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Just before you shoot you will actually gently let your assist hand fall away from the ball.At this point if you were viewed from the side your arm would make a backwards "L".Your weak hand is usually referred to as a "guide hand", however it really shouldn't guide the ball.They put in a lot of hours to build a great shot.Releasing the ball from your fingertips should impart a nice backspin on the ball (this back-spin is the reason many people get a "shooter's roll").Just before the top of the jump, the elbow should rise just above eye level, the arm should begin to straighten and as this happens, the wrist should begin to rotate forward to launch the ball toward the basket.Hold the release until the ball gets to the hoop.You should not watch the flight of the ball.We call this "shot ready" Initiating the shot - As you initiate your shot you will bend your knees and begin to jump in the air.Holding the ball - Your strong hand should be placed behind the ball with your fingers spread comfortably (they should not be too close or too spread out.Square your body - In addition to your feet being square to the hoop you should also have your waist and shoulders square to the basket.It is often called "reaching into the cookie jar" because it looks as if you were reaching into a jar on the top shelf.Square your feet - Your feet should be approximately shoulder width apart.Ball Trajectory - The shot should feel easy because the strong muscles of your legs, rather than the smaller muscles of the arm and wrist, power the shot.It is best to build your shot from the ground up.The ball should move just above the head, and should be resting in the "waiter's position" (this is similar to how a waiter carries a tray at a restaurant.All this information gets you into the correct position to take your shot.This is extremely important.The ball should be gripped primarily by your fingertips, and secondarily by your finger pads.If you are right handed your right foot should be just slightly ahead of your left.You wrist should continue falling forward after release.Eyes - Your eyes should be on the rim and focused on one spot (the back of the rim or the backboard if you are going to shoot a bank shot).The shot & the follow through - As the top of the jump is approached, begin to release the ball.Your thumb should be at approximately a 45 degree angle from the pointer finger.The ball should not rest on your palm, however it should be close.It is used only to assist you in raising the ball up and getting into position.Your feet should be squared with the basket before initiating your shot.The hands should hold the ball secure, but both the hand and the wrist should be relaxed.If you have never been taught how to correctly shoot a basketball or you are new to basketball.

When you see a player with a smooth shot.The ball should travel with a good "arc" toward the basket A shot with a higher arc has a better chance of going in the hoop with a higher arc.Being able to shoot is essential to success as a basketball player.Begin raising the ball up towards the face (just slightly to the right of your body for right handed shooters), being sure to KEEP YOUR ELBOW IN (the elbow and wrist should be in a straight line up and down.The ball should start off around chest height slightly to the right of the body with your shooting hand underneath/behind the ball.Your legs are going to provide most of the power in your shot, so getting a good knee bend in preparation for the shot is vital.You should be completely balanced and feel comfortable prior to your shot.

You should be able to barely slide a finger between your ball and your palm.Just before release your guide hand should let go of the ball and you should allow the ball to release off of your fingertips.Bend your knees - When you start to initiate your shot you should bend your knees.Whether coming off of a screen, shooting off the dribble, or simply moving to an open spot, you must have balance and have your shoulders square with the hoop