HOW TO: Three-Pointer

A three-point shot could be the almighty offensive move that wins your team the game. In just seconds you’re able to turn it around and from the three-point line, you can get ahead and win. With a technique holding the possibility of having such an advantage over the opposing team, it obviously is quite difficult to perfect.

Below are the steps on how to shoot a three-pointer, starting off with:

Step 1: Position

The first thing you need to ensure is that you are in a safe position that is

• Behind the line
• Lacking in defense from opposing team
• Lined up to the net

If either of these 3 are not found, then that does not mean you cannot get the 3 points. What this means really is that the shot will be much more difficult to perform at 100% effectiveness. With raging defense close near you, you will be more shaky with your aim due to immediate anxiety of defense coming at you. If you are not lined up to the net, your aim again is affected and more precision is required. If you are in front of the line, taking steps back to be behind it will reduce your strength of throw as you shoot.

Step 2: Stance and Movement

When you are about to make the shot, bend your knees before you push the ball up and let go of it. This provides more strength and direction in the release of the ball, as your entire body is shifting in a movement that is up and towards the net. This relieves some precision and strength from the arms and hands so that it is easier for them to guide the ball.

Step 3: Hands

When shooting the ball, your stronger, favoured hand should be underneath the ball while your other hand is gently rested on the side of the ball. With your stronger hand underneath, maximum strength when pushing the ball towards the net is enabled. With your other hand resting on the side of the ball, this assists the direction and balance of the ball on the stronger hand.

Step 4: Letting Go

The last phase of the shot is letting go of the ball. As you push up with your stronger hand underneath the ball, you extend that hand and arm fully, meaning to follow through. This increases the flow and strength of the ball as it makes its way to the net.

Source: http://bit.ly/RA8r4T

And that is shooting a three-pointer. While that is all curcial to know and helpful, there is another factor, the most important factor to know, when shooting a three-pointer. And that is practice. The only way any person will perfect the three-point shot is if they are consistently practicing their technique and flow. This is so they can truly understand their own technique and what factors to work on, whether it is their positioning, stance and movement, hands or letting go.

In the coming weeks we will be posting a video demonstrating how to shoot a three-pointer, so stay tuned for that!