How to Become a Good Jump Shooter

Last Updated: May 28, 2021

It's simpler than you think. A good jump shot is compact and has little or no extra movement. When trying to become a better shooter, focus on the essential aspects of shooting form, then practice this form over and over again until it is automatic.

Steps

1
Bend your knees and square your shoulders to the basket, have a wide stance and bend your knees. Always make sure you are balanced when shooting.
2
Always remember to jump straight up. Never jump to the side, forward or backwards (If you are not trying to.)

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3
Explode upward and shoot the ball on the way up.
4
Your elbow must remain straight when shooting. That means your elbow is always pointed in the direction of the basket.
5
Concentrate on flicking your wrist straight. Hold your follow-through until the ball goes through the hoop. All of the ball's momentum and spin should come from your wrist. The power for the shot is provided by your legs.
6
A good jump shot has a high arc that reaches its highest point 2/3 of the way towards the rim. When shooting, think of your shot as going up and out. The balance of the two is what makes a jump shot go in.
7
For your follow through, when you are releasing the ball, snap your wrist so your hand looks like you are about to put it in a cookie jar. This gives the ball backspin.
8
Remember to focus on beef. B is for balance, E is for eye, E is for Elbow and F, is for Following through. Remember to always face the basket and be balanced.
9
Always land facing the rim. Never at the wall or have your feet pointing anywhere else than the rim.

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Community Q&A

Question

What should I do if I have a weak shooting-arm?

Community Answer

You need to do some pushups to get stronger.
Question

What can I do if I don't have the strength to shoot the basketball from far range?

Community Answer

Work on your leg strength. Your legs should provide all of the shot's power. Do leg exercises like squats and lunges.
Question

What if I don't have enough arm strength?

Community Answer

Try getting power from your legs as you jump upwards. You'll also need to practice on arm strength, so start shooting from close under the rim, working your way backwards.
Question

Are there ways to shoot good even if a defender is in my face?

Community Answer

It really depends on your skills set. Some people are able to shoot over, under or around a defender, but most players need to be a bit open to get a good shot.
Question

What if I don't have enough power to shoot from the three point line?

Community Answer

Do push-ups to improve your arm strength and lunges and squats for your legs. That should help improve your power.
Question

What are some moves of basketball layups?

Community Answer

Two step shots are easiest. Dribble at least twice, then take two steps to the basket.
Question

What drills can I do to improve jump shots?

Community Answer

Try learning where you're good at shooting around the court, then practice shooting from a spot that's right for you. Then, move on to tougher shooting spots and practice from there.
Question

Where do you hold the ball?

Community Answer

Put your middle finger of your shooting hand on the middle seam of the ball; your other hand is just there to support the ball.
Question

I always shoot too hard. How do I fix that?

Community Answer

Try to provide a higher arching shot. This way, a lot more of your energy can be focused on putting more arch, and less distance.

Warnings

A good jump shot will not come easily. It takes repetitive practice and good form to become an accurate shooter. You can't expect to make all of your shots.

Thanks!
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Shooting Drills

Start from 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m) out from the rim and shoot about 25 shots that are made. As you start making these close range shots your confidence and form will both improve. After taking these shots, start shooting a bit further away from the rim in various positions on the court and make around 100 shots in practice. However, you must remember that you shouldn't feel as if your shot was forced. This happens when you start taking shots that are beyond your range. This will not only mess up your form but also make you less confident of your shot in game time situations.