What is basketball "form shooting" and why is it important?

Young players around the globe will hear their coaches talk about form shooting and that they need to do it. Unfortunately most players don't listen and they don't do it. They get in the gym and start jacking up shots from distance before Form Shooting enters their mind.

I've heard so many excuses as to why, but none of them are valid.

The truth to the matter is, Form shooting is important to do EVERY time your on the court warming up.

But why coach? Why is form shooting so important?

Well, let's think about it.

The main aim in basketball is to put the ball in the basket for more points total than the other team. To do that we have to 'shoot' the ball in one way or another.

We want to do this in a manor that is consistently repeatable but also highly adaptable.

Whilst a basketball shot requires full body coordination, to stay ballanced, align and shoot straight with the right arc and power to drop into the basket.

In order for players to do this consistently, there are a number of parts that can be fine tuned to provide consistent output and results.

The final stage of our shot, shot pocket > release, is one of those stages. This is where Form shooting comes in.

Form shooting isolates that final stage, takes the requirements away from the rest of your body and just focuses on the extension of the shooting arm and snap of the wrist.

When players are learning to shot this movement needs a high number of reps over years to truly master the rhythm, timing and touch whilst eliminating unnecessary motions.

The above video is a quick look at 4 different types of form shooting. The charge circle is a great reference point for where to do your form shooting from. Get into your shooting stance and give them a go. Each level is harder than the next and has a slightly different focus.

I'll break them down briefly.

Level 1 - Bring ball with both hands to shot pocket, remove of hand, shoot.

Level 2 - Bring ball from holster to shot pocket with 1 hand, ballance and shoot.

Level 3 - Spin the ball as you bring it up, let it spin until it stops then shoot.

Level 4 - Strong pound dribble, let the ball raise up, get under it, shoot. Try to not let the ball stop its motion.

These will keep you busy for a while, no matter what level your currently at. Add it to your daily warm up and see the improvements in your shot just happen over a few weeks. But this is a life time drill, don't forget that.

MOTIVATE | EDUCATE | INTEGRATE