Keys to Shooting

Stance (balance)
- knees bent and feet ready, square to the basket or dominant foot slightly forward
Grip
- shooting hand slightly cupped (gap at base of palm) with fingers spread, guide hand beside the ball, thumbs form a ‘T’
- if the guide hand is adding power to the shot (usually the thumb), use only the palm of the guide hand on the ball, not the fingers
Shot pocket
- on a perimeter shot, start by looking over the ball
- there are two right angles, wrist and elbow
Aim at the hoop
- front or back rim (“look to the hook”), or the whole basket
Extension
- shoot from the leg drive, on the way up
- upward elevation of the arm (70-75% of max force), full extension, relaxed wrist and hand
- the index finger is most important for control, it finishes pointing at the basket
- medium to high arc (45 to 60 degrees), shoot out the top of a telephone booth
Follow through
- up not out (shooting elbow above eyes), reach in the cookie jar and hold for backspin
- keep the shooting hand spread wide
- guide hand finishes in a vertical position off the ball, fingertips even with the shooting-hand wrist

For a quick-release shot, catch with feet set and knees bent, and don't lower the ball.