If you’ve been following our series on Fundamentals of Shooting (Perimeter) you’ve read the instructions and watched the video.

There are a few extra little tidbits to add that might help you understand why these three phases, and mastering the fundamentals are important in developing that “shooter’s touch.”

As I said before, everyone here at the Basketball Goal Store knows equipment is important which is why we offer the best (and, I might add, the original) premium, in-ground Goalrilla Goal Basketball system.

We also know mastering the basic techniques and mechanics of the game are important too, which is why we’re providing this resource for you.

But the other thing we know is that players need to understand why the techniques are important. So that’s what I want to share with you – why certain movements are important when releasing and shooting the ball toward that basketball hoop – so you’ll do more than just hope it goes through – you’ll understand why it does – or does not – score points.

Why arm position matters

The extension of the shooting arm from the Cocked and Flexed “L” position into the shooting release position will help produce a 45 to 55 degree arc on the basketball as it heads straight toward the basket.

That arc is what gives the ball the best opportunity to go through the basket – not too high, not too low.

By keeping the guide hand arm up with the elbow positioned ahead of the pivot foot, it keeps the shooting arm straight. If you’re square with the basket, your shot should be straight too.

Why hand position matters

Holding the basketball in your off-hand with the fingers pointing toward the ceiling is important. This ensures that the off-hand will not provide any influence on the basketball as you extend your shooting hand. That means the shooting hand aims the ball – and the off-hand doesn’t alter the aim.

When you release the basketball off the end of the shooting hand’s fingertips and then snap your wrist at the top of the extension, you’re producing back spin on the basketball which causes the ball to rotate. When the shooting hand comes to rest pointing toward the floor, it allows the shooting hand to have total influence on the basketball.

Mastering all these little nuances in properly executed fundamentals, combined with a smooth, rhythmic motion is what yields the true “shooter’s touch” – and scores.

-Pat of the Basketball Goal Store Blog Team