The ability to shoot well is a phenomenal skill. It allows

players to score more points, stretch the defense, and become real

threats on the floor.



Imagine the sweet sound of “swish” with a defender’s hand in your

face…Imagine players putting up 15, 20 points a game night in and

night out…



If players learn how to shoot well consistently, this dream can

become a reality.



The thing that separates the Elite shooters from the bad shooters

is emphasis on the basics…



Basic shooting mechanics, when practiced over and over, are the

best way to improve a shot.



Unfortunately, many players don’t focus on the basics. They might

go to the gym to “work on their shot”, but what does that really

mean? How do you properly “work” on your shot?



The answer lies in focusing on the basics, trying to perfect the

technique first, and then worry about hitting shots later.



While perfecting technique, players probably won’t hit a lot of

shots in practice. This is because perfecting technique requires

changing form and mechanics, which is not going to be easy at first.



So what is proper shooting form?



It all starts with BEEF, which you’ve probably heard about before.

Sometimes, it helps to go back and freshen up on the basics,

because we all tend to forget.



BEEF stands for:



Balance

Eyes

Elbows

Follow-Through



- Balance: This means your feet shoulder-width apart, in a

comfortable position, knees slightly bent. Proper balance is the

1st step to shooting well. A lot of players, due to their lack of

balance, miss a lot of shots. Learn how to get in a comfortable,

balanced position in which you feel firmly grounded.



- Eyes: You must keep your eyes focused on the rim when you decide

to take a shot. Don’t be distracted by your defender or anything

else. Keep your eyes firmly glued on the rim from the moment you

decide to take the shot to the moment the ball releases off your

finger tips. In other words, concentrate and focus on the shot and

tune everything else out.



- Elbows: Keep your shooting elbow straight, aligned vertically in

a straight line. Basically, your shooting elbow should be inline

with basket, not off to the side. Your elbow needs to be as

straight as possible.



- Follow-Through: This means snapping your wrist and bringing your

hand and elbow forward until it is perpendicular to the floor. In

other words, let your arm move as far down as possible after

releasing your shot. Snapping your wrists helps to add a backspin

to your shot, which is important to create that “soft shooter’s

touch”.

So learn it,teach it and stick to it.