There’s nothing sweeter than the “swish” of nothing but net – Those shots are special for a reason – they’re tough to make.

Players are more likely to make the basket when they concentrate on the sweet spot on the goal – the shooting square.

The shooting square is, according to the official NBA Rules under Section II – Equipment: A transparent backboard shall be marked with a 2” white rectangle centered behind the ring. This rectangle shall have outside dimensions of 24” horizontally and 18” vertically.

With good form and aiming for the shooting square, scoring becomes an expected outcome.

No matter where a player is on the court, aiming for that square has a much greater chance of ending up in points scored than aiming for the basketball hoop – or, in the case of upward-looking kids, the rim.

Speaking of kids, they are more likely to get the results they want (more baskets!) by centering on the shooting square. Nothing-but-net baskets require greater technical skills, achievable as the player’s skill set develops.

Shooting form is important for developing players.

They have to learn to hold the ball properly between their hands – cradling it with one while the other rests on top or on the side of the ball. They crouch slightly, bouncing on the tips of their feet as they spring to shoot. The appropriate arc is achieved through the natural force of the body as it springs upward – it’s a beautiful thing!

When a youngster strains to get the basketball up to a regulation 10-foot basketball goal, they often fall back into poor form – even holding the ball between their legs and flinging it (uncontrollably) up in the direction of the basketball hoop. Odds are slim they’ll make the basket – which is why there is such jubilation when they do!

Perfect form with adjustable height basketball goals

Youngsters can learn and practice proper shooting form if the basketball hoop is closer to them. Goalrilla Basketball Goals (available at the Basketball Goal Store) adjust based on ASTM safety standards – from 7.5-foot to the regulation 10-foot height. (Note: anything lower than 7.5-feet is considered unsafe.) As they grow, the goal can be raised so their form is never compromised.

• Teach correct form
• Provide appropriate and safe equipment
• Focus players’ attention on the shooting square

Do this, and your children will make baskets – which means they’ll be inspired to play more!

-Pat of the Basketball Goal Store Blog Team