How to shoot a basketball: a beginner guide

The short answer

A good basic shot starts from a balanced base, lifts the ball up in a smooth line, extends the shooting arm toward the basket and finishes with a relaxed follow-through. It should feel more like a push and a flick than a throw. The goal for a beginner is good habits first, not distance.

Step 1: The setup

1. Feet: point them toward the basket, about shoulder width apart. Many players put the foot on their shooting side slightly forward.
2. Knees: bent and relaxed, because the legs provide much of the power.
3. Eyes: look at the rim or a spot just over the front of it, not at the ball.
4. Ball: hold it on the fingertips and finger pads, not the palm, with a small gap between ball and palm.

Step 2: Hand placement

The shooting hand sits under and slightly behind the ball with fingers spread. The other hand rests on the side of the ball just to guide and balance it. It should not push. If a young player cannot reach the rim with a regular ball and hoop, ask the coach about lower rims or a smaller ball, which many programs use for younger ages.

Step 3: The motion

Start with the ball near the chest or just above it, and keep the elbow of the shooting arm under the ball, pointing toward the basket. Then:

• Straighten the legs, then lift the ball in a smooth line up and toward the basket.
• Extend the shooting arm until the elbow is fully straight.
• Snap the wrist so the fingers point down at the rim, like reaching into a cookie jar on a high shelf.
• Hold the follow-through until the ball lands, so the form is not rushed.

The ball should spin backward off the fingertips. Backspin helps shots drop in softly. Do not worry about perfect spin on day one.

Start close, then move back

Where you stand while learning matters more than most families expect, because distance changes the motion. Standing too far away forces a player to throw the ball with the whole body, and that quickly becomes a habit that is hard to undo.

New shooters often fall into the habit of heaving the ball from far away, which builds poor form. A simple progression is better:

1. Start a few steps from the hoop, directly in front.
2. Take shots until the form feels natural and many go in.
3. Only then move a bit farther, and go back in if the form breaks down.
4. Later, try shooting off a pass and off a dribble, which feels different in a game.

Short sessions with full effort are generally better than long tired ones. For other games to try with a hoop in the driveway, see basketball skills to practice at home.

A note on layups

Many beginners score first on layups, which are close-range shots off the backboard. A layup is usually taken off the foot opposite the shooting hand, so a right-hander jumps off the left foot. It helps to practice the rhythm slowly: step, step, jump, and lift the ball softly up toward the backboard. Learn the footwork before speed, because taking too many steps is the traveling violation explained in basketball fouls and violations.

Common beginner shooting mistakes

• Shooting from the palm. This lowers control. Keep the ball on the finger pads.
• Elbow flaring out. The ball tends to drift sideways. Aim the elbow at the rim.
• Using only the arms. Bend the legs and let them help.
• Pushing with the guide hand. The off hand should only steady the ball.
• Dropping the follow-through. Hold the finish until the ball reaches the rim.
• Judging by makes alone. A shot can fall in with bad form. A good-looking miss is a better sign of progress.

How to practice without burning out

Good practice for a young shooter is short, focused and fun. Choose one thing to work on, such as the elbow position or the follow-through, and ignore everything else for that session. Many families like to track makes from a spot close to the basket and try to beat their own number, which keeps the session game-like. Rest when arms or legs feel tired, and let the child decide when it is time to stop. If a child complains of pain, stop and let a coach, doctor or athletic trainer decide what to do next.

Shooting also looks different in games than in the driveway. In a game there are defenders, a clock and teammates cheering, so a player who shoots well alone may feel rushed. That is normal. Practice off a pass and after a quick catch, and play small games where a defender gently contests the shot. This bridges the gap between a quiet driveway and a busy gym.

Mindset for new shooters

Every shooter misses, including the best in the world. Encourage children to focus on the next shot and to shoot with confidence in games. If a player seems frozen, our guide on helping kids handle basketball nerves may help.

What to ask your coach

Coaches see many shooters and can often spot one small fix in a few seconds. Asking for a single priority is far more useful than asking for a full review. It also keeps practice at home simple and positive for your child.

• Are the hoop height and ball size right for my child's age and strength?
• Can you check my child's shooting form and suggest one thing to work on?
• What should we practice at home between sessions?

Sources and further reading

1. Youth Basketball Guidelines USA Basketball
2. Basketball (Kids) Encyclopaedia Britannica
3. Basketball & Volleyball: How to Prevent Common Injuries HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics)

Links open in a new tab. Quotations are short excerpts, included with attribution for commentary. BlackForge Sports is not affiliated with or endorsed by the people or organizations named.

Frequently asked questions

What is the correct way to shoot a basketball?

Stand balanced facing the hoop, hold the ball on your finger pads, lift it in a smooth line, extend your arm and snap your wrist. Hold the follow-through.

Where should I look when shooting?

Most coaches teach players to look at the rim or just over the front of it, not at the ball.

Why do my shots fall short?

Often it is because the legs are not helping. Bending the knees and using them for power usually helps.

Should beginners shoot from far away?

Usually not. Starting close builds good form, and then you can move back little by little.

What is the follow-through in basketball?

It is the finish of the shot, with the arm extended and the wrist snapped so the fingers point down toward the rim.