How to Correctly Shoot a Basketball

Conor Joye

Get into the Correct Stance

1. Face towards the basket.

2. Keep the foot on the shooting side of your
body (If you are right-handed this will be
your right foot) heel-to-toe in front of your
other foot.
3. Square your shoulders, hips, and feet to the
basket (Figure 1).
4. Slightly flex your knees.

Figure 1: This image demonstrates how to

properly square your body to the basket.

Hold the Ball Correctly

1. Hold the ball at your waist with your

dominant hand on the center and your
opposite hand on the side.
2. Raise the ball up with your elbow bent and
aligned with your shoulder and the basket
(Figure 2).
3. Make direct contact with the ball with the
fingertips of your dominant hand and keep
your opposite hand on the side of the ball.

Figure 2: NBA Guard Kyrie Irving demonstrates

correct arm alignment and hand position
 Take the Shot

1. Focus your eyes on the basket.

2. Push up with your toes, straightening your knees and elevating off the ground.
3. As you elevate, push up on the ball while staying square to the basket.
4. When you reach the height of your jump straighten your elbow and flick your wrist, thus
releasing the ball.
5. As the ball leaves your hand, it should roll off your fingertips.
6. After the ball has left your hand, follow through with your dominant hand.

Figure 3: NBA guard Stephen Curry demonstrates how to properly elevate with the ball and follow through
on your shot.