3-Point Basketball Shooting Tips and Thoughts

When basketball was introduced to the 3-point arc and the 3-point shot, the game was revolutionized. More and more players, especially guards, are getting attracted to shoot from the 3-point range. While a 3-point marksmanship is a valued basketball shooting skill, it is not really a necessary move.

Admittedly, there are some cases that 3-point shots are crucial in tight ball games. The likes of Steve Kerr and Reggie Miller have proven time and time again how a 3-point shelling machine can turn the tides, change and / or achieve the momentum and win ball games. 3-point shooters can also help in stretching out the defense. But then, coaches would love to see their players take more high percentage shots rather than risk long rebounds and open windows of opportunities for the other team to run fast breaks.

For starters, the 3-point shot is a low percentage shot. That means it has less chances of going in than a jump shot from the mid range or inside the paint. Though there are several basketball shooting drills designed to increase 3-point accuracy, the point to remember is that the closer to the basket, the better. If you spot an open lane then by all means drive your way through. If you see an open teammate who can knock down jumpers from the perimeter, then please do the team a favor and pass the ball to him.

That said, coaches do not dismiss the importance of the 3-point shot nor of the 3-point shooter. They are valued commodities in the world of basketball. But if you notice, pure 3-point shooters like Steve Kerr rarely go out and play long minutes, even with their scoring capabilities from the arc. Unless the team needed to score big and fast at that, pure 3-point shooters hardly ever step inside the court during game time.

A knack for 3-point shooting can be a nice addition to an offensive player’s array of basketball abilities. If a player can knock those 3’s with relative ease, then good for him. Perhaps those basketball shooting workouts are working pretty well. Below are some basketball shooting tips on how to increase 3-point accuracy as well as when to use it during game time:

Make a predetermined number of successful 3-point shots you are going to reach, like 500 3 pointers in one session;

Start from shooting from the post, then from the perimeter, and lastly at the 3-point arc. This will help players to get accustomed as to how much arm and leg power they are going to need the farther they are from the basket;

Practice even if you are tired. It is easy to shoot 3-pointers coming fresh off the bench. Crucial three-pointers are needed during the endgame of tight match, where fatigue usually comes into play. If you are attuned to shooting 3-pointers even if you are tired, there is a high chance that you can nail a 3-pointer during the closing minutes or seconds of a game.

During a ball game, attempt a 3-point shot only if:

You have a good look of the basket;
You are left unguarded;
You know you are capable of making the shot;
You are instructed by the coach to do so.

Another important tip is that a player should have a decent mid range jumper before he tries his luck from the arc. Visit to basketball shooting tips