FOOTWORK

The proper form for shooting a basketball all starts with your footwork.  Shooting a jump shot on the move, either off of the dribble or the pass, a player is going to want to come into the shot with a “heel / toe”.  “Heel / toe” simply means planting the pivoting heel first followed by the toe. It is very important to get the pivoting foot started toward the basket while the player is receiving the pass, or while the ball is in the air.  The shooting foot is then planted and the player jumps up to shoot. The feet are placed shoulder width apart with the shooting foot even or slightly ahead pointing toward the basket.  Players do not want to have their shooting foot too far forward, too far back, or too wide.

Most coaches teach players to always plant their inside foot.  This is how most players naturally pivot.  It is also the best way to teach younger players.  However, in certain situations, some players might naturally pivot on their outside foot.  Usually players of better ability have a tendency to do this.  Outside pivot foot first, if done properly, can be quicker, more comfortable and have better results than shooting on the inside pivot foot.  If a player is successful with the outside pivot foot, coaches should allow them to continue.

Most good shooters come into their jump shot off of the move with a “1 – 2 stop.”  Very few people shoot well coming into a shot with a “jump stop.”  The only time a “jump stop” is recommended is when a player is using a power move close to the basket.  Coming into the jump shot with a “1 – 2” using the “heel/toe” is the most successful footwork.  As soon as the shooting foot hits, a player should jump up and shoot.  It is very important to note that the basketball should not be lifted up to shoot until after the second foot in the “1– 2” hits the floor.

Shooting a stationary jump shot also requires proper footwork. When shooting a stationary jumper a player should keep their shooting shoulder open to the basket.  The player needs to overemphasize putting the shooting foot down.  As soon as the shooting foot hits, that is when the jump shot begins.  A quote that is commonly used to help players wait on their shooting foot before lifting the basketball into their jump shot is:  “Wait for the foot to hit and then pop up and shoot.”  Sometimes just saying:  “Pop up and shoot” gets the player to jump on their stationary jump shot.  Waiting on the shooting foot to hit as well as emphasizing the “popping up” helps players to maintain the same rhythm throughout their jump shot.

Some players are more comfortable shooting on the move than what they are shooting stationary jump shots.  It is harder to maintain a rhythm when shooting a stationary jump shot.  If you find that a player is struggling shooting a stationary jumper have them do a quick little “1– 2” hop while the ball is in the air.  It is important that this is done while the basketball is in the air.  “The ball is in the air, your feet are in the air” is a commonly used quote to help players with this.  It also eliminates them shooting a stationary jump shot and gives them the rhythm they need to shoot.

A very common mistake shooters make with footwork is when they are going in the opposite direction of their shooting hand.  For example, it is common for a right -handed shooter going left to fade away from the basket. This is because of their footwork.  The player needs to make sure to “bring their shooting foot all the way around.”  By bringing their outside foot all the way around so it is even, or slightly behind their pivot foot, they will automatically square to the basket and eliminate the fade.

Some good shooting expressions that are useful when working with a player on their shooting for footwork purposes are:

“Come into the shot with a 1 – 2.”

“The ball is in the air, your feet are in the air.”

“As soon as the shooting foot hits, POP up and shoot.”

“Bring your outside foot all the way around.”