Nine tips on how to improve your jump shot
Tim Hartman
Have you ever wondered how to improve your jump shot? It’s something I try to improve every time I step into a gym (but my career 27% shooting from 3-point range would suggest I still have a lot to improve). We asked a few of our UH trainers across the country for tips on how to become a better shooter. Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to becoming the next Steph Curry.
Ken Koerner - Syosset, NY: Be consistent! All basketball players have a basic understanding of the proper mechanics when shooting a ball but not everyone shoots the same exact way. The best thing you can do to help yourself be consistent is to practice game shots at game speed without changing your form every time you miss.
Kwame Ofori - Centerville, VA: Balance is key. Make sure that your feet are facing the basket (no matter where you are on the floor) and that your feet are spaced adequately (not close together) to give you the greatest balance. Bend your knees (half squat) and allow the energy from you knees to transfer to your arms in a fluid motion to provide you the greatest lift. Using your arms only to shoot will leave you with airballs in the 4th quarter when it truly matters.
Peter Fabiano - Florham Park, NJ: Shoot, and make a lot of shots when practicing. Start close, and once you start making at least 60%, then back up a little until you master that distance and keep going further back a little at a time.
Cassidy Klinefelter - Folsom, CA: Spread your finger tips wide and always follow through to the target.
Adrian Woodard - Bergen County, NJ: B.E.E.F - balance, eyes, elbows, follow through.
Bryce Lewis - Berkeley Heights, NJ: Reps, reps, and more reps! Focus on balance and shot form mechanics.
Lorenzo Orr - Lakeville, MN: Jump shots can be improved by understanding shot timing, (shooting each shot at the exact same time each time) which help develops consistency through repetition.
Jonathan Nester - Franklin, TN: The first way is to make sure that your feet are square to the basket so that you are on balance when you shoot.
The second way is to extend and hold your follow through when you shoot the ball.
The third way is to make sure that you shoot the ball in rhythm; this is one of the most important parts of shooting.
The last way is to have rock solid confidence in your shooting ability. Envision a make before you even shoot the ball, as 90% of your shooting success will come from your confidence and your ability to believe in yourself.
Reggie Thompson - Woodstock, GA: Have your feet set when shooting, and returning to the same spot from where you start is a must. Always stay focused and keep your eyes locked in on the target. Always remember to follow through when shooting, with your fingers facing down and wrist bent.