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Basketball Basics: Shooting Drills

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If you are playing basketball, you want to play it excellently. Who wouldn't want to be recognized as an outstanding basketball player?

It is just not very fortunate that basketball superstars and the best players are never born; they are created. So how can you create a basketball star out of yourself? The answer is simple: Play it right.

To be able to play basketball really well, it is important that you spend considerable time and effort in game practices. Just like any other form of sports, rehearsals, along with strict discipline and proper attitude, are necessary to make you an excellent basketball player.

However, when attending basketball practices, experts notice and warn that there are so many players who aren't practicing their shooting skills correctly. Be informed that there are proper forms and moves in shooting.

That is why it would be helpful to you to spend time in practicing your shooting skills. There are several popular drills that would be helpful in attaining proper forms and moves when shooting the basketball to the bucket.

Some shooting drills

Proper attitude, determination and physical agility will be rendered futile if the basketball player doesn't practice some drills. Here are some of the well-known and widely adapted shooting drills that will help you attain the proper form and skills in shooting the basketball.

Bull's eye drill

This shooting drill is aimed at helping the player further sharpen his focus and concentration when playing. It is said that players lack focus when they fail to shoot the ball during the game. This is the practice drill for such players. To be able to execute this drill, you will be required to use white athletic tape. Of course, the drill is executable in an actual basketball court. To do the drill, first, stick a piece of the white athletic tape on the front side, the side facing you, of the rim of the hoop.

You see that white tape? That will be your target. Now start throwing the ball into the bucket by targeting the white athletic tape. You are hitting the bull's eye when you are successfully hitting the target. This will train your eyesight and senses in shooting the ball.

The free throw drill

This shooting drill is aimed at establishing your concentration and consistency in shooting the ball during a free throw. The process may seem too easy and less complicated, but during actual games, players complain that their focus is disrupted because of too much noise and other distractions coming from the audience and from the excitement of the game itself.

To perform the free throw drill, you must get be on a basketball court. Stand on the free throw line and start shooting free throws. Dribble the basketball three times. As you dribble, say the word 'dribble'.

After that, it is time to throw the ball into the hoop. Say 'throw' or 'set' or whatever word you want to use to associate with the activity. Before actually throwing the basketball, envision yourself all set to shoot the ball. Then, slowly raise your arms carrying the basketball, target the range and the rim and shoot.

If the goal isn't attained, do the drill several times. The aim of the drill is to instill the proper mental set and condition that will be associated to successful basketball throws.

The Westhead drill

The Westhead drill is actually a mental drill in basketball shooting. This drill is aimed at enhancing muscle memory, or the muscle reflexes set on specific occasions and moves.

The drill is simple and challenging to execute. The first move will be to throw the basketball into the basket five times. Then, concentrate and envision five successful basketball throws in your mind.

Shoot the ball five times again, before pausing to close the eyes and picturing a good basketball throw in your mind. Throw the ball five times while the eyes are closed. Then throw the basketball successfully for five times after the closed-eyes drill.

Take note that your muscles are becoming more and more conditioned to successfully throwing the basketball. After some time, you can modify the drill and do it while walking or running on the basketball court.