How to Shoot Better in Basketball?: Tips and Techniques

Shooting is one of the most important basketball skills; it often decides who wins and who loses. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, improving your shot comes down to solid technique, smart practice, and the right mindset. From having the right stance to making better decisions on the court, learning the fundamentals can help you become a more accurate and confident shooter.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple, effective tips and drills on how to shoot better in basketball and score more consistently. Let’s get started.

How to Shoot Better in Basketball?

To shoot better in basketball, you need to focus on improving both your shooting technique and your consistency through practice. Here are essential tips to help you become a more accurate and confident shooter:

1. Master the Shooting Form: B.E.E.F.

   • Balance: Your stance is the base of your shot. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Distribute your weight evenly on both feet to stay stable. A good balance allows you to control your movement and stay steady throughout the shot.
   • Eyes on the Target: Before you shoot, always focus on the target, usually the back of the rim or a specific part of it. Keeping your eyes locked in helps improve accuracy and consistency. Avoid looking at the ball or defenders; train your eyes to stay fixed on your aim until the shot is released.
   • Elbows Aligned: To get better at shooting in basketball, make sure your shooting elbow is directly under the ball and in line with the rim. It should form a 90-degree angle and stay close to your body. This alignment helps guide the ball in a straight path and gives your shot more power and control.
   • Follow-Through: After releasing the ball, extend your shooting arm fully toward the basket and flick your wrist, like you’re reaching into a cookie jar. Hold this position until the ball hits the hoop. A smooth follow-through ensures better spin, arc, and accuracy.

2. Practice Best Basketball Shooting Drills for Better Form

   Practicing the right drills is key to building muscle memory and improving your shooting form. These drills help you focus on balance, mechanics, and confidence. Whether you’re training alone or with a coach, adding these to your routine can take your shot to the next level.:

   • 1–2 Step Shoot: This drill helps you work on your footwork and timing. Start by stepping into your shot with a left-right (or right-left) motion, depending on your shooting hand. It teaches you how to catch and shoot in rhythm, just like in real game situations.
   • Set to Go: Stand in a ready shooting position, feet set, knees bent, and hands in place. Then quickly go into your shot. This drill sharpens your shot preparation and teaches you to get into your shooting form quickly after receiving the ball.
   • Off-Dribble Shooting: Start by dribbling once or twice, then go into your shot. Focus on staying balanced and using the same form each time. This drill helps you shoot better while moving, which is important for game-time performance.
   • One-Hand Form Shooting: To get better at shooting in basketball, you must stand close to the basket and shoot using only your shooting hand. This drill improves your wrist flick, aim, and control. Keep your elbow under the ball and your body square to the hoop.

3. Use Legs, Core, and Rhythm to Improve Shot Power

   A great shot doesn’t begin with your hands; it starts from the ground up. Your legs and core provide the power, while your rhythm brings it all together.

   • Use Your Legs for Power: Your lower body is the engine behind your shot. Start by bending your knees and staying low, then push upward as you shoot. This leg drive helps you shoot with more strength and consistency, especially when you’re taking longer shots.
   • Engage Your Core: Your core muscles help you stay balanced and centered. A strong core keeps your body stable as you rise into your shot and helps transfer energy smoothly from your legs to your upper body.
   • Find Your Rhythm: Shooting should feel like one smooth motion. Try using a natural “dip and rise” movement, dip the ball slightly as you bend your knees, then flow into the shot as you straighten up. Practicing this rhythm makes your shot feel more fluid and repeatable.

4. Perfect Your Shot Release with Soft Touch and Backspin

   This is the most important part of your shot, the moment the ball leaves your hand.

   • Let It Roll Off Your Fingertips: As you shoot, the ball should roll smoothly off your fingertips. Ideally, your index and middle fingers are the last to touch it. This gives you better control and helps create a soft, accurate shot.
   • Add Backspin for Better Results: Backspin helps the ball land softly on the rim, which increases your chances of getting a friendly bounce. To get that perfect spin, flick your wrist gently at the release, almost like you’re rolling the ball back toward yourself in the air.

5. Build a Consistent Shot Through Practice and Repetition

   There’s no magic trick to become a better shooter in basketball, just consistent, focused practice.

   • Quality Over Quantity: Don’t just throw up shots for the sake of it. Make each rep count by focusing on proper form and technique. It’s far more valuable to take 50 well-executed shots than 200 rushed ones with bad habits.
   • Mix Up Your Shots: Work on shooting from all areas of the court, free throws, mid-range jumpers, three-pointers, off the dribble, and catch-and-shoot situations. This builds confidence and prepares you for anything during a game.
   • Simulate Game Pressure: Include drills that mimic real-game moments. Move while shooting, add a countdown in your head, or imagine a defender closing in. Practicing under pressure helps you stay sharp when it matters most.

6. Develop Mental Toughness to Shoot with Confidence

   Great shooters aren’t just physically skilled; they’re mentally strong. Confidence and focus can separate a good shooter from a great one, especially under pressure.

   • Visualize Success: Before you even touch the ball, see the shot going in. Mental imagery is a powerful tool. Visualizing a smooth release and the ball swishing through the net helps train your brain for success and builds confidence.
   • Stay Confident: Missed a few shots? Keep shooting. Confidence isn’t about never missing; it’s about believing the next one will go in. Trust your practice, your form, and your instincts.
   • Focus on the Process: Don’t get caught up in the outcome. Instead, focus on doing the little things right, your stance, your rhythm, your follow-through. When you lock in on the process, the results will follow.

How to become a better shooter in basketball? Well, it takes time, patience, and smart practice. From mastering your form with B.E.E.F. to building mental toughness and confidence, every detail counts. Focus on solid technique, commit to regular drills, and believe in yourself with every shot you take.

Remember, the best shooters aren’t just born, they’re made through repetition, focus, and the drive to keep improving.

So grab a ball, hit the court, and start putting in the work. Your best shot is just around the corner.

FAQs

1. What’s the best way to improve my shooting accuracy?

Start by practicing close to the basket, focusing on clean mechanics. Stick with it—accuracy comes from consistent, quality reps.

2. How many shots should I take each day to improve?

If you’re serious about getting better, aim for 300–500 shots a day. Mix it up—include free throws, mid-range, and long-range shots.

3. Why do I shoot better in practice than during games?

Game situations bring pressure, defense, and fatigue, which don’t show up in relaxed practice. Try simulating real game conditions in your workouts to get more comfortable.

4. How important is follow-through when shooting?

It’s huge. A good follow-through helps your shot stay on target, adds arc, and gives the ball a nice backspin. Think of it as the finishing touch on every shot.

5. Which drills will help me become a better shooter?

Try form shooting, catch-and-shoot reps, shooting off the dribble, and spot-up shooting. These build muscle memory and confidence.

6. Do I need to jump on every shot?

Not always. Use a jump shot when shooting over defenders or from long range. For free throws or short shots, a slight rise or no jump works best.

7. How do I stay confident if I miss a few shots?

Trust your training and don’t dwell on misses. Shake it off and focus on your next shot. Confidence grows through repetition and mindset.

8. How can I get more arc on my shot?

Use your legs for lift and finish with a high follow-through. Picture reaching up and into a high “cookie jar” above the rim. Practicing high-arc shots from close range can help lock in that feel.