Friday, May 13, 2011

Improve Your Shooting in Basketball

By Laticia Mccorkle


Anyone who plays basketball wants to get better at shooting, as this is the objective of the whole game. In order to shoot accurately, you have to pick the best opportunities to shoot, and focus your mind completely on the task. You also have to remember that you can't learn to shoot properly without paying your dues by practicing continuously. Anyone can boost their basketball shooting skills, and in this article we'll be discussing some of the best ways you can start scoring more points.

One of the most essential things about making basketball shots is having the ability to tell when you should take the shot and when to just wait. Inexperienced, as well as egotistical players will often try to take a shot every whenever they have the ball. Many times, this is the wrong course of action to take. Remember that your purpose is to be a team player and not just score a lot of points. But then again, a few players do not feel comfortable enough to take the shots that they should. Knowing when to take these actions requires expertise. However, always be mindful of your environment while you are learning these new things. Shoot the ball if you are in the right position to do it. But, if you can get the ball in a better shooting position by giving it to someone else, then you have to make the decision. Another important aspect to remember is to put an arc on your shot when shooting it. There is more to this than making a pretty shot. It actually comes down to geometry. When shooting the ball, the straighter the shot, the less chance of making a mistake. This means that your chances for not getting the ball in the hoop greatly go down. There is a higher chance of the ball going in if you throw it higher and it bounces on the rim. A straighter ball can go in the basket, but it has t be thrown with a huge amount of accuracy. But with an arc, there is an opportunity for the ball to hit the rim side or backboard and get in the basket. As you work on your practice shots, attempt to get a good arc.

And as you improve, it will help build your confidence. Although basketball is a very forceful and physical game, you can make your shooting skills better by getting comfortable and dealing with the ball in a more relaxed manner. Quite naturally, you want possession of the ball so that you are holding it tight enough so that no one can rip it from your hands. However, in error, many players will hold it too firmly or put too much force on the ball when they are making a shot. This can be proven because the ball will bounce hard off of the rim. Let your fingertips spin the ball a little. This is so that your shot lands where you want it to and not just in any area.

Shooting a basketball is an activity that involves your entire body, but the position of your hands and arms are especially important. Use your fingertips when shooting because that is what really gives you control over the ball. If you mainly use your palms, you won't have much control and it will be hard to shoot accurately. You also need to keep your arm as straight as possible, with your elbow under the ball. If your elbow sticks out to the side, this can distort your shot causing the ball to veer in the wrong direction. Shoot the ball in as fluid a motion as possible, using your fingertips, arm, and elbow as a single unit.

Becoming a great basketball shooter can't be done with one single step. It takes hard work and lots of practice. You also have to identify the areas where you need the most work and focus on these. Making use of the above tips will help you improve your shooting skills.




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