Introduction
These are the shooting fundamentals that helped me set three-point records in college and play professionally. I learned many of them through countless hours of research, film study, and trial and error.
Now, I’m sharing them with you so you don’t have to reinvent the wheel.
Over the past decade of coaching and training players at all levels, I’ve seen that most shooting problems come down to the same core issues. Players often skip essential steps, searching for a secret trick before building a solid foundation.
Here’s what I teach every shooter, from middle schoolers learning their form to college athletes aiming for playing time.
A Quick Note:
I’m going to be detailed here, but don’t worry, I’m not expecting you to use a protractor! My goal is to explain these concepts as clearly as possible so you can understand and improve your shot mechanics on your own, without needing a coach to watch every repetition. The measurements are just there to help you grasp the mechanics fully.
1. Feet and Alignment
- Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, with your weight evenly balanced.
- Angle: A slight inward angle of your feet (right-handed shooters turn slightly left, left-handed slightly right).
- Shoulder Alignment: Your shooting shoulder should be aligned with the rim, matching its natural angle (around 30–35 degrees).
This small adjustment helps your entire body align more naturally with the basket, leading to better shooting mechanics.
2. Hand Placement and Grip
- Shooting Hand: The ball should rest comfortably in your shooting hand with a relaxed grip.
- Off-Hand: Your non-shooting hand should hover close but not contribute to the release.
- Guide Hand: Any involvement from your guide hand during the release can negatively impact rotation and accuracy.
- Finger Placement: Whether you center your middle or index finger is personal preference, but consistency is key.
Notice how elite shooters have that moment where the ball sits calmly in their shooting hand before the release, with their off-hand doing nothing.
3. Ball Path
- The ball needs to travel upward in a straight, controlled line from your shot pocket.
- Avoid wide, circular movements or pulling the ball across your body.
- A straight path improves control, power, and consistency.
Especially as you shoot from further away, an efficient ball path is crucial. Less unnecessary movement means a more reliable shot.
4. The Window
- Keep the ball on your shooting side or above your head so you can always see the target.
- Avoid blocking your vision with the ball.
Maintaining a clear view of the rim helps you lock in on your target and increases accuracy. Your eyes provide crucial information that your brain uses to guide your shot. The best shooters combine muscle memory with this visual feedback.
5. The Release
- Generate arc and backspin with a clean snap of your wrist.
- Your guide hand should remain neutral throughout the release.
- Finish high – if your follow-through ends below your eye level, your shot is likely too flat.
Flat shots tend to bounce hard off the rim, decreasing your chances of making them. A higher arc softens the shot and gives the ball a better angle to drop in.
6. Rotation
- Perfect backspin provides control and leads to softer bounces.
- Any side or diagonal spin will cause the ball to deflect unpredictably off the rim.
Good backspin equals a soft touch, which often results in a “shooter’s bounce.” It’s a simple way to increase your make percentage without drastically changing your form.
7. Arc
- The ideal arc for a basketball shot results in a descent angle of around 50 degrees.
- This angle maximizes the chance of the ball entering the rim.
Think of arc as insurance: the right amount gives the ball more opportunities to go in. Flat shots are inherently lower percentage.
Want to Dive Deeper?
If you’re interested in further refining your shooting fundamentals, we’ve created a free, in-depth guide that breaks down our complete shooting system with examples, illustrations, and actionable steps. It’s the perfect complement to this article.
👉 Download the Free Shooting Fundamentals Guide here
Need Support?
If you’re serious about becoming a great shooter, you don’t need more random drills – you need a structured system.
Our training programs are built on the shooting fundamental I’ve used with players at every level. We’ll help you:
- Build perfect mechanics from the ground up.
- Eliminate bad habits.
- Develop game-ready confidence.
Whether you’re just starting out or are an advanced player, we can help you develop a shot that holds up under pressure.