Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Basketball shooting tips - Improving your shooting range

Here's an article I wrote the other day with some basketball shooting tips and how to improve your shooting range.

Improving your shooting range

One of the most common questions I get asked is: “How do I improve my shooting range?” or “how do I improve my three-point shot?”

The principles of hitting a three-pointer or shooting from deep are the same as any other shot. Your form/shooting technique doesn’t change. Aim at the same point on the ring, get your trajectory right and don't forget to get your legs in to the shot. Your legs are where the power comes from not your arms or upper body.

To improve your range, don't immediately head straight out to the three-point arc and start jacking up shots, work in close to the basket first to make sure your technique is right, you’re warmed up and your eye is in. As your confidence increases and you find your rhythm, begin to gradually work your way out. Do this by making 10 shots from in close, step back a metre make another 10 and so on. It’s important to count your makes NOT just how many shots you take.

There are plenty of drills that you can run to improve your range and confidence from downtown. Get creative, have fun and remember to practise at game speed.

Practice and repetition will give you confidence and remember to practise shots you’ll get in game situations (practise shooting off the dribble, practise coming off a screen, practise fading away, etc).

As I mentioned earlier, the power in your shot comes from your legs (not your arms) so you can improve your range when you’re not on the court by doing weights and exercises to strengthen your legs. Squats and lunges are usually the simplest. Keep in mind that you’re not trying to become a running back in the NFL so you don’t need to use massive weights, high reps are better for basketball.

Great three-point shooters aren't just born ... you can of course work on it and become one. Watch great shooters and see what they do and learn from them. Success leaves clues.


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