Overview
Shooting is one of the fundamentals of basketball, and the best way to improve your shot is to practice a lot. But not everyone has the good fortune to have convenient access to a basketball court or some other basketball practice facility. As such, it may be necessary to work on your shot at home. By following a few simple steps, getting better at shooting the basketball at home can become a reality.
Step 1
Find a level place in or around your home. Unless you have a sizable, empty, high-ceilinged indoor area, this will likely be outside. The driveway may work. This will be your practice area. A paved area (or, if indoors, wood-floored area) is ideal, but any level ground will do, even dirt or grass.
Step 2
Install a basketball hoop. These come in various forms, including in adjustable versions (typically moving from between six and 10 feet), but for your purposes--with the goal being to improve your shot--be sure that the pole, backboard and rim are regulation-size. Regulation height, between rim and ground surface, is 10 feet. A regulation backboard should measure 72 inches in width.
Step 3
Create a schedule. Improving your shot will only come about by practice--and that practice must be consistent. This typically means creating a schedule and having the discipline to follow it. Find time each week for practice, preferably every day.
Step 4
Use your legs. Bend your knees before you shoot, holding the ball in the shooting pocket. As you bring the ball up to the level of your head in preparation for release, straighten your legs and release the ball in one fluid motion, allowing the resultant "spring" from your knees to channel through to your shot. Proper use of your legs during the shot can lead to an immediate improvement in your shot.
Step 5
Practice in game-mode. Take shots from places and angles that you would likely encounter in a game. Also, take shots at game speed; in a real game, you won't have the luxury of taking your time to casually dribble in place, take aim and slowly and gracefully take your shot. In a real game, there will be someone in your face or coming at you, and you will be forced to shoot rapidly.
Shooting is one of the fundamentals of basketball, and the best way to improve your shot is to practice a lot. But not everyone has the good fortune to have convenient access to a basketball court or some other basketball practice facility. As such, it may be necessary to work on your shot at home. By following a few simple steps, getting better at shooting the basketball at home can become a reality.
Step 1
Find a level place in or around your home. Unless you have a sizable, empty, high-ceilinged indoor area, this will likely be outside. The driveway may work. This will be your practice area. A paved area (or, if indoors, wood-floored area) is ideal, but any level ground will do, even dirt or grass.
Step 2
Install a basketball hoop. These come in various forms, including in adjustable versions (typically moving from between six and 10 feet), but for your purposes--with the goal being to improve your shot--be sure that the pole, backboard and rim are regulation-size. Regulation height, between rim and ground surface, is 10 feet. A regulation backboard should measure 72 inches in width.
Step 3
Create a schedule. Improving your shot will only come about by practice--and that practice must be consistent. This typically means creating a schedule and having the discipline to follow it. Find time each week for practice, preferably every day.
Step 4
Use your legs. Bend your knees before you shoot, holding the ball in the shooting pocket. As you bring the ball up to the level of your head in preparation for release, straighten your legs and release the ball in one fluid motion, allowing the resultant "spring" from your knees to channel through to your shot. Proper use of your legs during the shot can lead to an immediate improvement in your shot.
Step 5
Practice in game-mode. Take shots from places and angles that you would likely encounter in a game. Also, take shots at game speed; in a real game, you won't have the luxury of taking your time to casually dribble in place, take aim and slowly and gracefully take your shot. In a real game, there will be someone in your face or coming at you, and you will be forced to shoot rapidly.
