The three-point shot is fundamental to winning a basketball game, especially in current times, when there are more and more specialists in hitting it to “dismantle” defenses. In FIBA official competitions, the line demarcating the three points is from 6.60 m (in the corners) to 6.75 m (in a straight line) from the basket, while in the NBA, for example, the distance is greater: from 6.71 m (corners) to 7.24 m (in a straight line). To get that shot right, it takes a lot of training to perform the exact move that gets the kick right out of your hands. After trying it several times, you will be able to “pocket” the orange much more often!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Perfecting the Toss
Step 1. Keep your feet shoulder-to-shoulder distance apart
Stand directly in front of the basket and behind the three-point line, with your toes toward the target. The dominant foot should be about 6 inches in front of the other so that your body has balance and you have a base to hit the shot.
If you are uncomfortable or relaxed, try turning your feet at a slight angle to the basket. Maybe you're more comfortable taking the kick
Step 2. Arrange the shoulders so that they are facing the basket
With that, the pitches will be much more accurate; even when your legs are slightly bent, do your best to turn your torso toward the basket before the ball leaves your hands.
Start by hitting the ball and quickly turn your shoulders to face the basket. Lift the ball up, as if you were going to throw it, and repeat the technique until you feel comfortable arranging your shoulders so they are in the correct position
Step 3. Bend your knees
They should be very relaxed, bending them a little to prepare for the jump in time for the throw. Most of the power for the three-point kick will come from leg extension and jumping.
Step 4. Focus on the front of the basket
Many coaches say players should aim for the back of the rim, but keep an eye on the front of the rim. To visualize the trajectory of the shot, imagine that you are kicking the ball and it has passed over that point.
See the hooks that hold the basket's net. In this position, three of them should face you, separated by the same distance that corresponds to the width of the basketball. Aim at them
Part 2 of 3: Taking the Throw
Step 1. Hold the ball over your head, keeping your elbow at a 90° angle
The fingers should be well apart so that you have good control over the ball using the finger pads. The bottom of it should be at the base of your palm.
The other hand must be kept perpendicular to the basket and parallel to the ground
Step 2. Use the “bad” hand as the “guide”
It should be on the side of the ball, serving as the support that will keep the ball straight when preparing and making the toss movement.
However, don't “grab” the ball with that hand. Test it out, taking it away from the “orange”; the dominant hand should continue to hold the ball in the same way, so the other hand will be just support
Step 3. Jump straight while stretching the throwing arm
Straighten your legs and build momentum to get the strength you need to land the three-point kick. The throwing arm must be fully extended up and forward when leaving the ground.
There's no need to jump very high to hit the three-point ball, unless you're being tagged by your opponent
Step 4. At the highest point of the jump, bring your fist forward to propel the ball
At the same time, it will spin and make an arc trajectory, increasing the chance of making a successful throw.
Imagine that you are trying to pick something up from a tall cabinet to make this movement with your fist, but with your fingers pointed at the floor
Step 5. Finish the movement after the ball leaves your hands
It is important to stretch your entire arm, even after the ball leaves your hand; keep your fist bent and try to “land” in the same place you jumped, remaining in control of your body.
Part 3 of 3: Training Advanced Techniques
Step 1. Practice multi-part throws behind the three-point line
At first, it's recommended to train directly in front of the basket (near the head of the bottle), so that you can use the backboard when putting a lot of force into the kick. As you perfect your shots from there, start moving to the sides and to the corners of the court so that you become a “deadly weapon” in the long shots.
- Work on both sides of the three-point line, training from the same spot to the right and left of the basket.
- Before moving further to the side, perfect the kick from the place you are throwing.
Step 2. Practice kicking while moving
After working the shots while standing still, try to run hitting the ball to a spot behind the line of three, and then take the kick. Support yourself with your “dominant” foot, planting it on the ground to prepare for the jump.
- Get more ball control and prepare the shot with both hands.
- Leave two cones about 90 cm apart. Hit the ball until you get between them and then throw.
Step 3. Try to look at the basket just a little before shooting
When looking at it too soon, the marker will already notice that you will make a kick. Place cones around the court and focus on them until it's time to shoot; make a quick movement, turning your shoulders towards the basket and looking at the basket as you play the ball.
- The ball must be level with your head when you turn it to take the shot. If someone is defending you, it's possible that this marker doesn't notice that you're already preparing the shot, trying to block only when it's too late.
- Practice this technique just above the head of the lane (behind the three-point line) before doing it elsewhere on the court.
Tips
- Be sure to train your shots. The best way to improve the technique is to repeat it several times to develop "muscle memory".
- Work out your legs and arms for more strength when taking the shot.