Need some Basketball pointers!

[TripleTTT]

I know this is a weird topic, considering this is a fencing forum.

I am now playing basketball on my highscool team. I have had 2 games and lots of practices. After practice today, I realized my shot is not as good as it should be. It seems that whenever I take a shot it bounces off the rim. My shot form is good but whenever the ball arives at the basket, it just bounces off the far side of the rim or rolls off. Especially my foul shots, they are horrible.

If any one out there plays basketball, could you give some helpful tips to help the ball go into the net? Anything will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

TC

[prototoast]

1) Have someone observe your form to make sure it's actually as good as you claim it is.
2) Make sure your eyes are looking where you want the ball to go.
3) Practice.
4) Practice doing it right.

[TBean]

1) Have someone observe your form to make sure it's actually as good as you claim it is.
2) Make sure your eyes are looking where you want the ball to go.
3) Practice.
4) Practice doing it right.

What he said.

Really, the great at any sport practice, and then practice some more. Specifically - since you mention them - free-throws are more then just a technical skill. It is a high-pressure situation - people expect you to make that shot because no one is getting in your way - except maybe yourself. Larry Bird - dating myself I know - practiced, among other things, foul shots everyday. To him those were free points, he needed to be so technically good at that shot that his skill and muscle memory would overcome any mental hiccups. It was rumored before a game he would go to the foul line take 100 shots - his career free-throw average was .886.

You must perfect the fundamentals of the game.

[TripleTTT]

Thanks, I hit the gym and practiiced looking at the spot where I wanted to shoot the ball, kept my eyes on that point and got a basket most of the time. I also found that if I am not thinking of anything, my brain is clear and the shot goes in. WHen I am thinking about something and I take a shot, the ball just bounces off the rim.

Any other tips form people?

TC

[ddavis]

Generally if you have an open look at the hoop, you should be aiming so that your shot just clears the front of the rim.

[Warrior Princess]

Shooting technique usually depends a little on where you're standing. I assume they taught you about the sweet spot for shots on either side of the key. Always remember 4 things when you're shooting
1) Ballance: make sure that you are ballanced
2) Elbo: the elbow of the arm that you're not shooting with should be tucked in, not sticking out.
3) Eye: look at where you're shooting
4) Follow Through: I assume that you have also been taught that this is important and what it should look like

(Yes, it spells BEEF)

Free throw tip: Have a routine. When you're practicing free throws, keep switching up what you do right after you get the ball, once you've made a shot, stick to that routine. Always do that routine.

I probably could have been more specific and more helpful 6 years ago, but I hope this helps.

[kalivor]

One (or both) of two things:

1. Your form is not as good as you think it is.
2. You have not practiced enough. Take about 500 shots a day.

[TripleTTT]

One (or both) of two things:

1. Your form is not as good as you think it is.
2. You have not practiced enough. Take about 500 shots a day.

2. I have parctice everyday after school for 1 30min. I have been practining for 4 weeks now. In practice we don't practice alot of shooting. I probably get about40-50 free shots per practice. The only time I can practice my shooting is during my free time but By the time I deal with practice, school and homework I don't usually have enough free time during my day to take 500 shots. WHen I get free time, The gyms are closed and it is to dark to practice outside. I understand what you are saying about the 500 shots a day thing, but for me that is just not realistic.

Thanks for the tip though.

[TripleTTT]

We won our first game of the season. 38-37 (Ok we got lucky) in and exhibition game. I got 6 baskets. All the tips have been very helpful.