Improving Shooting Accuracy In Basketball

Take it from the pros, like Stephen Curry, who strives to nail at least half of his free throws purely through swishing during practice. That’s not just about making the basket; it’s about perfecting the shot…without room for error. To improve your shooting accuracy, you need to strive to get better and when “making a basket” isn’t good enough any longer, you are likely well no your way to perfecting your shot.

In this article I am going to help you understand why the best shooters like Ray Allen kick off their routines early. They then move steadily from the simplicity of form shooting to the complexity of 3-pointers. This isn’t just about getting warmed up; it’s about laying down a rhythm for the session and establishing a touch on the ball that maximizes habit.

Consistent routines ARE the blueprint for success. Such a routine isn’t solely about repetition; it’s about attain a strong, dependable technique that builds confidence and sharpens overall shooting prowess.

And this isn’t just for experienced pros; it’s equally relevant to youth and high school basketball enthusiasts or anyone eager to develop their shooting form. If you can perform the same, predictable shooting form over and over, your results become much more predictable (that is, baskets).

And for the more seasoned players, this routine doubles as a stellar warm-up and a means to fine-tune the finer details of technique….and get ready pre-game in an ideal way for the big game.

Accuracy Strategy 1: Mastering the 1-Hand Form Shooting Drill

I’m going to let you in on a secret that can transform your shooting game.. it’s not just about launching the ball toward the hoop; it’s about precision and perfecting your form.

This is where the ‘1-Hand Form Shooting Drill’ becomes your best friend. Consider it the foundation of your shooting house. Without a solid base, the rest doesn’t matter much.

Now, let’s break it down. This drill focuses on three pivotal points:

• Foot Placement. Here’s the thing, your feet set the stage for stability and power, while the arm and hand are your tools for guiding the ball home. As for the ball’s journey, you’re aiming for a smooth arc, sending it up and out, brushing through the net with that satisfying swish sound.
• Arm Positioning. The ‘Guide Hand’ comes into play next, and yes, it’s as important as it sounds. This isn’t about guiding like the backseat driver in your car; this is about gentle stability. Keeping it on the side of the ball but not interfering, you’ll focus on the correct position, flat like a book lying on a table, and ensuring it doesn’t push or pull.
• Trajectory of the Ball. You want the trajectory of the ball to have shape to it, think of the ball as being able to trace on an arc being able to go in the hoop without even having to touch the net.

A shooting workout can be monotonous, but bear with me, it’s worth it. Start with 10 wall shots, focusing on form, not force. Once you’ve nailed that, move to the basket for 50 shots. And you guessed it, form remains king. The goal here? To find that groove where you just know the shot’s going in, even before it leaves your fingertips.

With practice, these basics will become second nature, teeing you up for the next stage. Remember, choose something that resonates with you in this drill. If it feels awkward at first, that’s normal. Just don’t focus too much on perfection; it’s all about progress, shot by shot.

Progressing Towards Precision: Understanding Proper Shooting Technique

Now repeat after me: technique matters, especially when you’re looking to up your game from close-range shots to nailing three-pointers. Like any pro will tell you, the more remote the hoop, the heftier the demand for flawless form. Let’s step up from the foundational one-hand exercises to mastering proper shooting technique as we increase the distance.

First off, for our youth athletes, it’s vital to recognize the need for suitable equipment. A smaller ball and a basket set at an accommodating height ensure they’re setting themselves up for success, and not unnecessary strain. Believe me, matching the gear to your stature is instrumental in keeping your form sharp and preventing bad habits.

Here’s a progression that’s worth its weight in gold: adding the guide hand to the shooting motion. It sounds simple, but it’s a game-changer. Your guide hand is there to… well, guide, not interfere. It should rest lightly on the ball for stability, without actually impacting the ball’s flight. Think of it as your shot’s silent partner.

As you weave this into your routine, keep pushing your workout.

The goal is to consistently make 8 out of 10 shots from various designated spots around the key. It’s a tall order, but it’s the kind of practice that translates to in-game dependability. This is where the rubber meets the road—or rather, where the ball meets the net.

Pulling all these elements together is the ‘Set to Go’ progression. It is all about coordinating the power from your legs with your arm movement. You’ve got to spring from the ‘Set’ position, with knees bent and ball poised, to that elevating ‘Go’ movement when you launch your shot. It can feel like patting your head and rubbing your belly at first, but stick with it, and it’ll become second nature.

With every workout, revisit the one-hand form shooting with and without the guide hand to reinforce what you’re learning. Layer these drills; don’t rush through them. Every shot is an opportunity to fine-tune your form. And when mistakes sneak in, as they always do, iron them out. Shooting rushed or with wonky ball placement? Take a breath, reset, and focus on the fundamentals we’ve covered.

Optimizing the Shooting Workflow: A Comprehensive Shooting Routine.

Now that you’ve laid the groundwork with consistent technique and proper form, it’s time to piece it all together with a proper shooting routine. This isn’t just about repetition, it’s also about creating a practice schedule that ensures that every shot counts.

The ‘Tuck’ progression is your next step. It’s a drill designed to fine-tune your timing, rhythm, arc, and release point, all of which are critical to making your shot fluid. Think of it as adding the finishing touches to the shooting form you have been carefully crafting.

Mistakes in shooting often stem from either rushing the shot or misplacing the ball during the setup of your shot. Don’t worry too much about speed at first. Focus on the proper movement and then with practice, your speed will naturally increase without losing accuracy.

A good shooting workout to integrate the ‘Tuck’ progression might look like this:

1. Start with the 1-Hand Form Shooting
2. Then add the Guide Hand, before finally incorporating the ‘Set to Go’.
3. Each phase of the workout builds upon the last, reinforcing the skills needed for a sharper shooter.

It’s crucial that when you practice, you’re not just going through the motions. Instead, engage and focus with each shot. Set a goal, like making 8 out of 10 shots from specific spots on the court. This creates pressure similar to game situations and sharpens your focus.

Continual assessment is key. If you’re consistently missing shots, take a step back. Check your form, assess your balance, and ensure your technique is correct. It might be tempting to simply shoot more, but without addressing the root cause of your errors, you won’t see the improvement you’re after.

Becoming an Elite Shooter : Advanced Techniques and Corrections.

Alright, you’ve put in the work, followed the progressions, and built a solid shooting routine. But the path to shooting excellence certainly doesn’t end here.

It’s a continuous process of refinement and adjustment (and then more of the same), a practice that even the pros commit to daily.

The ‘Tuck To Go’ progression is going to remain one of your core focuses. This isn’t just about nailing shots; it’s about doing so with proper rhythm and fluidity that looks almost effortless. It comes down to improving not just your accuracy but the speed of your release—essential for game situations where time and space come at a high premium.

You will notice that some of the top shooters in the world like Steph Curry are able to get the ball out of their hands in a hurry, while retaining their form. This is because they have been implementing “perfect” practice, which leads to the ability to get speed dialled in.

The strategies I have outlined are designed to lay down the fundamentals initially, build upon them, and polish them until your shooting form is something you’re proud of. A quick, accurate shot with the proper technique isn’t some “natural” gift; it’s earned through practice, correction, and more practice.

In my opinion, as your experience grows, so will your ability to self-diagnose and make micro-adjustments during a game. Don’t worry too much about misses; even the best have off days. Choose something that resonates with you: consistency, technique, rhythm, or perhaps corrective methods, and make that your focus for a session or a week.

Lastly, keep an eye on the bigger picture.Your first attempt doesn’t need to be your last. Mistakes are part of the journey—embrace them as opportunities to learn and improve. Stay patient, stay persistent, and above all, stay passionate about the game. I really hope that these strategies and insights help you on your path to becoming the shooter you aspire to be and if you have any questions at all, drop them in the comments area below.