Introduction: Basketball Shooting Form Finder

This instructable will go over various aspects of basketball shooting forms, as well as different techniques, tricks and tools to help you succeed. This guide is meant for everyone and please leave feedback or comments below!

Step 1: Gripping the Ball

  • Every person due to different body size, length, and so on will have a unique form.
  • The first step is finding a grip and holding spot that most comforts the shooter from the pocket hold up through the release.
  • As always, we should try and have one hand on top of the ball (dominant hand) and one on the side to be the guide.
  • As the ball is lifting upwards through the motion, allow the guide hand to release at the top.

Step 2: Stance/ Foot Set

  • As you find your comfort level with grip, and start define your shooting form.
  • The next step is finding the proper foot alignment for your legs.
  • Some prefer a bit of a turn to side as seen with Steph Curry. Some prefer feet towards target with rest of body.
  • Once you find the foot placement, create the bend in the knees and rise up.
  • For more information, go to this instructable to see more Examples

Step 3: Release

  • Once the grip and stance have been put into play. The last phase of the shot is the apex release.
  • Given the choice of form, and the body of the individual, some forms maybe a little different.
  • Some could use a under push, whereas some might follow as a normal flick of the wrist with the ball.
  • Create the follow through with the motion form you have chosen. Don't allow the guide hand to misdirect the motion of the ball at the top.
  • Above all keep it comfortable, and don't make yourself feel out of place with your form. For some more images and examples check out the instructable

Step 4: Tools

  • As a side note, there are multiple tools you can use to help practice and perfect the form you create.
  • Images listed above.
  • The finger clip to help with finger spacing.
  • While the guide plate to help with placement of guide hand to not interfere with the motion.
  • Looking for an easy way to find tools to help. Check out Amazon

Step 5: Muscle Memory

  • Maybe the most important and only real step to throw at you is muscle memory work.
  • For this stage remove the basketball from the equation and simply work on the form itself and its execution.
  • Here's some shooting drill videos with an explanation of muscle memories affect on the shot.
  • Can be executed with or without a ball.
  • The study done at the University of San Jose on Muscle Memory and correlation with Basketball.

Step 6: Get the Necessities

  • Once you've found a comfort level in your form and set up. From there it gets to the simplest part.
  • Grab a ball and find a rim outside or inside weather permitting to start working on your craft.
  • Most big name stores or sports locations will carry all basketball types needed. Whether that be a 27.5 ball for ladies, or the 28.5 for men.
  • Of course if you're trying to teach a young child they will have what you need as well.
  • Kids should focus more on the fundamentals as opposed to shooting till reaching the strength level needed.

Step 7: Get to Work

  • It's very corny and overstated but like anything else you want to be good at. It takes work and time to find what works for you then practice to be good at it.
  • Take the time to try new things out and get better.
  • Like the images above, two of the greats in Stephen Curry and the late Kobe Bryant.
  • Time and effort is needed to learn something new. Basketball is a sport everyone can share and be used to bring others together.
  • I hope this instructable has brought some assistance to those looking to improve their shooting form or start from scratch.