Have you ever watched Steph Curry play and wondered how you could shoot basketballs like him? 

Knowing how to shoot a basketball doesn’t only depend on simply throwing the ball. You may think that shooting a basketball isn’t rocket science, but it does involve some form of science. Perfect shots rely on the seamless operation of every single part of your body. 

While this guide might not guarantee that you’ll be the next NBA legend, it sure is a great start.

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Shooting calls for the development of what we call a “power line.” From your eyes down to your feet, they all should align to create the perfect straight line. To do this, you must first master the BEEF method.

A solid yet flexible stance should be your first move. This should be able to give you the perfect balance to switch between positions easily. 

To achieve this, you should have your knees slightly bent and your feet far enough from each other to line up with your shoulders. Then, move your dominant shooting side forward along with your dominant foot. This should feel like you’re in the middle of an awkward squat position. 

With your leading foot, turn it slightly to the left if you’re right-hand dominant or slightly to the right if you’re left-foot dominant. 

Before shooting, the ball should be close to your chest and under your chin. Your elbow should still be close to your body at this point. Then, your shooting hand should be placed a little under the ball, creating a “wrist wrinkle.” 

By the time you’re preparing to shoot, your elbow should be at a 90-degree-angle with your body. 

Now that your body’s in position, it’s time to concentrate on your target. Regardless of which part of the rim you’re targeting, it is important to keep your eye on it. Try not to watch the ball after shooting, no matter how much you want to. 

The last decisive action is through your follow-through. The ball should roll off your fingers upon release. Think of your hand position as you would when reaching for a jar of cookies on a high cupboard. 

If done correctly, you should see the ball backspin. Not only does this look great in a slow-motion video, but it also helps your chances of shooting in the basket.

Master the BEEF Method 

Of course, the BEEF method isn’t the only way to make shots. It’s only a set of principles that every player could follow. If the BEEF method is a little complicated to understand for you, let’s break down the steps on how to shoot a basketball. 

Your starting position can predict the success of your shots. 

Like the principle of balance from the BEEF method, getting into position requires a firm and comfortable stance. Remember that your feet should be shoulder-width apart, and you should balance your weight on both feet. 

Now, bend those knees slightly and maintain that position. If you feel like falling forward, that’s a sign that your weight isn’t distributed equally. A great rule of thumb is to push your weight towards your heels for a better balance. 

This part might be difficult to master at first. But once you’re used to the feeling of a proper stance, you’ll be able to execute your shots faster. 

Holding the ball might seem like the easiest part of shooting a basketball, but it isn’t. There’s actually some physics behind the positioning of your hand on the ball.

To begin with, you should find the center of your grip. For most players, this would be their index fingers. Keep this in mind since this would be the finger that should be below the ball when you’re preparing to shoot. 

You don’t want to hold the ball like you’re holding on for dear life. Only your fingertips should be touching the ball, and only one hand should be releasing it. 

What do you do with your other hand, then? Your non-shooting hand should only be lightly touching the ball on the side. Make sure to position your hand with your index finger pointing up. 

While holding the ball, you should also be aware of your elbow’s position. Aligning your elbow with your shoulder is a great starting point before aiming for the shot. 

Sometimes, distractions can emerge while you’re preparing to shoot. Obviously, these will lessen your chances of targeting the rim and making your shot. 

While different players have different preferences on which part of the rim to target, the most important part is to concentrate on your preferred region. 

Finally, you get to shoot the ball! But all is not quite well yet. This step requires specific mechanics to ensure that your ball actually makes it into the net. 

As you lift the ball with your elbows, the ball should propel forward and create a projectile motion. This is where the follow-through from the BEEF method comes in. 

The ball should leave your hand by grazing your fingertips and ending with a wrist flick. By the time the ball is out of your hands, you should notice that your elbows are completely extended and locked. 

With more practice, these movements should become muscle memory. 

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Follow These Four Steps To Shoot a Basketball

As with all journeys to success, consistency is key. A consistent practice paired with relentless efforts produce unbelievable improvements. 

You don’t have to go from zero to 100 in one day. But starting small and slowly building up your muscles, mindset, and mannerisms are crucial in developing consistency. 

By forming muscle memory, you’d be able to act without thinking. The proper form and proper delivery of the ball would come naturally to you. 

It’s also important to develop your mindset along with your physical attributes. Having a positive mindset is the special ingredient that could bring your talents to greater heights. 

Lastly, your mannerisms, such as having a dominant shooting side or knowing which part of the rim to focus on, complete the package of consistency. Developing these preferences means that you’ve had plenty of practice to recognize the techniques that work best for your body.

Know the Importance of Consistency

Reading the steps on how to shoot a basketball and doing them once won’t immediately make you a great shooter. Basketball legends took years of practice to become the legends they are now. 

If you think you’ve failed the first time, the second time, or even the hundredth time, you haven’t really failed. You’ve just found ways that don’t work for you. 

Remember that with the right amount of practice and dedication, you can become the great shooter you’re meant to be.

How To Shoot a Basketball and Make It Every Time

Mentors who can help you with this:

Ali Khait

Liam McCafferty

How To Shoot a Basketball and Make It Every Time

Master the BEEF Method

Follow These Four Steps To Shoot a Basketball

Know the Importance of Consistency

Become the Great Shooter You’re Meant to Be

Mentors who can help you with this:

How To Shoot a Basketball and Make It Every Time

Mentors who can help you with this:

Ali Khait

Liam McCafferty

How To Shoot a Basketball and Make It Every Time

Master the BEEF Method

Follow These Four Steps To Shoot a Basketball

Know the Importance of Consistency

Become the Great Shooter You’re Meant to Be

Mentors who can help you with this:

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