Basketball shooting tips?

[Excelsior]

Lately I've been playing a lot more basketball (by myself), and was wondering if any of you had any tips on how to shoot better?

 

[atom]

Learn the proper shooting technique and just keep on practicing. Close first then slowly move further away as you get better at shooting.

 

[GroundZero]

i find that shooting basketballs is relatively easy.
just remember to gently squeeze the trigger don't pull it!
also a good scope on your rifle will make a huge differance in accuracy.

 

[Yossarian]

release the X button when you're right at the top of your jump. it increases your percentage quite a bit.

 

[FrogDog]

Make sure you get in the habbit of flicking it, and not pushing it. That is, when you shoot, the ball should have backspin on it.

 

[speed01]

Just don't lead them as much.......

Speed

 

[dpk777]

Keep your shoulders square to the basket.
Use your legs to provide power for shots.
Your left hand (assuming you're right handed) should only support the ball but not take part in the shooting motion.
When you shoot, you're right elbow should be about eye level - to get good arc.
Always follow through with your shooting hand and wrist to get backspin on the ball.

practice, practice, practice...

 

[Double Trouble]

The trick is basically repetition, combined with decent technique. You can become a good shooter by just doing it often enough, but to become a great shooter you also need the right technique. Basically, make sure one hand is under the ball and ball rolls off your fingertips when you release it. When you look at the ball as it leaves your hand toward the basket, you should see it "rolling" through the air (backspin). Keep your hands above your head when shooting.

 

[marquee]

learn to aim for the back of the basket. this will help you get the ball over the rim. and when you play games and your legs start to tire, you'll be accustomed to putting a bit more behind your shot, so you wont leave it short.

 

[3point14]

Originally posted by: PipBoy
release the X button when you're right at the top of your jump. it increases your percentage quite a bit.

:beer:

 

[amoeba]

you want a high arc and like dpk777 said, backspin. also aim for the basket and not the board at least for shots further away than 10 feet. when you first start out, it might be easier to aim for the board, but that might become a detriment later.

 

[Bacardi151]

hold it properely, the left hand supporting the side of the ball, right hand angled at the bottom of the ball and the right arm should be shaped like an L , gently release the ball , but do not push it, use your legs for power to shoot a longer range. and aim for the back of the rim with a proper arc of the shooting, and finally do lots of practice. i'd suggest you do the aiming at back of rim at a close range, probably from the side lines. and do a lot of practicing from the freethrow line when you think you've mastered the first part, and then you can try from the 3 point line and lastly you can join Lakers and of course i'll be your agent. :]

 

[LS20]

get a good release... you should be able to "feel" whether a ball will go in or not

 

[MazerRackham]

Watch videos of Glen Rice and Peja Stojakovic shooting basketballs.... INCREDIBLE shooters with just beautiful form.

You should record the 3-point shooting contest of the NBA All-Star game(s) this weekend..

 

[tweakmm]

It's all about the follow through.

 

[MrScott81]

how not to shoot basketballs is like that guy from Along Came Polly...that sh1t was hilarious

 

[iamme]

well all the tips here are good.

in a nutshell:

1. shoot with your fingers, not your palms
2. make sure you shoot the ball with arc. not straight at the rim.
3. be sure to bend your knees and use your legs.
4. repetition. keep practicing.

btw, go to the court and ask someone to critique your shot. preferably someone who knows what they are doing. even after reading all the advice in the world, you're best bet is to have someone coaching you in person.