force from your legs, back, and shoulders, and a complete follow-through.
Follow-through. After releasing the ball off the pads of your index finger, keep your arm up and fully extended with your index finger pointing straight to the target just over the front of the rim. The palm of your shooting hand should face slightly forward and down, and the palm of your balance hand should face slightly up. Keep your eyes on your target. Exaggerate your follow-through. Hold your arm up in a complete follow-through position until the ball reaches the basket, then react to the rebound or get into defensive position. Holding your follow-through until the ball reaches the basket is not only good mechanics, but it also makes you look and act like a shooter and increases your confidence.
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
A flash can create a scoring opportunity
Flashing to the ball relieves defensive pressure on your teammates by giving the passer another outlet.
Flash
Any time you see a teammate being denied the pass and you are the next player away, you should automatically flash to an open area between the passer and the overplayed teammate. Flashing to the ball relieves defensive pressure on your teammates by giving the passer another outlet. A flash can prevent a possible turnover, and when combined with a well-timed backdoor cut by the overplayed teammate, the flash can also create a scoring opportunity. Signal your flash cut with the key word flash!As you receive the pass, look to pass to your overplayed teammate cutting backdoor to the basket. If your teammate is covered on the backdoor cut, you should front turn into a triple-threat position for a possible shot, drive to the basket, or pass.
Flash high when your teammate is prevented from receiving a pass on the perimeter (figure 11.6). You can also flash to the high post when your teammate is being fronted in the low post (figure 11.7), and you can flash to the low post if your teammate is being denied at the high post (figure 11.8).
Misstep
Pressure defense prevents you and your teammates from getting open to receive a pass.
Correction
When your defender overplays you and denies you from receiving a pass, you should make a backdoor cut to the basket. When you see a defender denying your teammate from receiving a pass, you should automatically flash.
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
Shooting off the Catch Drill focuses on the fundamentals
This drill focuses on the fundamentals: shooting hand behind the ball, elbow-in alignment, release off the index finger, follow-through, and catching the ball in position to shoot.
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Front-of-Board Shooting
This drill focuses on the fundamentals: shooting hand behind the ball, elbow-in alignment, release off the index finger, follow-through, and catching the ball in position to shoot.
Face the backboard. Pick a spot near the top corner of the front of the board to serve as your target. Using a spot on the front of the backboard is excellent for fostering a straight shot. Begin with the ball in shooting position above your shooting shoulder. Place your shooting hand behind the ball, with your hand facing the target and with your index finger at the ball's midpoint. Aim the ball at your target on the front of the board, and shoot a jump shot at that target with a full follow-through (full elbow extension); you want to make the ball return to your shooting position so you don't have to move your hands on the catch. Say your personalized key words in rhythm from the start of your shot to the release of the ball. If the ball does not return to your starting position, jump behind the ball and catch it in position to shoot. A shot that does not hit your target and does not come back directly to you is a missed shot. After a miss, visualize a successful shot with good form, again saying your key words. Use feedback from the feel and direction of the ball. For example, if the miss was caused by your arm going to the side, add the key word straight. Use point if the ball went off the wrong finger, creating sidespin. Use hand if you caught the ball with your hands on the sides.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have 10 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the front of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the front of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Side-of-Board Shooting
This drill is the same as the front-of-board shooting drill except you use the side of the backboard. This drill puts more emphasis on a straight shot and good catch. On a shot that is slightly off, the rebound will go to the side. This enables you to practice jumping behind the ball to catch it in position to shoot.
Face the side of the backboard. Pick a spot near the top of the side of the board to serve as your target. Using a spot on the side of the backboard is excellent for fostering a straight shot. Aim the ball at your target on the side of the board, and shoot a jump shot at the target with a full follow-through (full elbow extension); you want to make the ball return to your shooting position so you don't have to move your hands on the catch. Catch the ball in position to shoot. Jump behind the ball on shots that rebound to your left or right side.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have at least 8 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the side of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the side of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Point-of-Board Shooting
This drill is the same as the front-of-board and side-of-board shooting drills except your target is the point of the backboard between the front and side of the board. This drill is obviously more difficult than the side-of-board shooting drill. It puts more emphasis on focusing and releasing the ball off your index finger. It also provides a greater challenge for jumping behind the ball in position to shoot. On shots that are off target, the rebound may go farther to the side than in the side-of-board shooting drill. This enables you to practice jumping behind the ball to catch it in position to shoot.
Face the point of the backboard. Pick a spot near the top of the point of the board to serve as your target. Focus on your target on the point of the board and shoot a jump shot to the target, emphasizing the release of the ball off your index finger. Catch the ball in position to shoot. Jump behind the ball on shots that rebound to your left or right side.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have at least 6 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the point of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the point of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
Develop your shot with shooting mechanics
These shots all share certain basic mechanics, including sight, balance, hand position, elbow-in alignment, rhythmical shooting motion, and follow-through.
Shooting Mechanics
Most players shoot seven basic shots: the one-hand set shot, the free throw, the jump shot, the three-point shot, the hook shot, the layup, and the runner. These shots all share certain basic mechanics, including sight, balance, hand position, elbow-in alignment, rhythmical shooting motion, and follow-through. The best way to develop your shot is to concentrate on only one or two mechanics at a time.
Sight. Focus your eyes on the basket, aiming just over the front of the rim for all shots except bank shots. Use a bank shot when you are at a 45-degree angle to the backboard. A 45-degree angle falls within the distance between the box and the middle hash mark on the lane line. The distance for the bank angle—called the 45-degree funnel—widens as you move out. When shooting a bank shot, aim for the top near corner of the box on the backboard.
Sight your target as soon as possible and keep your eyes focused on the target until the ball reaches the goal. Your eyes should never follow the flight of the ball or your defender's hand. Concentrating on the target helps eliminate distractions such as shouting, towel waving, an opponent's hand, or even a hard foul.
Balance. Balance leads to power and rhythmic control of your shot. Your base, or foot position, is the foundation of your balance, and keeping your head over your feet (base) controls your balance.
Spread your feet comfortably to shoulder width and point your toes straight ahead. Pointing your toes straight aligns your knees, hips, and shoulders with the basket. The foot on the side of your shooting hand (right foot for a right-handed shot) is forward. The toe of your back foot is aligned with the heel of the foot on your shooting side (toe-to-heel relationship).
Flex your legs at the knees. This gives crucial power to your shot. Beginning and fatigued players often fail to flex their knees. To compensate for the lack of power from not using their legs, they tend to throw the ball from behind the head or shove the ball from the hip. Both of these actions produce errors.
Your head should be over your waist and feet. Your head controls your balance and should be slightly forward, with your shoulders and upper body inclining forward toward the basket. Your shoulders should be relaxed.
Hand position. Hand position is the most misunderstood part of shooting. You want to make sure that you start and finish your shot with your shooting hand facing the basket (behind the ball). Placing the nonshooting hand (also called the balance hand) under the ball for balance is also important. This position, with the shooting hand facing the basket (behind the ball) and the nonshooting hand under the ball, is called the block-and-tuck. It leaves your shooting hand free to shoot the ball, rather than having to balance and shoot the ball.
Place your hands fairly close together. Relax both hands and spread the fingers comfortably. Keep the thumb of your shooting hand relaxed and not spread apart; this helps you avoid tension in your hand and forearm. A relaxed hand position (like a handshake) forms a natural cup, enabling the ball to contact the pads of your fingers and not your palm. Place your nonshooting hand slightly under the ball. The weight of the ball balances on at least two fingers: the ring finger and the little finger. The arm of your nonshooting hand should be in a comfortable position, with the elbow pointing slightly back and to the side. Your shooting hand is set behind the ball, facing the basket, with your index finger directly at the ball's midpoint. The ball is released off the pads of your index finger. On a free throw, you have time to align your index finger with the valve or another marking at the midpoint of the ball. Developing fingertip control and touch leads to a soft, accurate shot.
Elbow-in alignment. Hold the ball comfortably in front of and above your shooting shoulder between your ear and shoulder. Keep your shooting elbow in. When your shooting elbow is in, the ball is aligned with the basket. Some players do not have the flexibility to place the shooting hand behind the ball with the hand facing the front of the basket while keeping the elbow in. If this is the case, you should first place the shooting hand behind the ball, facing the front of the basket, and then move the elbow in as far as your flexibility allows.
Rhythmical shooting motion. Shooting involves synchronizing the extension of your legs, back, shoulders, and shooting arm and the flexion of your wrist and fingers. Shoot the ball with a smooth, free-flowing, and rhythmical lifting motion.
The initial force and rhythm for your shot come from a down-and-up motion of your legs. Start with your knees slightly flexed. Bend your knees and then fully extend them in a down-and-up motion. Saying the key words down and up!from the start of your shot until the release of the ball will trigger the down-and-up action of your legs, providing rhythm and range for your shot. Your legs and shooting arm work together. As your legs go up, your arm goes up. As your legs reach full extension, your back, shoulders, and shooting arm extend in a smooth, continuous upward direction. Be sure to keep the ball high with your shooting hand facing the basket. Use the down-and-up motion of your legs for rhythm, rather than lowering the ball for rhythm. Keeping the ball high fosters a quick release and also provides less chance for error.
As your arm goes up, the ball is tipped back from your nonshooting hand to your shooting hand. A good guide is to tip the ball back only until there is a wrinkle in the skin between your wrist and forearm. This angle provides a quick release and consistent follow-through. Direct your arm, wrist, and fingers straight toward the basket at a 45- to 60-degree angle, extending your shooting arm completely at the elbow. The final force and control of your shot come from flexing your wrist and fingers forward toward a spot just over the front of the rim. Release the ball off the pads of your index finger with soft fingertip touch to impart backspin on the ball and soften the shot. Keep your nonshooting hand on the ball until the point of release.
The amount of force you impart to the ball depends on the range of the shot. For short distances, the arm, wrist, and fingers provide most of the force. Long-range outside shots require the down-and-up motion of your legs with more force from your legs, back, and shoulders, and a complete follow-through.
Follow-through. After releasing the ball off the pads of your index finger, keep your arm up and fully extended with your index finger pointing straight to the target just over the front of the rim. The palm of your shooting hand should face slightly forward and down, and the palm of your balance hand should face slightly up. Keep your eyes on your target. Exaggerate your follow-through. Hold your arm up in a complete follow-through position until the ball reaches the basket, then react to the rebound or get into defensive position. Holding your follow-through until the ball reaches the basket is not only good mechanics, but it also makes you look and act like a shooter and increases your confidence.
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
A flash can create a scoring opportunity
Flashing to the ball relieves defensive pressure on your teammates by giving the passer another outlet.
Flash
Any time you see a teammate being denied the pass and you are the next player away, you should automatically flash to an open area between the passer and the overplayed teammate. Flashing to the ball relieves defensive pressure on your teammates by giving the passer another outlet. A flash can prevent a possible turnover, and when combined with a well-timed backdoor cut by the overplayed teammate, the flash can also create a scoring opportunity. Signal your flash cut with the key word flash!As you receive the pass, look to pass to your overplayed teammate cutting backdoor to the basket. If your teammate is covered on the backdoor cut, you should front turn into a triple-threat position for a possible shot, drive to the basket, or pass.
Flash high when your teammate is prevented from receiving a pass on the perimeter (figure 11.6). You can also flash to the high post when your teammate is being fronted in the low post (figure 11.7), and you can flash to the low post if your teammate is being denied at the high post (figure 11.8).
Misstep
Pressure defense prevents you and your teammates from getting open to receive a pass.
Correction
When your defender overplays you and denies you from receiving a pass, you should make a backdoor cut to the basket. When you see a defender denying your teammate from receiving a pass, you should automatically flash.
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
Shooting off the Catch Drill focuses on the fundamentals
This drill focuses on the fundamentals: shooting hand behind the ball, elbow-in alignment, release off the index finger, follow-through, and catching the ball in position to shoot.
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Front-of-Board Shooting
This drill focuses on the fundamentals: shooting hand behind the ball, elbow-in alignment, release off the index finger, follow-through, and catching the ball in position to shoot.
Face the backboard. Pick a spot near the top corner of the front of the board to serve as your target. Using a spot on the front of the backboard is excellent for fostering a straight shot. Begin with the ball in shooting position above your shooting shoulder. Place your shooting hand behind the ball, with your hand facing the target and with your index finger at the ball's midpoint. Aim the ball at your target on the front of the board, and shoot a jump shot at that target with a full follow-through (full elbow extension); you want to make the ball return to your shooting position so you don't have to move your hands on the catch. Say your personalized key words in rhythm from the start of your shot to the release of the ball. If the ball does not return to your starting position, jump behind the ball and catch it in position to shoot. A shot that does not hit your target and does not come back directly to you is a missed shot. After a miss, visualize a successful shot with good form, again saying your key words. Use feedback from the feel and direction of the ball. For example, if the miss was caused by your arm going to the side, add the key word straight. Use point if the ball went off the wrong finger, creating sidespin. Use hand if you caught the ball with your hands on the sides.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have 10 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the front of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the front of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Side-of-Board Shooting
This drill is the same as the front-of-board shooting drill except you use the side of the backboard. This drill puts more emphasis on a straight shot and good catch. On a shot that is slightly off, the rebound will go to the side. This enables you to practice jumping behind the ball to catch it in position to shoot.
Face the side of the backboard. Pick a spot near the top of the side of the board to serve as your target. Using a spot on the side of the backboard is excellent for fostering a straight shot. Aim the ball at your target on the side of the board, and shoot a jump shot at the target with a full follow-through (full elbow extension); you want to make the ball return to your shooting position so you don't have to move your hands on the catch. Catch the ball in position to shoot. Jump behind the ball on shots that rebound to your left or right side.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have at least 8 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the side of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the side of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Point-of-Board Shooting
This drill is the same as the front-of-board and side-of-board shooting drills except your target is the point of the backboard between the front and side of the board. This drill is obviously more difficult than the side-of-board shooting drill. It puts more emphasis on focusing and releasing the ball off your index finger. It also provides a greater challenge for jumping behind the ball in position to shoot. On shots that are off target, the rebound may go farther to the side than in the side-of-board shooting drill. This enables you to practice jumping behind the ball to catch it in position to shoot.
Face the point of the backboard. Pick a spot near the top of the point of the board to serve as your target. Focus on your target on the point of the board and shoot a jump shot to the target, emphasizing the release of the ball off your index finger. Catch the ball in position to shoot. Jump behind the ball on shots that rebound to your left or right side.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have at least 6 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the point of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the point of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
Develop your shot with shooting mechanics
These shots all share certain basic mechanics, including sight, balance, hand position, elbow-in alignment, rhythmical shooting motion, and follow-through.
Shooting Mechanics
Most players shoot seven basic shots: the one-hand set shot, the free throw, the jump shot, the three-point shot, the hook shot, the layup, and the runner. These shots all share certain basic mechanics, including sight, balance, hand position, elbow-in alignment, rhythmical shooting motion, and follow-through. The best way to develop your shot is to concentrate on only one or two mechanics at a time.
Sight. Focus your eyes on the basket, aiming just over the front of the rim for all shots except bank shots. Use a bank shot when you are at a 45-degree angle to the backboard. A 45-degree angle falls within the distance between the box and the middle hash mark on the lane line. The distance for the bank angle—called the 45-degree funnel—widens as you move out. When shooting a bank shot, aim for the top near corner of the box on the backboard.
Sight your target as soon as possible and keep your eyes focused on the target until the ball reaches the goal. Your eyes should never follow the flight of the ball or your defender's hand. Concentrating on the target helps eliminate distractions such as shouting, towel waving, an opponent's hand, or even a hard foul.
Balance. Balance leads to power and rhythmic control of your shot. Your base, or foot position, is the foundation of your balance, and keeping your head over your feet (base) controls your balance.
Spread your feet comfortably to shoulder width and point your toes straight ahead. Pointing your toes straight aligns your knees, hips, and shoulders with the basket. The foot on the side of your shooting hand (right foot for a right-handed shot) is forward. The toe of your back foot is aligned with the heel of the foot on your shooting side (toe-to-heel relationship).
Flex your legs at the knees. This gives crucial power to your shot. Beginning and fatigued players often fail to flex their knees. To compensate for the lack of power from not using their legs, they tend to throw the ball from behind the head or shove the ball from the hip. Both of these actions produce errors.
Your head should be over your waist and feet. Your head controls your balance and should be slightly forward, with your shoulders and upper body inclining forward toward the basket. Your shoulders should be relaxed.
Hand position. Hand position is the most misunderstood part of shooting. You want to make sure that you start and finish your shot with your shooting hand facing the basket (behind the ball). Placing the nonshooting hand (also called the balance hand) under the ball for balance is also important. This position, with the shooting hand facing the basket (behind the ball) and the nonshooting hand under the ball, is called the block-and-tuck. It leaves your shooting hand free to shoot the ball, rather than having to balance and shoot the ball.
Place your hands fairly close together. Relax both hands and spread the fingers comfortably. Keep the thumb of your shooting hand relaxed and not spread apart; this helps you avoid tension in your hand and forearm. A relaxed hand position (like a handshake) forms a natural cup, enabling the ball to contact the pads of your fingers and not your palm. Place your nonshooting hand slightly under the ball. The weight of the ball balances on at least two fingers: the ring finger and the little finger. The arm of your nonshooting hand should be in a comfortable position, with the elbow pointing slightly back and to the side. Your shooting hand is set behind the ball, facing the basket, with your index finger directly at the ball's midpoint. The ball is released off the pads of your index finger. On a free throw, you have time to align your index finger with the valve or another marking at the midpoint of the ball. Developing fingertip control and touch leads to a soft, accurate shot.
Elbow-in alignment. Hold the ball comfortably in front of and above your shooting shoulder between your ear and shoulder. Keep your shooting elbow in. When your shooting elbow is in, the ball is aligned with the basket. Some players do not have the flexibility to place the shooting hand behind the ball with the hand facing the front of the basket while keeping the elbow in. If this is the case, you should first place the shooting hand behind the ball, facing the front of the basket, and then move the elbow in as far as your flexibility allows.
Rhythmical shooting motion. Shooting involves synchronizing the extension of your legs, back, shoulders, and shooting arm and the flexion of your wrist and fingers. Shoot the ball with a smooth, free-flowing, and rhythmical lifting motion.
The initial force and rhythm for your shot come from a down-and-up motion of your legs. Start with your knees slightly flexed. Bend your knees and then fully extend them in a down-and-up motion. Saying the key words down and up!from the start of your shot until the release of the ball will trigger the down-and-up action of your legs, providing rhythm and range for your shot. Your legs and shooting arm work together. As your legs go up, your arm goes up. As your legs reach full extension, your back, shoulders, and shooting arm extend in a smooth, continuous upward direction. Be sure to keep the ball high with your shooting hand facing the basket. Use the down-and-up motion of your legs for rhythm, rather than lowering the ball for rhythm. Keeping the ball high fosters a quick release and also provides less chance for error.
As your arm goes up, the ball is tipped back from your nonshooting hand to your shooting hand. A good guide is to tip the ball back only until there is a wrinkle in the skin between your wrist and forearm. This angle provides a quick release and consistent follow-through. Direct your arm, wrist, and fingers straight toward the basket at a 45- to 60-degree angle, extending your shooting arm completely at the elbow. The final force and control of your shot come from flexing your wrist and fingers forward toward a spot just over the front of the rim. Release the ball off the pads of your index finger with soft fingertip touch to impart backspin on the ball and soften the shot. Keep your nonshooting hand on the ball until the point of release.
The amount of force you impart to the ball depends on the range of the shot. For short distances, the arm, wrist, and fingers provide most of the force. Long-range outside shots require the down-and-up motion of your legs with more force from your legs, back, and shoulders, and a complete follow-through.
Follow-through. After releasing the ball off the pads of your index finger, keep your arm up and fully extended with your index finger pointing straight to the target just over the front of the rim. The palm of your shooting hand should face slightly forward and down, and the palm of your balance hand should face slightly up. Keep your eyes on your target. Exaggerate your follow-through. Hold your arm up in a complete follow-through position until the ball reaches the basket, then react to the rebound or get into defensive position. Holding your follow-through until the ball reaches the basket is not only good mechanics, but it also makes you look and act like a shooter and increases your confidence.
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
A flash can create a scoring opportunity
Flashing to the ball relieves defensive pressure on your teammates by giving the passer another outlet.
Flash
Any time you see a teammate being denied the pass and you are the next player away, you should automatically flash to an open area between the passer and the overplayed teammate. Flashing to the ball relieves defensive pressure on your teammates by giving the passer another outlet. A flash can prevent a possible turnover, and when combined with a well-timed backdoor cut by the overplayed teammate, the flash can also create a scoring opportunity. Signal your flash cut with the key word flash!As you receive the pass, look to pass to your overplayed teammate cutting backdoor to the basket. If your teammate is covered on the backdoor cut, you should front turn into a triple-threat position for a possible shot, drive to the basket, or pass.
Flash high when your teammate is prevented from receiving a pass on the perimeter (figure 11.6). You can also flash to the high post when your teammate is being fronted in the low post (figure 11.7), and you can flash to the low post if your teammate is being denied at the high post (figure 11.8).
Misstep
Pressure defense prevents you and your teammates from getting open to receive a pass.
Correction
When your defender overplays you and denies you from receiving a pass, you should make a backdoor cut to the basket. When you see a defender denying your teammate from receiving a pass, you should automatically flash.
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
Shooting off the Catch Drill focuses on the fundamentals
This drill focuses on the fundamentals: shooting hand behind the ball, elbow-in alignment, release off the index finger, follow-through, and catching the ball in position to shoot.
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Front-of-Board Shooting
This drill focuses on the fundamentals: shooting hand behind the ball, elbow-in alignment, release off the index finger, follow-through, and catching the ball in position to shoot.
Face the backboard. Pick a spot near the top corner of the front of the board to serve as your target. Using a spot on the front of the backboard is excellent for fostering a straight shot. Begin with the ball in shooting position above your shooting shoulder. Place your shooting hand behind the ball, with your hand facing the target and with your index finger at the ball's midpoint. Aim the ball at your target on the front of the board, and shoot a jump shot at that target with a full follow-through (full elbow extension); you want to make the ball return to your shooting position so you don't have to move your hands on the catch. Say your personalized key words in rhythm from the start of your shot to the release of the ball. If the ball does not return to your starting position, jump behind the ball and catch it in position to shoot. A shot that does not hit your target and does not come back directly to you is a missed shot. After a miss, visualize a successful shot with good form, again saying your key words. Use feedback from the feel and direction of the ball. For example, if the miss was caused by your arm going to the side, add the key word straight. Use point if the ball went off the wrong finger, creating sidespin. Use hand if you caught the ball with your hands on the sides.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have 10 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the front of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the front of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Side-of-Board Shooting
This drill is the same as the front-of-board shooting drill except you use the side of the backboard. This drill puts more emphasis on a straight shot and good catch. On a shot that is slightly off, the rebound will go to the side. This enables you to practice jumping behind the ball to catch it in position to shoot.
Face the side of the backboard. Pick a spot near the top of the side of the board to serve as your target. Using a spot on the side of the backboard is excellent for fostering a straight shot. Aim the ball at your target on the side of the board, and shoot a jump shot at the target with a full follow-through (full elbow extension); you want to make the ball return to your shooting position so you don't have to move your hands on the catch. Catch the ball in position to shoot. Jump behind the ball on shots that rebound to your left or right side.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have at least 8 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the side of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the side of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Point-of-Board Shooting
This drill is the same as the front-of-board and side-of-board shooting drills except your target is the point of the backboard between the front and side of the board. This drill is obviously more difficult than the side-of-board shooting drill. It puts more emphasis on focusing and releasing the ball off your index finger. It also provides a greater challenge for jumping behind the ball in position to shoot. On shots that are off target, the rebound may go farther to the side than in the side-of-board shooting drill. This enables you to practice jumping behind the ball to catch it in position to shoot.
Face the point of the backboard. Pick a spot near the top of the point of the board to serve as your target. Focus on your target on the point of the board and shoot a jump shot to the target, emphasizing the release of the ball off your index finger. Catch the ball in position to shoot. Jump behind the ball on shots that rebound to your left or right side.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have at least 6 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the point of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the point of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
Develop your shot with shooting mechanics
These shots all share certain basic mechanics, including sight, balance, hand position, elbow-in alignment, rhythmical shooting motion, and follow-through.
Shooting Mechanics
Most players shoot seven basic shots: the one-hand set shot, the free throw, the jump shot, the three-point shot, the hook shot, the layup, and the runner. These shots all share certain basic mechanics, including sight, balance, hand position, elbow-in alignment, rhythmical shooting motion, and follow-through. The best way to develop your shot is to concentrate on only one or two mechanics at a time.
Sight. Focus your eyes on the basket, aiming just over the front of the rim for all shots except bank shots. Use a bank shot when you are at a 45-degree angle to the backboard. A 45-degree angle falls within the distance between the box and the middle hash mark on the lane line. The distance for the bank angle—called the 45-degree funnel—widens as you move out. When shooting a bank shot, aim for the top near corner of the box on the backboard.
Sight your target as soon as possible and keep your eyes focused on the target until the ball reaches the goal. Your eyes should never follow the flight of the ball or your defender's hand. Concentrating on the target helps eliminate distractions such as shouting, towel waving, an opponent's hand, or even a hard foul.
Balance. Balance leads to power and rhythmic control of your shot. Your base, or foot position, is the foundation of your balance, and keeping your head over your feet (base) controls your balance.
Spread your feet comfortably to shoulder width and point your toes straight ahead. Pointing your toes straight aligns your knees, hips, and shoulders with the basket. The foot on the side of your shooting hand (right foot for a right-handed shot) is forward. The toe of your back foot is aligned with the heel of the foot on your shooting side (toe-to-heel relationship).
Flex your legs at the knees. This gives crucial power to your shot. Beginning and fatigued players often fail to flex their knees. To compensate for the lack of power from not using their legs, they tend to throw the ball from behind the head or shove the ball from the hip. Both of these actions produce errors.
Your head should be over your waist and feet. Your head controls your balance and should be slightly forward, with your shoulders and upper body inclining forward toward the basket. Your shoulders should be relaxed.
Hand position. Hand position is the most misunderstood part of shooting. You want to make sure that you start and finish your shot with your shooting hand facing the basket (behind the ball). Placing the nonshooting hand (also called the balance hand) under the ball for balance is also important. This position, with the shooting hand facing the basket (behind the ball) and the nonshooting hand under the ball, is called the block-and-tuck. It leaves your shooting hand free to shoot the ball, rather than having to balance and shoot the ball.
Place your hands fairly close together. Relax both hands and spread the fingers comfortably. Keep the thumb of your shooting hand relaxed and not spread apart; this helps you avoid tension in your hand and forearm. A relaxed hand position (like a handshake) forms a natural cup, enabling the ball to contact the pads of your fingers and not your palm. Place your nonshooting hand slightly under the ball. The weight of the ball balances on at least two fingers: the ring finger and the little finger. The arm of your nonshooting hand should be in a comfortable position, with the elbow pointing slightly back and to the side. Your shooting hand is set behind the ball, facing the basket, with your index finger directly at the ball's midpoint. The ball is released off the pads of your index finger. On a free throw, you have time to align your index finger with the valve or another marking at the midpoint of the ball. Developing fingertip control and touch leads to a soft, accurate shot.
Elbow-in alignment. Hold the ball comfortably in front of and above your shooting shoulder between your ear and shoulder. Keep your shooting elbow in. When your shooting elbow is in, the ball is aligned with the basket. Some players do not have the flexibility to place the shooting hand behind the ball with the hand facing the front of the basket while keeping the elbow in. If this is the case, you should first place the shooting hand behind the ball, facing the front of the basket, and then move the elbow in as far as your flexibility allows.
Rhythmical shooting motion. Shooting involves synchronizing the extension of your legs, back, shoulders, and shooting arm and the flexion of your wrist and fingers. Shoot the ball with a smooth, free-flowing, and rhythmical lifting motion.
The initial force and rhythm for your shot come from a down-and-up motion of your legs. Start with your knees slightly flexed. Bend your knees and then fully extend them in a down-and-up motion. Saying the key words down and up!from the start of your shot until the release of the ball will trigger the down-and-up action of your legs, providing rhythm and range for your shot. Your legs and shooting arm work together. As your legs go up, your arm goes up. As your legs reach full extension, your back, shoulders, and shooting arm extend in a smooth, continuous upward direction. Be sure to keep the ball high with your shooting hand facing the basket. Use the down-and-up motion of your legs for rhythm, rather than lowering the ball for rhythm. Keeping the ball high fosters a quick release and also provides less chance for error.
As your arm goes up, the ball is tipped back from your nonshooting hand to your shooting hand. A good guide is to tip the ball back only until there is a wrinkle in the skin between your wrist and forearm. This angle provides a quick release and consistent follow-through. Direct your arm, wrist, and fingers straight toward the basket at a 45- to 60-degree angle, extending your shooting arm completely at the elbow. The final force and control of your shot come from flexing your wrist and fingers forward toward a spot just over the front of the rim. Release the ball off the pads of your index finger with soft fingertip touch to impart backspin on the ball and soften the shot. Keep your nonshooting hand on the ball until the point of release.
The amount of force you impart to the ball depends on the range of the shot. For short distances, the arm, wrist, and fingers provide most of the force. Long-range outside shots require the down-and-up motion of your legs with more force from your legs, back, and shoulders, and a complete follow-through.
Follow-through. After releasing the ball off the pads of your index finger, keep your arm up and fully extended with your index finger pointing straight to the target just over the front of the rim. The palm of your shooting hand should face slightly forward and down, and the palm of your balance hand should face slightly up. Keep your eyes on your target. Exaggerate your follow-through. Hold your arm up in a complete follow-through position until the ball reaches the basket, then react to the rebound or get into defensive position. Holding your follow-through until the ball reaches the basket is not only good mechanics, but it also makes you look and act like a shooter and increases your confidence.
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
A flash can create a scoring opportunity
Flashing to the ball relieves defensive pressure on your teammates by giving the passer another outlet.
Flash
Any time you see a teammate being denied the pass and you are the next player away, you should automatically flash to an open area between the passer and the overplayed teammate. Flashing to the ball relieves defensive pressure on your teammates by giving the passer another outlet. A flash can prevent a possible turnover, and when combined with a well-timed backdoor cut by the overplayed teammate, the flash can also create a scoring opportunity. Signal your flash cut with the key word flash!As you receive the pass, look to pass to your overplayed teammate cutting backdoor to the basket. If your teammate is covered on the backdoor cut, you should front turn into a triple-threat position for a possible shot, drive to the basket, or pass.
Flash high when your teammate is prevented from receiving a pass on the perimeter (figure 11.6). You can also flash to the high post when your teammate is being fronted in the low post (figure 11.7), and you can flash to the low post if your teammate is being denied at the high post (figure 11.8).
Misstep
Pressure defense prevents you and your teammates from getting open to receive a pass.
Correction
When your defender overplays you and denies you from receiving a pass, you should make a backdoor cut to the basket. When you see a defender denying your teammate from receiving a pass, you should automatically flash.
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
Shooting off the Catch Drill focuses on the fundamentals
This drill focuses on the fundamentals: shooting hand behind the ball, elbow-in alignment, release off the index finger, follow-through, and catching the ball in position to shoot.
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Front-of-Board Shooting
This drill focuses on the fundamentals: shooting hand behind the ball, elbow-in alignment, release off the index finger, follow-through, and catching the ball in position to shoot.
Face the backboard. Pick a spot near the top corner of the front of the board to serve as your target. Using a spot on the front of the backboard is excellent for fostering a straight shot. Begin with the ball in shooting position above your shooting shoulder. Place your shooting hand behind the ball, with your hand facing the target and with your index finger at the ball's midpoint. Aim the ball at your target on the front of the board, and shoot a jump shot at that target with a full follow-through (full elbow extension); you want to make the ball return to your shooting position so you don't have to move your hands on the catch. Say your personalized key words in rhythm from the start of your shot to the release of the ball. If the ball does not return to your starting position, jump behind the ball and catch it in position to shoot. A shot that does not hit your target and does not come back directly to you is a missed shot. After a miss, visualize a successful shot with good form, again saying your key words. Use feedback from the feel and direction of the ball. For example, if the miss was caused by your arm going to the side, add the key word straight. Use point if the ball went off the wrong finger, creating sidespin. Use hand if you caught the ball with your hands on the sides.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have 10 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the front of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the front of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Side-of-Board Shooting
This drill is the same as the front-of-board shooting drill except you use the side of the backboard. This drill puts more emphasis on a straight shot and good catch. On a shot that is slightly off, the rebound will go to the side. This enables you to practice jumping behind the ball to catch it in position to shoot.
Face the side of the backboard. Pick a spot near the top of the side of the board to serve as your target. Using a spot on the side of the backboard is excellent for fostering a straight shot. Aim the ball at your target on the side of the board, and shoot a jump shot at the target with a full follow-through (full elbow extension); you want to make the ball return to your shooting position so you don't have to move your hands on the catch. Catch the ball in position to shoot. Jump behind the ball on shots that rebound to your left or right side.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have at least 8 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the side of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the side of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Point-of-Board Shooting
This drill is the same as the front-of-board and side-of-board shooting drills except your target is the point of the backboard between the front and side of the board. This drill is obviously more difficult than the side-of-board shooting drill. It puts more emphasis on focusing and releasing the ball off your index finger. It also provides a greater challenge for jumping behind the ball in position to shoot. On shots that are off target, the rebound may go farther to the side than in the side-of-board shooting drill. This enables you to practice jumping behind the ball to catch it in position to shoot.
Face the point of the backboard. Pick a spot near the top of the point of the board to serve as your target. Focus on your target on the point of the board and shoot a jump shot to the target, emphasizing the release of the ball off your index finger. Catch the ball in position to shoot. Jump behind the ball on shots that rebound to your left or right side.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have at least 6 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the point of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the point of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
Develop your shot with shooting mechanics
These shots all share certain basic mechanics, including sight, balance, hand position, elbow-in alignment, rhythmical shooting motion, and follow-through.
Shooting Mechanics
Most players shoot seven basic shots: the one-hand set shot, the free throw, the jump shot, the three-point shot, the hook shot, the layup, and the runner. These shots all share certain basic mechanics, including sight, balance, hand position, elbow-in alignment, rhythmical shooting motion, and follow-through. The best way to develop your shot is to concentrate on only one or two mechanics at a time.
Sight. Focus your eyes on the basket, aiming just over the front of the rim for all shots except bank shots. Use a bank shot when you are at a 45-degree angle to the backboard. A 45-degree angle falls within the distance between the box and the middle hash mark on the lane line. The distance for the bank angle—called the 45-degree funnel—widens as you move out. When shooting a bank shot, aim for the top near corner of the box on the backboard.
Sight your target as soon as possible and keep your eyes focused on the target until the ball reaches the goal. Your eyes should never follow the flight of the ball or your defender's hand. Concentrating on the target helps eliminate distractions such as shouting, towel waving, an opponent's hand, or even a hard foul.
Balance. Balance leads to power and rhythmic control of your shot. Your base, or foot position, is the foundation of your balance, and keeping your head over your feet (base) controls your balance.
Spread your feet comfortably to shoulder width and point your toes straight ahead. Pointing your toes straight aligns your knees, hips, and shoulders with the basket. The foot on the side of your shooting hand (right foot for a right-handed shot) is forward. The toe of your back foot is aligned with the heel of the foot on your shooting side (toe-to-heel relationship).
Flex your legs at the knees. This gives crucial power to your shot. Beginning and fatigued players often fail to flex their knees. To compensate for the lack of power from not using their legs, they tend to throw the ball from behind the head or shove the ball from the hip. Both of these actions produce errors.
Your head should be over your waist and feet. Your head controls your balance and should be slightly forward, with your shoulders and upper body inclining forward toward the basket. Your shoulders should be relaxed.
Hand position. Hand position is the most misunderstood part of shooting. You want to make sure that you start and finish your shot with your shooting hand facing the basket (behind the ball). Placing the nonshooting hand (also called the balance hand) under the ball for balance is also important. This position, with the shooting hand facing the basket (behind the ball) and the nonshooting hand under the ball, is called the block-and-tuck. It leaves your shooting hand free to shoot the ball, rather than having to balance and shoot the ball.
Place your hands fairly close together. Relax both hands and spread the fingers comfortably. Keep the thumb of your shooting hand relaxed and not spread apart; this helps you avoid tension in your hand and forearm. A relaxed hand position (like a handshake) forms a natural cup, enabling the ball to contact the pads of your fingers and not your palm. Place your nonshooting hand slightly under the ball. The weight of the ball balances on at least two fingers: the ring finger and the little finger. The arm of your nonshooting hand should be in a comfortable position, with the elbow pointing slightly back and to the side. Your shooting hand is set behind the ball, facing the basket, with your index finger directly at the ball's midpoint. The ball is released off the pads of your index finger. On a free throw, you have time to align your index finger with the valve or another marking at the midpoint of the ball. Developing fingertip control and touch leads to a soft, accurate shot.
Elbow-in alignment. Hold the ball comfortably in front of and above your shooting shoulder between your ear and shoulder. Keep your shooting elbow in. When your shooting elbow is in, the ball is aligned with the basket. Some players do not have the flexibility to place the shooting hand behind the ball with the hand facing the front of the basket while keeping the elbow in. If this is the case, you should first place the shooting hand behind the ball, facing the front of the basket, and then move the elbow in as far as your flexibility allows.
Rhythmical shooting motion. Shooting involves synchronizing the extension of your legs, back, shoulders, and shooting arm and the flexion of your wrist and fingers. Shoot the ball with a smooth, free-flowing, and rhythmical lifting motion.
The initial force and rhythm for your shot come from a down-and-up motion of your legs. Start with your knees slightly flexed. Bend your knees and then fully extend them in a down-and-up motion. Saying the key words down and up!from the start of your shot until the release of the ball will trigger the down-and-up action of your legs, providing rhythm and range for your shot. Your legs and shooting arm work together. As your legs go up, your arm goes up. As your legs reach full extension, your back, shoulders, and shooting arm extend in a smooth, continuous upward direction. Be sure to keep the ball high with your shooting hand facing the basket. Use the down-and-up motion of your legs for rhythm, rather than lowering the ball for rhythm. Keeping the ball high fosters a quick release and also provides less chance for error.
As your arm goes up, the ball is tipped back from your nonshooting hand to your shooting hand. A good guide is to tip the ball back only until there is a wrinkle in the skin between your wrist and forearm. This angle provides a quick release and consistent follow-through. Direct your arm, wrist, and fingers straight toward the basket at a 45- to 60-degree angle, extending your shooting arm completely at the elbow. The final force and control of your shot come from flexing your wrist and fingers forward toward a spot just over the front of the rim. Release the ball off the pads of your index finger with soft fingertip touch to impart backspin on the ball and soften the shot. Keep your nonshooting hand on the ball until the point of release.
The amount of force you impart to the ball depends on the range of the shot. For short distances, the arm, wrist, and fingers provide most of the force. Long-range outside shots require the down-and-up motion of your legs with more force from your legs, back, and shoulders, and a complete follow-through.
Follow-through. After releasing the ball off the pads of your index finger, keep your arm up and fully extended with your index finger pointing straight to the target just over the front of the rim. The palm of your shooting hand should face slightly forward and down, and the palm of your balance hand should face slightly up. Keep your eyes on your target. Exaggerate your follow-through. Hold your arm up in a complete follow-through position until the ball reaches the basket, then react to the rebound or get into defensive position. Holding your follow-through until the ball reaches the basket is not only good mechanics, but it also makes you look and act like a shooter and increases your confidence.
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
A flash can create a scoring opportunity
Flashing to the ball relieves defensive pressure on your teammates by giving the passer another outlet.
Flash
Any time you see a teammate being denied the pass and you are the next player away, you should automatically flash to an open area between the passer and the overplayed teammate. Flashing to the ball relieves defensive pressure on your teammates by giving the passer another outlet. A flash can prevent a possible turnover, and when combined with a well-timed backdoor cut by the overplayed teammate, the flash can also create a scoring opportunity. Signal your flash cut with the key word flash!As you receive the pass, look to pass to your overplayed teammate cutting backdoor to the basket. If your teammate is covered on the backdoor cut, you should front turn into a triple-threat position for a possible shot, drive to the basket, or pass.
Flash high when your teammate is prevented from receiving a pass on the perimeter (figure 11.6). You can also flash to the high post when your teammate is being fronted in the low post (figure 11.7), and you can flash to the low post if your teammate is being denied at the high post (figure 11.8).
Misstep
Pressure defense prevents you and your teammates from getting open to receive a pass.
Correction
When your defender overplays you and denies you from receiving a pass, you should make a backdoor cut to the basket. When you see a defender denying your teammate from receiving a pass, you should automatically flash.
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
Shooting off the Catch Drill focuses on the fundamentals
This drill focuses on the fundamentals: shooting hand behind the ball, elbow-in alignment, release off the index finger, follow-through, and catching the ball in position to shoot.
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Front-of-Board Shooting
This drill focuses on the fundamentals: shooting hand behind the ball, elbow-in alignment, release off the index finger, follow-through, and catching the ball in position to shoot.
Face the backboard. Pick a spot near the top corner of the front of the board to serve as your target. Using a spot on the front of the backboard is excellent for fostering a straight shot. Begin with the ball in shooting position above your shooting shoulder. Place your shooting hand behind the ball, with your hand facing the target and with your index finger at the ball's midpoint. Aim the ball at your target on the front of the board, and shoot a jump shot at that target with a full follow-through (full elbow extension); you want to make the ball return to your shooting position so you don't have to move your hands on the catch. Say your personalized key words in rhythm from the start of your shot to the release of the ball. If the ball does not return to your starting position, jump behind the ball and catch it in position to shoot. A shot that does not hit your target and does not come back directly to you is a missed shot. After a miss, visualize a successful shot with good form, again saying your key words. Use feedback from the feel and direction of the ball. For example, if the miss was caused by your arm going to the side, add the key word straight. Use point if the ball went off the wrong finger, creating sidespin. Use hand if you caught the ball with your hands on the sides.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have 10 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the front of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the front of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Side-of-Board Shooting
This drill is the same as the front-of-board shooting drill except you use the side of the backboard. This drill puts more emphasis on a straight shot and good catch. On a shot that is slightly off, the rebound will go to the side. This enables you to practice jumping behind the ball to catch it in position to shoot.
Face the side of the backboard. Pick a spot near the top of the side of the board to serve as your target. Using a spot on the side of the backboard is excellent for fostering a straight shot. Aim the ball at your target on the side of the board, and shoot a jump shot at the target with a full follow-through (full elbow extension); you want to make the ball return to your shooting position so you don't have to move your hands on the catch. Catch the ball in position to shoot. Jump behind the ball on shots that rebound to your left or right side.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have at least 8 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the side of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the side of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Point-of-Board Shooting
This drill is the same as the front-of-board and side-of-board shooting drills except your target is the point of the backboard between the front and side of the board. This drill is obviously more difficult than the side-of-board shooting drill. It puts more emphasis on focusing and releasing the ball off your index finger. It also provides a greater challenge for jumping behind the ball in position to shoot. On shots that are off target, the rebound may go farther to the side than in the side-of-board shooting drill. This enables you to practice jumping behind the ball to catch it in position to shoot.
Face the point of the backboard. Pick a spot near the top of the point of the board to serve as your target. Focus on your target on the point of the board and shoot a jump shot to the target, emphasizing the release of the ball off your index finger. Catch the ball in position to shoot. Jump behind the ball on shots that rebound to your left or right side.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have at least 6 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the point of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the point of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
Develop your shot with shooting mechanics
These shots all share certain basic mechanics, including sight, balance, hand position, elbow-in alignment, rhythmical shooting motion, and follow-through.
Shooting Mechanics
Most players shoot seven basic shots: the one-hand set shot, the free throw, the jump shot, the three-point shot, the hook shot, the layup, and the runner. These shots all share certain basic mechanics, including sight, balance, hand position, elbow-in alignment, rhythmical shooting motion, and follow-through. The best way to develop your shot is to concentrate on only one or two mechanics at a time.
Sight. Focus your eyes on the basket, aiming just over the front of the rim for all shots except bank shots. Use a bank shot when you are at a 45-degree angle to the backboard. A 45-degree angle falls within the distance between the box and the middle hash mark on the lane line. The distance for the bank angle—called the 45-degree funnel—widens as you move out. When shooting a bank shot, aim for the top near corner of the box on the backboard.
Sight your target as soon as possible and keep your eyes focused on the target until the ball reaches the goal. Your eyes should never follow the flight of the ball or your defender's hand. Concentrating on the target helps eliminate distractions such as shouting, towel waving, an opponent's hand, or even a hard foul.
Balance. Balance leads to power and rhythmic control of your shot. Your base, or foot position, is the foundation of your balance, and keeping your head over your feet (base) controls your balance.
Spread your feet comfortably to shoulder width and point your toes straight ahead. Pointing your toes straight aligns your knees, hips, and shoulders with the basket. The foot on the side of your shooting hand (right foot for a right-handed shot) is forward. The toe of your back foot is aligned with the heel of the foot on your shooting side (toe-to-heel relationship).
Flex your legs at the knees. This gives crucial power to your shot. Beginning and fatigued players often fail to flex their knees. To compensate for the lack of power from not using their legs, they tend to throw the ball from behind the head or shove the ball from the hip. Both of these actions produce errors.
Your head should be over your waist and feet. Your head controls your balance and should be slightly forward, with your shoulders and upper body inclining forward toward the basket. Your shoulders should be relaxed.
Hand position. Hand position is the most misunderstood part of shooting. You want to make sure that you start and finish your shot with your shooting hand facing the basket (behind the ball). Placing the nonshooting hand (also called the balance hand) under the ball for balance is also important. This position, with the shooting hand facing the basket (behind the ball) and the nonshooting hand under the ball, is called the block-and-tuck. It leaves your shooting hand free to shoot the ball, rather than having to balance and shoot the ball.
Place your hands fairly close together. Relax both hands and spread the fingers comfortably. Keep the thumb of your shooting hand relaxed and not spread apart; this helps you avoid tension in your hand and forearm. A relaxed hand position (like a handshake) forms a natural cup, enabling the ball to contact the pads of your fingers and not your palm. Place your nonshooting hand slightly under the ball. The weight of the ball balances on at least two fingers: the ring finger and the little finger. The arm of your nonshooting hand should be in a comfortable position, with the elbow pointing slightly back and to the side. Your shooting hand is set behind the ball, facing the basket, with your index finger directly at the ball's midpoint. The ball is released off the pads of your index finger. On a free throw, you have time to align your index finger with the valve or another marking at the midpoint of the ball. Developing fingertip control and touch leads to a soft, accurate shot.
Elbow-in alignment. Hold the ball comfortably in front of and above your shooting shoulder between your ear and shoulder. Keep your shooting elbow in. When your shooting elbow is in, the ball is aligned with the basket. Some players do not have the flexibility to place the shooting hand behind the ball with the hand facing the front of the basket while keeping the elbow in. If this is the case, you should first place the shooting hand behind the ball, facing the front of the basket, and then move the elbow in as far as your flexibility allows.
Rhythmical shooting motion. Shooting involves synchronizing the extension of your legs, back, shoulders, and shooting arm and the flexion of your wrist and fingers. Shoot the ball with a smooth, free-flowing, and rhythmical lifting motion.
The initial force and rhythm for your shot come from a down-and-up motion of your legs. Start with your knees slightly flexed. Bend your knees and then fully extend them in a down-and-up motion. Saying the key words down and up!from the start of your shot until the release of the ball will trigger the down-and-up action of your legs, providing rhythm and range for your shot. Your legs and shooting arm work together. As your legs go up, your arm goes up. As your legs reach full extension, your back, shoulders, and shooting arm extend in a smooth, continuous upward direction. Be sure to keep the ball high with your shooting hand facing the basket. Use the down-and-up motion of your legs for rhythm, rather than lowering the ball for rhythm. Keeping the ball high fosters a quick release and also provides less chance for error.
As your arm goes up, the ball is tipped back from your nonshooting hand to your shooting hand. A good guide is to tip the ball back only until there is a wrinkle in the skin between your wrist and forearm. This angle provides a quick release and consistent follow-through. Direct your arm, wrist, and fingers straight toward the basket at a 45- to 60-degree angle, extending your shooting arm completely at the elbow. The final force and control of your shot come from flexing your wrist and fingers forward toward a spot just over the front of the rim. Release the ball off the pads of your index finger with soft fingertip touch to impart backspin on the ball and soften the shot. Keep your nonshooting hand on the ball until the point of release.
The amount of force you impart to the ball depends on the range of the shot. For short distances, the arm, wrist, and fingers provide most of the force. Long-range outside shots require the down-and-up motion of your legs with more force from your legs, back, and shoulders, and a complete follow-through.
Follow-through. After releasing the ball off the pads of your index finger, keep your arm up and fully extended with your index finger pointing straight to the target just over the front of the rim. The palm of your shooting hand should face slightly forward and down, and the palm of your balance hand should face slightly up. Keep your eyes on your target. Exaggerate your follow-through. Hold your arm up in a complete follow-through position until the ball reaches the basket, then react to the rebound or get into defensive position. Holding your follow-through until the ball reaches the basket is not only good mechanics, but it also makes you look and act like a shooter and increases your confidence.
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
A flash can create a scoring opportunity
Flashing to the ball relieves defensive pressure on your teammates by giving the passer another outlet.
Flash
Any time you see a teammate being denied the pass and you are the next player away, you should automatically flash to an open area between the passer and the overplayed teammate. Flashing to the ball relieves defensive pressure on your teammates by giving the passer another outlet. A flash can prevent a possible turnover, and when combined with a well-timed backdoor cut by the overplayed teammate, the flash can also create a scoring opportunity. Signal your flash cut with the key word flash!As you receive the pass, look to pass to your overplayed teammate cutting backdoor to the basket. If your teammate is covered on the backdoor cut, you should front turn into a triple-threat position for a possible shot, drive to the basket, or pass.
Flash high when your teammate is prevented from receiving a pass on the perimeter (figure 11.6). You can also flash to the high post when your teammate is being fronted in the low post (figure 11.7), and you can flash to the low post if your teammate is being denied at the high post (figure 11.8).
Misstep
Pressure defense prevents you and your teammates from getting open to receive a pass.
Correction
When your defender overplays you and denies you from receiving a pass, you should make a backdoor cut to the basket. When you see a defender denying your teammate from receiving a pass, you should automatically flash.
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
Shooting off the Catch Drill focuses on the fundamentals
This drill focuses on the fundamentals: shooting hand behind the ball, elbow-in alignment, release off the index finger, follow-through, and catching the ball in position to shoot.
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Front-of-Board Shooting
This drill focuses on the fundamentals: shooting hand behind the ball, elbow-in alignment, release off the index finger, follow-through, and catching the ball in position to shoot.
Face the backboard. Pick a spot near the top corner of the front of the board to serve as your target. Using a spot on the front of the backboard is excellent for fostering a straight shot. Begin with the ball in shooting position above your shooting shoulder. Place your shooting hand behind the ball, with your hand facing the target and with your index finger at the ball's midpoint. Aim the ball at your target on the front of the board, and shoot a jump shot at that target with a full follow-through (full elbow extension); you want to make the ball return to your shooting position so you don't have to move your hands on the catch. Say your personalized key words in rhythm from the start of your shot to the release of the ball. If the ball does not return to your starting position, jump behind the ball and catch it in position to shoot. A shot that does not hit your target and does not come back directly to you is a missed shot. After a miss, visualize a successful shot with good form, again saying your key words. Use feedback from the feel and direction of the ball. For example, if the miss was caused by your arm going to the side, add the key word straight. Use point if the ball went off the wrong finger, creating sidespin. Use hand if you caught the ball with your hands on the sides.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have 10 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the front of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the front of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Side-of-Board Shooting
This drill is the same as the front-of-board shooting drill except you use the side of the backboard. This drill puts more emphasis on a straight shot and good catch. On a shot that is slightly off, the rebound will go to the side. This enables you to practice jumping behind the ball to catch it in position to shoot.
Face the side of the backboard. Pick a spot near the top of the side of the board to serve as your target. Using a spot on the side of the backboard is excellent for fostering a straight shot. Aim the ball at your target on the side of the board, and shoot a jump shot at the target with a full follow-through (full elbow extension); you want to make the ball return to your shooting position so you don't have to move your hands on the catch. Catch the ball in position to shoot. Jump behind the ball on shots that rebound to your left or right side.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have at least 8 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the side of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the side of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Point-of-Board Shooting
This drill is the same as the front-of-board and side-of-board shooting drills except your target is the point of the backboard between the front and side of the board. This drill is obviously more difficult than the side-of-board shooting drill. It puts more emphasis on focusing and releasing the ball off your index finger. It also provides a greater challenge for jumping behind the ball in position to shoot. On shots that are off target, the rebound may go farther to the side than in the side-of-board shooting drill. This enables you to practice jumping behind the ball to catch it in position to shoot.
Face the point of the backboard. Pick a spot near the top of the point of the board to serve as your target. Focus on your target on the point of the board and shoot a jump shot to the target, emphasizing the release of the ball off your index finger. Catch the ball in position to shoot. Jump behind the ball on shots that rebound to your left or right side.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have at least 6 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the point of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the point of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
Develop your shot with shooting mechanics
These shots all share certain basic mechanics, including sight, balance, hand position, elbow-in alignment, rhythmical shooting motion, and follow-through.
Shooting Mechanics
Most players shoot seven basic shots: the one-hand set shot, the free throw, the jump shot, the three-point shot, the hook shot, the layup, and the runner. These shots all share certain basic mechanics, including sight, balance, hand position, elbow-in alignment, rhythmical shooting motion, and follow-through. The best way to develop your shot is to concentrate on only one or two mechanics at a time.
Sight. Focus your eyes on the basket, aiming just over the front of the rim for all shots except bank shots. Use a bank shot when you are at a 45-degree angle to the backboard. A 45-degree angle falls within the distance between the box and the middle hash mark on the lane line. The distance for the bank angle—called the 45-degree funnel—widens as you move out. When shooting a bank shot, aim for the top near corner of the box on the backboard.
Sight your target as soon as possible and keep your eyes focused on the target until the ball reaches the goal. Your eyes should never follow the flight of the ball or your defender's hand. Concentrating on the target helps eliminate distractions such as shouting, towel waving, an opponent's hand, or even a hard foul.
Balance. Balance leads to power and rhythmic control of your shot. Your base, or foot position, is the foundation of your balance, and keeping your head over your feet (base) controls your balance.
Spread your feet comfortably to shoulder width and point your toes straight ahead. Pointing your toes straight aligns your knees, hips, and shoulders with the basket. The foot on the side of your shooting hand (right foot for a right-handed shot) is forward. The toe of your back foot is aligned with the heel of the foot on your shooting side (toe-to-heel relationship).
Flex your legs at the knees. This gives crucial power to your shot. Beginning and fatigued players often fail to flex their knees. To compensate for the lack of power from not using their legs, they tend to throw the ball from behind the head or shove the ball from the hip. Both of these actions produce errors.
Your head should be over your waist and feet. Your head controls your balance and should be slightly forward, with your shoulders and upper body inclining forward toward the basket. Your shoulders should be relaxed.
Hand position. Hand position is the most misunderstood part of shooting. You want to make sure that you start and finish your shot with your shooting hand facing the basket (behind the ball). Placing the nonshooting hand (also called the balance hand) under the ball for balance is also important. This position, with the shooting hand facing the basket (behind the ball) and the nonshooting hand under the ball, is called the block-and-tuck. It leaves your shooting hand free to shoot the ball, rather than having to balance and shoot the ball.
Place your hands fairly close together. Relax both hands and spread the fingers comfortably. Keep the thumb of your shooting hand relaxed and not spread apart; this helps you avoid tension in your hand and forearm. A relaxed hand position (like a handshake) forms a natural cup, enabling the ball to contact the pads of your fingers and not your palm. Place your nonshooting hand slightly under the ball. The weight of the ball balances on at least two fingers: the ring finger and the little finger. The arm of your nonshooting hand should be in a comfortable position, with the elbow pointing slightly back and to the side. Your shooting hand is set behind the ball, facing the basket, with your index finger directly at the ball's midpoint. The ball is released off the pads of your index finger. On a free throw, you have time to align your index finger with the valve or another marking at the midpoint of the ball. Developing fingertip control and touch leads to a soft, accurate shot.
Elbow-in alignment. Hold the ball comfortably in front of and above your shooting shoulder between your ear and shoulder. Keep your shooting elbow in. When your shooting elbow is in, the ball is aligned with the basket. Some players do not have the flexibility to place the shooting hand behind the ball with the hand facing the front of the basket while keeping the elbow in. If this is the case, you should first place the shooting hand behind the ball, facing the front of the basket, and then move the elbow in as far as your flexibility allows.
Rhythmical shooting motion. Shooting involves synchronizing the extension of your legs, back, shoulders, and shooting arm and the flexion of your wrist and fingers. Shoot the ball with a smooth, free-flowing, and rhythmical lifting motion.
The initial force and rhythm for your shot come from a down-and-up motion of your legs. Start with your knees slightly flexed. Bend your knees and then fully extend them in a down-and-up motion. Saying the key words down and up!from the start of your shot until the release of the ball will trigger the down-and-up action of your legs, providing rhythm and range for your shot. Your legs and shooting arm work together. As your legs go up, your arm goes up. As your legs reach full extension, your back, shoulders, and shooting arm extend in a smooth, continuous upward direction. Be sure to keep the ball high with your shooting hand facing the basket. Use the down-and-up motion of your legs for rhythm, rather than lowering the ball for rhythm. Keeping the ball high fosters a quick release and also provides less chance for error.
As your arm goes up, the ball is tipped back from your nonshooting hand to your shooting hand. A good guide is to tip the ball back only until there is a wrinkle in the skin between your wrist and forearm. This angle provides a quick release and consistent follow-through. Direct your arm, wrist, and fingers straight toward the basket at a 45- to 60-degree angle, extending your shooting arm completely at the elbow. The final force and control of your shot come from flexing your wrist and fingers forward toward a spot just over the front of the rim. Release the ball off the pads of your index finger with soft fingertip touch to impart backspin on the ball and soften the shot. Keep your nonshooting hand on the ball until the point of release.
The amount of force you impart to the ball depends on the range of the shot. For short distances, the arm, wrist, and fingers provide most of the force. Long-range outside shots require the down-and-up motion of your legs with more force from your legs, back, and shoulders, and a complete follow-through.
Follow-through. After releasing the ball off the pads of your index finger, keep your arm up and fully extended with your index finger pointing straight to the target just over the front of the rim. The palm of your shooting hand should face slightly forward and down, and the palm of your balance hand should face slightly up. Keep your eyes on your target. Exaggerate your follow-through. Hold your arm up in a complete follow-through position until the ball reaches the basket, then react to the rebound or get into defensive position. Holding your follow-through until the ball reaches the basket is not only good mechanics, but it also makes you look and act like a shooter and increases your confidence.
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
A flash can create a scoring opportunity
Flashing to the ball relieves defensive pressure on your teammates by giving the passer another outlet.
Flash
Any time you see a teammate being denied the pass and you are the next player away, you should automatically flash to an open area between the passer and the overplayed teammate. Flashing to the ball relieves defensive pressure on your teammates by giving the passer another outlet. A flash can prevent a possible turnover, and when combined with a well-timed backdoor cut by the overplayed teammate, the flash can also create a scoring opportunity. Signal your flash cut with the key word flash!As you receive the pass, look to pass to your overplayed teammate cutting backdoor to the basket. If your teammate is covered on the backdoor cut, you should front turn into a triple-threat position for a possible shot, drive to the basket, or pass.
Flash high when your teammate is prevented from receiving a pass on the perimeter (figure 11.6). You can also flash to the high post when your teammate is being fronted in the low post (figure 11.7), and you can flash to the low post if your teammate is being denied at the high post (figure 11.8).
Misstep
Pressure defense prevents you and your teammates from getting open to receive a pass.
Correction
When your defender overplays you and denies you from receiving a pass, you should make a backdoor cut to the basket. When you see a defender denying your teammate from receiving a pass, you should automatically flash.
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
Shooting off the Catch Drill focuses on the fundamentals
This drill focuses on the fundamentals: shooting hand behind the ball, elbow-in alignment, release off the index finger, follow-through, and catching the ball in position to shoot.
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Front-of-Board Shooting
This drill focuses on the fundamentals: shooting hand behind the ball, elbow-in alignment, release off the index finger, follow-through, and catching the ball in position to shoot.
Face the backboard. Pick a spot near the top corner of the front of the board to serve as your target. Using a spot on the front of the backboard is excellent for fostering a straight shot. Begin with the ball in shooting position above your shooting shoulder. Place your shooting hand behind the ball, with your hand facing the target and with your index finger at the ball's midpoint. Aim the ball at your target on the front of the board, and shoot a jump shot at that target with a full follow-through (full elbow extension); you want to make the ball return to your shooting position so you don't have to move your hands on the catch. Say your personalized key words in rhythm from the start of your shot to the release of the ball. If the ball does not return to your starting position, jump behind the ball and catch it in position to shoot. A shot that does not hit your target and does not come back directly to you is a missed shot. After a miss, visualize a successful shot with good form, again saying your key words. Use feedback from the feel and direction of the ball. For example, if the miss was caused by your arm going to the side, add the key word straight. Use point if the ball went off the wrong finger, creating sidespin. Use hand if you caught the ball with your hands on the sides.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have 10 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the front of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the front of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Side-of-Board Shooting
This drill is the same as the front-of-board shooting drill except you use the side of the backboard. This drill puts more emphasis on a straight shot and good catch. On a shot that is slightly off, the rebound will go to the side. This enables you to practice jumping behind the ball to catch it in position to shoot.
Face the side of the backboard. Pick a spot near the top of the side of the board to serve as your target. Using a spot on the side of the backboard is excellent for fostering a straight shot. Aim the ball at your target on the side of the board, and shoot a jump shot at the target with a full follow-through (full elbow extension); you want to make the ball return to your shooting position so you don't have to move your hands on the catch. Catch the ball in position to shoot. Jump behind the ball on shots that rebound to your left or right side.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have at least 8 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the side of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the side of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Point-of-Board Shooting
This drill is the same as the front-of-board and side-of-board shooting drills except your target is the point of the backboard between the front and side of the board. This drill is obviously more difficult than the side-of-board shooting drill. It puts more emphasis on focusing and releasing the ball off your index finger. It also provides a greater challenge for jumping behind the ball in position to shoot. On shots that are off target, the rebound may go farther to the side than in the side-of-board shooting drill. This enables you to practice jumping behind the ball to catch it in position to shoot.
Face the point of the backboard. Pick a spot near the top of the point of the board to serve as your target. Focus on your target on the point of the board and shoot a jump shot to the target, emphasizing the release of the ball off your index finger. Catch the ball in position to shoot. Jump behind the ball on shots that rebound to your left or right side.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have at least 6 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the point of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the point of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
Develop your shot with shooting mechanics
These shots all share certain basic mechanics, including sight, balance, hand position, elbow-in alignment, rhythmical shooting motion, and follow-through.
Shooting Mechanics
Most players shoot seven basic shots: the one-hand set shot, the free throw, the jump shot, the three-point shot, the hook shot, the layup, and the runner. These shots all share certain basic mechanics, including sight, balance, hand position, elbow-in alignment, rhythmical shooting motion, and follow-through. The best way to develop your shot is to concentrate on only one or two mechanics at a time.
Sight. Focus your eyes on the basket, aiming just over the front of the rim for all shots except bank shots. Use a bank shot when you are at a 45-degree angle to the backboard. A 45-degree angle falls within the distance between the box and the middle hash mark on the lane line. The distance for the bank angle—called the 45-degree funnel—widens as you move out. When shooting a bank shot, aim for the top near corner of the box on the backboard.
Sight your target as soon as possible and keep your eyes focused on the target until the ball reaches the goal. Your eyes should never follow the flight of the ball or your defender's hand. Concentrating on the target helps eliminate distractions such as shouting, towel waving, an opponent's hand, or even a hard foul.
Balance. Balance leads to power and rhythmic control of your shot. Your base, or foot position, is the foundation of your balance, and keeping your head over your feet (base) controls your balance.
Spread your feet comfortably to shoulder width and point your toes straight ahead. Pointing your toes straight aligns your knees, hips, and shoulders with the basket. The foot on the side of your shooting hand (right foot for a right-handed shot) is forward. The toe of your back foot is aligned with the heel of the foot on your shooting side (toe-to-heel relationship).
Flex your legs at the knees. This gives crucial power to your shot. Beginning and fatigued players often fail to flex their knees. To compensate for the lack of power from not using their legs, they tend to throw the ball from behind the head or shove the ball from the hip. Both of these actions produce errors.
Your head should be over your waist and feet. Your head controls your balance and should be slightly forward, with your shoulders and upper body inclining forward toward the basket. Your shoulders should be relaxed.
Hand position. Hand position is the most misunderstood part of shooting. You want to make sure that you start and finish your shot with your shooting hand facing the basket (behind the ball). Placing the nonshooting hand (also called the balance hand) under the ball for balance is also important. This position, with the shooting hand facing the basket (behind the ball) and the nonshooting hand under the ball, is called the block-and-tuck. It leaves your shooting hand free to shoot the ball, rather than having to balance and shoot the ball.
Place your hands fairly close together. Relax both hands and spread the fingers comfortably. Keep the thumb of your shooting hand relaxed and not spread apart; this helps you avoid tension in your hand and forearm. A relaxed hand position (like a handshake) forms a natural cup, enabling the ball to contact the pads of your fingers and not your palm. Place your nonshooting hand slightly under the ball. The weight of the ball balances on at least two fingers: the ring finger and the little finger. The arm of your nonshooting hand should be in a comfortable position, with the elbow pointing slightly back and to the side. Your shooting hand is set behind the ball, facing the basket, with your index finger directly at the ball's midpoint. The ball is released off the pads of your index finger. On a free throw, you have time to align your index finger with the valve or another marking at the midpoint of the ball. Developing fingertip control and touch leads to a soft, accurate shot.
Elbow-in alignment. Hold the ball comfortably in front of and above your shooting shoulder between your ear and shoulder. Keep your shooting elbow in. When your shooting elbow is in, the ball is aligned with the basket. Some players do not have the flexibility to place the shooting hand behind the ball with the hand facing the front of the basket while keeping the elbow in. If this is the case, you should first place the shooting hand behind the ball, facing the front of the basket, and then move the elbow in as far as your flexibility allows.
Rhythmical shooting motion. Shooting involves synchronizing the extension of your legs, back, shoulders, and shooting arm and the flexion of your wrist and fingers. Shoot the ball with a smooth, free-flowing, and rhythmical lifting motion.
The initial force and rhythm for your shot come from a down-and-up motion of your legs. Start with your knees slightly flexed. Bend your knees and then fully extend them in a down-and-up motion. Saying the key words down and up!from the start of your shot until the release of the ball will trigger the down-and-up action of your legs, providing rhythm and range for your shot. Your legs and shooting arm work together. As your legs go up, your arm goes up. As your legs reach full extension, your back, shoulders, and shooting arm extend in a smooth, continuous upward direction. Be sure to keep the ball high with your shooting hand facing the basket. Use the down-and-up motion of your legs for rhythm, rather than lowering the ball for rhythm. Keeping the ball high fosters a quick release and also provides less chance for error.
As your arm goes up, the ball is tipped back from your nonshooting hand to your shooting hand. A good guide is to tip the ball back only until there is a wrinkle in the skin between your wrist and forearm. This angle provides a quick release and consistent follow-through. Direct your arm, wrist, and fingers straight toward the basket at a 45- to 60-degree angle, extending your shooting arm completely at the elbow. The final force and control of your shot come from flexing your wrist and fingers forward toward a spot just over the front of the rim. Release the ball off the pads of your index finger with soft fingertip touch to impart backspin on the ball and soften the shot. Keep your nonshooting hand on the ball until the point of release.
The amount of force you impart to the ball depends on the range of the shot. For short distances, the arm, wrist, and fingers provide most of the force. Long-range outside shots require the down-and-up motion of your legs with more force from your legs, back, and shoulders, and a complete follow-through.
Follow-through. After releasing the ball off the pads of your index finger, keep your arm up and fully extended with your index finger pointing straight to the target just over the front of the rim. The palm of your shooting hand should face slightly forward and down, and the palm of your balance hand should face slightly up. Keep your eyes on your target. Exaggerate your follow-through. Hold your arm up in a complete follow-through position until the ball reaches the basket, then react to the rebound or get into defensive position. Holding your follow-through until the ball reaches the basket is not only good mechanics, but it also makes you look and act like a shooter and increases your confidence.
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
A flash can create a scoring opportunity
Flashing to the ball relieves defensive pressure on your teammates by giving the passer another outlet.
Flash
Any time you see a teammate being denied the pass and you are the next player away, you should automatically flash to an open area between the passer and the overplayed teammate. Flashing to the ball relieves defensive pressure on your teammates by giving the passer another outlet. A flash can prevent a possible turnover, and when combined with a well-timed backdoor cut by the overplayed teammate, the flash can also create a scoring opportunity. Signal your flash cut with the key word flash!As you receive the pass, look to pass to your overplayed teammate cutting backdoor to the basket. If your teammate is covered on the backdoor cut, you should front turn into a triple-threat position for a possible shot, drive to the basket, or pass.
Flash high when your teammate is prevented from receiving a pass on the perimeter (figure 11.6). You can also flash to the high post when your teammate is being fronted in the low post (figure 11.7), and you can flash to the low post if your teammate is being denied at the high post (figure 11.8).
Misstep
Pressure defense prevents you and your teammates from getting open to receive a pass.
Correction
When your defender overplays you and denies you from receiving a pass, you should make a backdoor cut to the basket. When you see a defender denying your teammate from receiving a pass, you should automatically flash.
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
Shooting off the Catch Drill focuses on the fundamentals
This drill focuses on the fundamentals: shooting hand behind the ball, elbow-in alignment, release off the index finger, follow-through, and catching the ball in position to shoot.
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Front-of-Board Shooting
This drill focuses on the fundamentals: shooting hand behind the ball, elbow-in alignment, release off the index finger, follow-through, and catching the ball in position to shoot.
Face the backboard. Pick a spot near the top corner of the front of the board to serve as your target. Using a spot on the front of the backboard is excellent for fostering a straight shot. Begin with the ball in shooting position above your shooting shoulder. Place your shooting hand behind the ball, with your hand facing the target and with your index finger at the ball's midpoint. Aim the ball at your target on the front of the board, and shoot a jump shot at that target with a full follow-through (full elbow extension); you want to make the ball return to your shooting position so you don't have to move your hands on the catch. Say your personalized key words in rhythm from the start of your shot to the release of the ball. If the ball does not return to your starting position, jump behind the ball and catch it in position to shoot. A shot that does not hit your target and does not come back directly to you is a missed shot. After a miss, visualize a successful shot with good form, again saying your key words. Use feedback from the feel and direction of the ball. For example, if the miss was caused by your arm going to the side, add the key word straight. Use point if the ball went off the wrong finger, creating sidespin. Use hand if you caught the ball with your hands on the sides.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have 10 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the front of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the front of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Side-of-Board Shooting
This drill is the same as the front-of-board shooting drill except you use the side of the backboard. This drill puts more emphasis on a straight shot and good catch. On a shot that is slightly off, the rebound will go to the side. This enables you to practice jumping behind the ball to catch it in position to shoot.
Face the side of the backboard. Pick a spot near the top of the side of the board to serve as your target. Using a spot on the side of the backboard is excellent for fostering a straight shot. Aim the ball at your target on the side of the board, and shoot a jump shot at the target with a full follow-through (full elbow extension); you want to make the ball return to your shooting position so you don't have to move your hands on the catch. Catch the ball in position to shoot. Jump behind the ball on shots that rebound to your left or right side.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have at least 8 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the side of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the side of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Point-of-Board Shooting
This drill is the same as the front-of-board and side-of-board shooting drills except your target is the point of the backboard between the front and side of the board. This drill is obviously more difficult than the side-of-board shooting drill. It puts more emphasis on focusing and releasing the ball off your index finger. It also provides a greater challenge for jumping behind the ball in position to shoot. On shots that are off target, the rebound may go farther to the side than in the side-of-board shooting drill. This enables you to practice jumping behind the ball to catch it in position to shoot.
Face the point of the backboard. Pick a spot near the top of the point of the board to serve as your target. Focus on your target on the point of the board and shoot a jump shot to the target, emphasizing the release of the ball off your index finger. Catch the ball in position to shoot. Jump behind the ball on shots that rebound to your left or right side.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have at least 6 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the point of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the point of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
Develop your shot with shooting mechanics
These shots all share certain basic mechanics, including sight, balance, hand position, elbow-in alignment, rhythmical shooting motion, and follow-through.
Shooting Mechanics
Most players shoot seven basic shots: the one-hand set shot, the free throw, the jump shot, the three-point shot, the hook shot, the layup, and the runner. These shots all share certain basic mechanics, including sight, balance, hand position, elbow-in alignment, rhythmical shooting motion, and follow-through. The best way to develop your shot is to concentrate on only one or two mechanics at a time.
Sight. Focus your eyes on the basket, aiming just over the front of the rim for all shots except bank shots. Use a bank shot when you are at a 45-degree angle to the backboard. A 45-degree angle falls within the distance between the box and the middle hash mark on the lane line. The distance for the bank angle—called the 45-degree funnel—widens as you move out. When shooting a bank shot, aim for the top near corner of the box on the backboard.
Sight your target as soon as possible and keep your eyes focused on the target until the ball reaches the goal. Your eyes should never follow the flight of the ball or your defender's hand. Concentrating on the target helps eliminate distractions such as shouting, towel waving, an opponent's hand, or even a hard foul.
Balance. Balance leads to power and rhythmic control of your shot. Your base, or foot position, is the foundation of your balance, and keeping your head over your feet (base) controls your balance.
Spread your feet comfortably to shoulder width and point your toes straight ahead. Pointing your toes straight aligns your knees, hips, and shoulders with the basket. The foot on the side of your shooting hand (right foot for a right-handed shot) is forward. The toe of your back foot is aligned with the heel of the foot on your shooting side (toe-to-heel relationship).
Flex your legs at the knees. This gives crucial power to your shot. Beginning and fatigued players often fail to flex their knees. To compensate for the lack of power from not using their legs, they tend to throw the ball from behind the head or shove the ball from the hip. Both of these actions produce errors.
Your head should be over your waist and feet. Your head controls your balance and should be slightly forward, with your shoulders and upper body inclining forward toward the basket. Your shoulders should be relaxed.
Hand position. Hand position is the most misunderstood part of shooting. You want to make sure that you start and finish your shot with your shooting hand facing the basket (behind the ball). Placing the nonshooting hand (also called the balance hand) under the ball for balance is also important. This position, with the shooting hand facing the basket (behind the ball) and the nonshooting hand under the ball, is called the block-and-tuck. It leaves your shooting hand free to shoot the ball, rather than having to balance and shoot the ball.
Place your hands fairly close together. Relax both hands and spread the fingers comfortably. Keep the thumb of your shooting hand relaxed and not spread apart; this helps you avoid tension in your hand and forearm. A relaxed hand position (like a handshake) forms a natural cup, enabling the ball to contact the pads of your fingers and not your palm. Place your nonshooting hand slightly under the ball. The weight of the ball balances on at least two fingers: the ring finger and the little finger. The arm of your nonshooting hand should be in a comfortable position, with the elbow pointing slightly back and to the side. Your shooting hand is set behind the ball, facing the basket, with your index finger directly at the ball's midpoint. The ball is released off the pads of your index finger. On a free throw, you have time to align your index finger with the valve or another marking at the midpoint of the ball. Developing fingertip control and touch leads to a soft, accurate shot.
Elbow-in alignment. Hold the ball comfortably in front of and above your shooting shoulder between your ear and shoulder. Keep your shooting elbow in. When your shooting elbow is in, the ball is aligned with the basket. Some players do not have the flexibility to place the shooting hand behind the ball with the hand facing the front of the basket while keeping the elbow in. If this is the case, you should first place the shooting hand behind the ball, facing the front of the basket, and then move the elbow in as far as your flexibility allows.
Rhythmical shooting motion. Shooting involves synchronizing the extension of your legs, back, shoulders, and shooting arm and the flexion of your wrist and fingers. Shoot the ball with a smooth, free-flowing, and rhythmical lifting motion.
The initial force and rhythm for your shot come from a down-and-up motion of your legs. Start with your knees slightly flexed. Bend your knees and then fully extend them in a down-and-up motion. Saying the key words down and up!from the start of your shot until the release of the ball will trigger the down-and-up action of your legs, providing rhythm and range for your shot. Your legs and shooting arm work together. As your legs go up, your arm goes up. As your legs reach full extension, your back, shoulders, and shooting arm extend in a smooth, continuous upward direction. Be sure to keep the ball high with your shooting hand facing the basket. Use the down-and-up motion of your legs for rhythm, rather than lowering the ball for rhythm. Keeping the ball high fosters a quick release and also provides less chance for error.
As your arm goes up, the ball is tipped back from your nonshooting hand to your shooting hand. A good guide is to tip the ball back only until there is a wrinkle in the skin between your wrist and forearm. This angle provides a quick release and consistent follow-through. Direct your arm, wrist, and fingers straight toward the basket at a 45- to 60-degree angle, extending your shooting arm completely at the elbow. The final force and control of your shot come from flexing your wrist and fingers forward toward a spot just over the front of the rim. Release the ball off the pads of your index finger with soft fingertip touch to impart backspin on the ball and soften the shot. Keep your nonshooting hand on the ball until the point of release.
The amount of force you impart to the ball depends on the range of the shot. For short distances, the arm, wrist, and fingers provide most of the force. Long-range outside shots require the down-and-up motion of your legs with more force from your legs, back, and shoulders, and a complete follow-through.
Follow-through. After releasing the ball off the pads of your index finger, keep your arm up and fully extended with your index finger pointing straight to the target just over the front of the rim. The palm of your shooting hand should face slightly forward and down, and the palm of your balance hand should face slightly up. Keep your eyes on your target. Exaggerate your follow-through. Hold your arm up in a complete follow-through position until the ball reaches the basket, then react to the rebound or get into defensive position. Holding your follow-through until the ball reaches the basket is not only good mechanics, but it also makes you look and act like a shooter and increases your confidence.
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
A flash can create a scoring opportunity
Flashing to the ball relieves defensive pressure on your teammates by giving the passer another outlet.
Flash
Any time you see a teammate being denied the pass and you are the next player away, you should automatically flash to an open area between the passer and the overplayed teammate. Flashing to the ball relieves defensive pressure on your teammates by giving the passer another outlet. A flash can prevent a possible turnover, and when combined with a well-timed backdoor cut by the overplayed teammate, the flash can also create a scoring opportunity. Signal your flash cut with the key word flash!As you receive the pass, look to pass to your overplayed teammate cutting backdoor to the basket. If your teammate is covered on the backdoor cut, you should front turn into a triple-threat position for a possible shot, drive to the basket, or pass.
Flash high when your teammate is prevented from receiving a pass on the perimeter (figure 11.6). You can also flash to the high post when your teammate is being fronted in the low post (figure 11.7), and you can flash to the low post if your teammate is being denied at the high post (figure 11.8).
Misstep
Pressure defense prevents you and your teammates from getting open to receive a pass.
Correction
When your defender overplays you and denies you from receiving a pass, you should make a backdoor cut to the basket. When you see a defender denying your teammate from receiving a pass, you should automatically flash.
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
Shooting off the Catch Drill focuses on the fundamentals
This drill focuses on the fundamentals: shooting hand behind the ball, elbow-in alignment, release off the index finger, follow-through, and catching the ball in position to shoot.
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Front-of-Board Shooting
This drill focuses on the fundamentals: shooting hand behind the ball, elbow-in alignment, release off the index finger, follow-through, and catching the ball in position to shoot.
Face the backboard. Pick a spot near the top corner of the front of the board to serve as your target. Using a spot on the front of the backboard is excellent for fostering a straight shot. Begin with the ball in shooting position above your shooting shoulder. Place your shooting hand behind the ball, with your hand facing the target and with your index finger at the ball's midpoint. Aim the ball at your target on the front of the board, and shoot a jump shot at that target with a full follow-through (full elbow extension); you want to make the ball return to your shooting position so you don't have to move your hands on the catch. Say your personalized key words in rhythm from the start of your shot to the release of the ball. If the ball does not return to your starting position, jump behind the ball and catch it in position to shoot. A shot that does not hit your target and does not come back directly to you is a missed shot. After a miss, visualize a successful shot with good form, again saying your key words. Use feedback from the feel and direction of the ball. For example, if the miss was caused by your arm going to the side, add the key word straight. Use point if the ball went off the wrong finger, creating sidespin. Use hand if you caught the ball with your hands on the sides.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have 10 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the front of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the front of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Side-of-Board Shooting
This drill is the same as the front-of-board shooting drill except you use the side of the backboard. This drill puts more emphasis on a straight shot and good catch. On a shot that is slightly off, the rebound will go to the side. This enables you to practice jumping behind the ball to catch it in position to shoot.
Face the side of the backboard. Pick a spot near the top of the side of the board to serve as your target. Using a spot on the side of the backboard is excellent for fostering a straight shot. Aim the ball at your target on the side of the board, and shoot a jump shot at the target with a full follow-through (full elbow extension); you want to make the ball return to your shooting position so you don't have to move your hands on the catch. Catch the ball in position to shoot. Jump behind the ball on shots that rebound to your left or right side.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have at least 8 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the side of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the side of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Shooting off the Catch Drill.
Point-of-Board Shooting
This drill is the same as the front-of-board and side-of-board shooting drills except your target is the point of the backboard between the front and side of the board. This drill is obviously more difficult than the side-of-board shooting drill. It puts more emphasis on focusing and releasing the ball off your index finger. It also provides a greater challenge for jumping behind the ball in position to shoot. On shots that are off target, the rebound may go farther to the side than in the side-of-board shooting drill. This enables you to practice jumping behind the ball to catch it in position to shoot.
Face the point of the backboard. Pick a spot near the top of the point of the board to serve as your target. Focus on your target on the point of the board and shoot a jump shot to the target, emphasizing the release of the ball off your index finger. Catch the ball in position to shoot. Jump behind the ball on shots that rebound to your left or right side.
Success Check
- Use proper technique for the jump shot.
- Catch the rebound in position to shoot.
- Your goal is to have at least 6 out of 10 shots hit the spot on the point of the board and return directly to you, allowing you to catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands.
Score Your Success
Record the number of shots that hit the target on the point of the board and then return directly to you, allowing you to make a good catch in shooting position. Give yourself 1 point for each successful shot with a good catch (out of 10 attempts).
Number of successful shots with good catches ___; points earned ___
Read more about Basketball: Steps to Success 3E.
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