How+to+Shoot+a+Basketball-Mrs.+Frost

__**HOW TO SHOOT A BASKETBALL**__ Basketball is one of the most popular sports in Taiwan. Young people can be found playing basketball in every park with a basketball court day and night. Many young people however are not properly trained in the basics, especially in shooting. Often shooters have bad form and as a result they don't make many shots. After you read this and practice, you are guaranteed to improve you shot. You will be the envy of all your friends as you outshoot them in pick up games on the court.
 * GEAR NEEDED:**
 * comfortable workout clothes preferrably basketball shorts
 * good basketball shoes
 * a good basketball with air

Always warmup well before hand. Here is a good exercise regime: Run around the court five times alternating directions. Do lower body stretches to warmup your ankle and knee joints. Stretch your arms.
 * PREPARATION:**

The best warmup you can do is with the ball because you can improve your skills while at the same time warming up. Dribbling warmups- Dribble 25 times with right hand then with left hand. Figure 8 dribble between legs 25 times. Dribble around the legs 25 times. Dribble between legs while walking 25 times
 * WARM UP WITH THE BALL:**

Shooting warmup- Get under the basket. Shoot a bank shot with your right hand. Catch your ball as it goes through the net without touching the ground. Then shoot a bank shot with your left hand. Continue alternating left and right sides. Do this until you have made 50 baskets.


 * NOW YOU ARE READY TO BEGIN:**

Palm placement- Put your elbow past a 90 degree angle and place the ball on your palm. Turn palm out so it is facing the target of the basket. (It is vital that you make sure your palm is directly facing the basket.) A common mistake is to shoot with the palm facing too far to the left. Make sure to turn palm to the right so it is inline with your forearm and facing the basket. It may feel awkward at first, but after a lot of practice holding your palm this way, it will feel natural. Keep ball close to your face and head. Avoid holding the ball out in front of you. Keeping it closer to your head and above your head as you begin to shoot will protect it and prevent defenders from swiping the ball from you.
 * First Key:**
 * Second Key:**

Keep shooting elbow in and under the ball. (Avoid shooting with elbow out.)
 * Third Key:**

Follow through- First push the ball up until the arm is extended, then follow through with you hand and fingers as you release the ball. Make sure you follow through with your palm, hand, and fingers towards the basket.
 * Fourth Key:**

Keep your eyes on your target/the basket while shooting. A common mistake is to take your eyes off the basket. A good place to look is at the back of the rim of the basket.
 * Other tips:**
 * Where to look-**

Use your left hand lightly only as a guide. Do not use your left hand to shoot. Practice the shooting movement without your left hand to learn to avoid left hand interference.
 * What to do with left hand-**

The more time you spend shooting every day, the more you will get a rythmn and style that works for you. Remember even the best players in the world spend a lot of time each day on the basics! If you do to, you can become a great shooter!
 * Practice, practice, practice-**

Good luck and happy shooting!