Aim: To improve the shooting technique
Shooting is the most important aspect of the game, as making shots, scores points, and wins games. There are 5 basic shots. Set shot, jump shot, three point shot, hook shot and lay up.
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One-hand set shot (free throw)
When performing the one-hand set shot it is vital to keep your eyes on the target, with feet shoulder width apart, and knees slightly bent. |
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Jump shot
This shot should start from a sturdy base with the players feet shoulder width apart, toes pointing straight ahead, and knees bent. |
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Three-point shot
To start this shot it is essential that players position themselves behind the three-point line. |
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Hook shot
Players start with their back to the basket, again in a sturdy stance, with feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent. |
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Lay-up
Jumping as high as possible when executing this shot would be beneficial. |
There are certain aspects of shooting that apply to all shots, such as, sight, balance, holding the ball, elbow alignment, motion, and follow through.
Sight: When ready to shoot, look at the basket as soon as possible and keep eyes on the target. Concentrating on the target should keep the focus on scoring and lessen the effects of distractions, such as, crowd noise and movement, and opponents attempts to block a shot, or concede a foul.
Balance: To gain power, rhythm, and control when shooting balance is important. Balance comes from having a sturdy base (foot position), so spread feet to shoulder width and point toes straight ahead, this should align the players whole body with the target. Right handed players should put their right foot forward, with a heel-to-toe relationship with the left foot. This means the heel of the right foot should be line with the toe of the left foot. To increase the power of shots bend the knees slightly and make sure the head is kept still over the feet, with a slight lean forward.
Holding the Ball: The most important aspect in this area is to start and finish with the players shooting hand facing the basket. The non-shooting hand can be placed underneath the ball for balance purposes. Spread the fingers of both hands comfortably making sure they are still quite relaxed, this relaxation means the palm of the hand should not be touching the ball. The index finger of the shooting hand should be at the midpoint of the ball, this is also the finger that the ball should eventually be released off.
Elbow alignment: Players must try to keep their shooting elbow in because this means the ball should be aligned with the basket. The ball should be held comfortably between the shooting side shoulder and ear.
Motion: The first action comes from the legs, they need to be bent down to start with and then fully extended, this provides the majority of the power and also gives a good rhythm. The movement of the legs is directly linked to the movement of the whole body. When the legs extend so do the back, shoulders and shooting arm in a smooth, continuous upward direction. The final action comes from flexing the wrist and fingers forward and down to release the ball, try to keep the balance hand on the ball as long as possible, right up until the point of release.
Follow Through: After releasing the ball players should keep their fingers pointing at the target with the arm still up and extended. The palm of the non-shooting hand should face up and the opposite should occur for the shooting hand. Try to hold the follow through until the ball has reached the basket, this helps to ensure players are still well balanced even after releasing the ball. |
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