Has my jump shot form improved, and any critiques on my new form or dribbling?

Alright, so for literally years I have been trying to reinvent my jump shot and return it to its former glory before I severely sprained my ankle. I've asked you guys about my previous forms and you guys were wonderful with the help and I took absolutely everything said into account, now I think I finally found a form I am comfortable with. My main goal was to just have a form that felt comfortable and natural every time I shot, regardless of whether it went in or not, then I'd go from there. I also had a secondary goal of the form actually looking good, because I've had far too many comments on how ugly my various forms were (SO MANY FORMS I HAVE BEEN THROUGH), and it just sucks to hear. Also, I rather have to work on a form that I feel comfortable with, looks good, and doesn't go in than stick with a form then goes in a fair amount, but is inconsistent and I do not feel comfortable using (and is ugly).

This was from more than a year ago:
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1mT5qRuvIc[/url]

As you can see, my form had a hitch to it and I just didn't feel confident with it, especially since it looked ugly.

This however, was about 5 months ago:
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDX0uaMO-kY[/url]

I felt more comfortable with this shot, but it was too inconsistent, especially from 3-point range. I also would not feel comfortable at all shooting with elevation in this form, and elevation is crucial, especially during game time. On top of all that was mentioned, it wasn't very pretty, and I know that I shouldn't be hung up on the aesthetics of a shot, but I've always wanted a good looking shot.

Now this is my current form after dedicating so many hours of research and actual practice in order to isolate every single variable that I could tweak when it comes to a jump shot:

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5GTleziSy0&feature=youtu.be[/url]

What do you guys think about it? How good/bad does it look? Are there any other things I should change about it? Thanks to all you guys in advanced, I know I will love the feedback, whether good or bad.

Watched 5 months and now. I like it up to the point. The release is good for me, but you are obviously struggling bringing the ball up to the shooting position. It was apparent some time ago, still is now. You have to work on it, make it a fast, smooth, near-the-body motion. Right now I'd strip you 8 times out of ten just going into the shot.
The release looks really good but one thing: the wrist is somewhat going here and there in the different stages of the shot. It looks you almost try using left hand, then moving off of it and it messes the whole thing up. You must shoot as you only shooting with your main hand, the other does nothing but hold the ball in the position. Try shooting solely using your right hand, just practise that motion. Then you wrist would always be underneath the ball, and you would have gotten that part straight.

It looks good, but you're missing on quite a few. Basically, one must first try to make them, then make making them appear in a specific way. Kinda backwards to learn shooting form without learning making buckets. Don't forget that also...

As, kNIOKAS, the shooting coach, said, the way you bring the ball up is very bad, it just takes too much time and, its too obvious. I expect you dont shoot the same during games, cause everything changes when you play reall ball : elevation, quickness etc. So the first thing I would work on is getting the ball up.

Scrap the whole shot and start from scratch. Your base and release need a lot of work. Practice (good form) until it becomes 2nd nature.

You need to do push ups so you can start shooting the ball from above your eyes.

^ well I wouldn't be that radical. I think it's time to repeat my second point, or, rather, to re-tell the experiment that was carried out some day in the past:
One amateur was taught to play golf by a professional. In a session, he was told how to hold a hand, how to prepare for a swing, etc. In every each try he did wrong, he was corrected and told what he's doing "wrong".
The second amateur was taught by a psychologist (IIRC). He was told to relax, get comfortable, come to terms with the golf stick, and just try hitting the goddamn target.
After the practise, the amateurs went head to head, and the second one outperformed the first one easily. Because focusing to put the ball into the basket beats focusing shoot the ball "correctly" everyday. Simple.

Don't be discouraged by the criticism, just go around looking at the others shooting, try identify the critical aspects and go work them out yourself.

I agree with kNIOKAS. Everything looks pretty good, except for when you bring up the ball for release. I'm not sure if I commented before, but I do remember watching that video from a year back and seeing that you really did need to tweak your shot. You have come a long way though, man. I'll tell you that. However, you really do need to work on bringing the ball up comfortably, because it looks like you're not totally comfortable with it and that part is pretty crucial. It not only sets up the direction of the ball once released, but it can also throw off your jump/ascent, which is BIG.

I think the best thing for you to do now is to do form shooting. And a lot of it. I personally hate the mentality of throwing up an infinite amount of shots in order for you to improve, but in this case, I really think you need to dial in that first motion of driving the ball up. Start close to the baset and experiment. You'll know you're doing it right when:

1) The upward motion is quick, yet not forced. When people think of a quick release, they often start cocking the ball back, which more often than not gives the ball a sharper trajectory and decreases the size of the rim since it's moving in too sharply. Another important thing to note here is that the elbow should move very minimally in this part. Excessive elbow flexion is another thing that causes the cocking back of the ball.

2) The upward motion doesn't cause you to flick the ball. I actually always start with form shooting before I do any of my higher intensity shooting drills. Always help me set up the rhythm and gets me to focus on not flicking the ball. Sure, sometimes, it goes in, but it's not natural. If you brought up the ball correctly, it won't make you feel like you just threw up a really awkward shot and cause you to let go of your follow-through on the release.

These are all I got right now and I'm not sure if I have anything up here in my noggin. If ever, I'll just get back to this thread. Good to see your improvement, man. That's what happens when you put in the work. :cheers:

dont bounce when you shoot

shot is definitely better but still needs work. you shouldnt bring the ball so far away from your body and then bring it back. youre moving the ball too much. from your hip to above your head the L in your shooting elbow should be locked and your wrist should be cocked back all the way. when the ball is at your head and you are ready to shoot release your elbow before you release your wrist, the wrist only has one motion and that's the last component of the shot, it should be fast and you should be snapping your wrist hard.

look up Dave Hopla, he was a shot doctor for guys like Ray Allen and Kobe i changed my shot from the start after watching and reading some of his stuff

So I've been shooting around the past two days and put into practice all of the advice I was given here. I particularly experimented on the way I brought the ball up. Honestly I was off when making that video and I think when I bring the ball up, it is usually aligned better and comes up without much left or right motion. I tried to make my shot more fluid or more of a quick release, but this would put too much power in my shot and I had to alleviate the added power by doing a combination of adding more arc to the shot and using less knees. Is having a quick release/ more fluid shot really worth me losing my elevation, or are there ways that I can have my shot be one fluid motion while still having elevation?

Another way I tried to experiment with bringing up my shot pocket was by having my form set perfectly when it was in the shot pocket (L shape elbow, spread fingers, cocked wrist, and forearm parallel to the floor). The problem was, that to maintain my form when bringing up my shot pocket I would have to stiffen it while I was in the air until I reached near the peak of my jump, then I would push and follow through. Shot my shot chamber (Point before release) really have to be stiff for me to keep the form? I have also been experimenting with my guide hand placement (I have tried guide hand on top of ball and guide hand elbow out, but most do not feel consistent as sometimes my guide hand collides with my shooting hand and I know that should not be), any tips on that too?

[QUOTE=Permodius]So I've been shooting around the past two days and put into practice all of the advice I was given here. I particularly experimented on the way I brought the ball up. Honestly I was off when making that video and I think when I bring the ball up, it is usually aligned better and comes up without much left or right motion. I tried to make my shot more fluid or more of a quick release, but this would put too much power in my shot and I had to alleviate the added power by doing a combination of adding more arc to the shot and using less knees. Is having a quick release/ more fluid shot really worth me losing my elevation, or are there ways that I can have my shot be one fluid motion while still having elevation?

Another way I tried to experiment with bringing up my shot pocket was by having my form set perfectly when it was in the shot pocket (L shape elbow, spread fingers, cocked wrist, and forearm parallel to the floor). The problem was, that to maintain my form when bringing up my shot pocket I would have to stiffen it while I was in the air until I reached near the peak of my jump, then I would push and follow through. Shot my shot chamber (Point before release) really have to be stiff for me to keep the form? I have also been experimenting with my guide hand placement (I have tried guide hand on top of ball and guide hand elbow out, but most do not feel consistent as sometimes my guide hand collides with my shooting hand and I know that should not be), any tips on that too?[/QUOTE]

you should be strong not stiff

stiffening when you are practicing is just for emphasis. you are trying to build muscle memory so that your body naturally remembers how you should shoot. you have to shoot a number of shots a certain way, the same way in order to do this. once you are in the games you dont have time to consciously think about locking your wrist or keeping an L in your elbow. Just keep practicing that way and when you go to play, just play and you should see results.

guide hand placement is not really that important but can be extremely important if you are doing it wrong. practice range shooting (shoot from in front of the rim, take two steps back every 5 made shots) but with one hand. when your range is maxed out go to the front of the rim again and put your guide hand into your shot and you'll actually have a better idea of where you can put your hand without bothering your shot.

Hey there, I'd encourage you to post the vid instead!

[QUOTE=kNIOKAS]Hey there, I'd encourage you to post the vid instead![/QUOTE]

I'll get another video up, but I want to make sure that I actually make some progress before doing so. I don't want to think that I improved my shot, record it, and then find out that I am just giving you guys more footage of the same form I was using before. I am definitely working on it though. I've been doing some research, and apparently having an open stance is the way to go instead of squaring up, so I will try that out. Also making some slight tweaks to my shot pocket and where I place my guide hand.

[QUOTE=Permodius]I'll get another video up, but I want to make sure that I actually make some progress before doing so. I don't want to think that I improved my shot, record it, and then find out that I am just giving you guys more footage of the same form I was using before. I am definitely working on it though. I've been doing some research, and apparently having an open stance is the way to go instead of squaring up, so I will try that out. Also making some slight tweaks to my shot pocket and where I place my guide hand.[/QUOTE]
I would highly suggest carrying on on the research. Nothing's more effective than the things you've found yourself and thought of explanation/rationale yourself.
The shooting form changes gradually, so you'd have to force the form you trying to make a habit. Shooting must be "natural", meaning all habits, but they are not put into effect quickly... That sucks... Good luck

Shooting is very hard because firstly you need to learn the correct mechanics and then you gotta do a lot of repetitions for you to do it confidently in-game. This could take ages (I read somewhere like you need to shoot 200,000 reps for it to be "natural"). And you gotta make sure you're using the correct form each time.

Then incorporating moves that give you space off defender to get your shot-off and then increasing your shooting range. It takes dedication, hard work and genuine love for the game. I have a lot of respect for players that have dedicated their time improving their shot.

Okay guys, so I have been absolutely working my ass off in regards to my jumpshot and have basically dedicated all the free time I have to fixing and perfecting it. I think that I have finally got there. I took everything you guys said into consideration including the past two topics I have made and have done an insurmountable amount of research on the side while also putting everything I have learned to practice. At this point, my jumpshot feels good, and it goes in pretty often, now the final criteria needed is for your guys approval on whether it looks good or not, and whether it is efficient and quick enough. When working on my jumpshot I particularly focused on speeding it up and the way I brought my shot pocket up as those were the biggest critiques I have received. Also I would like to thank you guys sincerely for all the advise and critiques you guys have given me because if it wasn't for you guys I would have thought that my jumpshot looked good and was efficient before, and thus I wouldn't have striven for absolute perfection and kept working on the form (I would have kept working on the jumpshot though).

This video is from earlier today and I have more footage if requested:

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jck2m7a3VBw&feature=youtu.be[/url]

Fire away and give me all the good and the bad, and if I still have a lot of improving to do then I will suck it up and get back to the gym. Also, when it comes to critiques, I want to know mostly about the speed, efficiency, and prettiness of my jumpshot, everything else is welcome too but I would love it if you could say something about 1 or more of these things. Edit: I would also like you guys to consider my base (How I position my feet. Should I have a wide or narrow base/ should I have a squared or open stance etc.) as it is the last one of the things that I am unsure about when it comes to my new form. I would also like you guys to consider that when I am squared up (Both foot pointing at rim and parallel to each other with no foot in front of the other) and my feet are shoulder width apart or wider, my right knee buckles, so maybe you guys can help me with that.

Edit: I forgot to add, I would like to know if hopping into your jumpshot if you are set is traveling. Because this is one of the ways I have experimented when speeding up my jumpshot. I don't know exactly how to explain it but basically I drop into position instead of slowly bending my knees into position. Basically, I bend my knees to quickly that I am airborne for a split-second so that I land with my knees bent and ready to explode. I know that this is great off of the dribble but if you are set and you do this (since technically both feet leave the ground even if it is ever so slightly) I want to know if it is a travel. Honestly it isn't too important because I took the extra step and adjusted my hop by keeping my left forefoot on the ground and essentially tiptoeing for the small amount of time that my right foot and my left hind foot are airborne just to make sure that part of my foot is still grounded and I can't be called for the travel.

Edit: I found a video example of what I was talking about move, in the video this guy calls it a "drop."

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvSQBiYO6Eg[/url]

Lookin nice man, I like the high arc, follow through and it seems that you are locking your elbow and looks like a one-motion shot. I would suggest having a more open stance (youtube stephen curry draining shots and pay attention to his feet stance). Once you get more used to your shooting form, you'll have a quicker release and will be able to shoot off the dribble.

One thing I would suggest is that once you get accustomed to your shooting form, start running for your rebound after every shot and simulate game like scenarios ie. one dribble pull up (youtube steve nash 20 min drill).

With the hop step that your talkin about - yea it leads to a more quicker shot and is the fundamental of catch and shoot. Doing it off dribble is also good, in fact I prefer it more than the one-dribble pull up but the disadvantage is that its a bit slower.

Looks MUCH better, once again. You really ARE putting in work. :cheers: The only thing I'd say to you now is to make sure you don't have any power leakages. See, the most efficient way to for power to transfer through the body is a straight line. Any detours (knocking knees, wobbly/misaligned elbows, etc) can AND will kill power and also throw off the trajectory of the shot. When you set up for your jump, make sure your knees aren't moving inwards or "knocking" or aren't bowing either. Imagine everything's a straight line.

I remember when I had my first REALLY bad shooting slump (as in I was constantly changing my form every time I went to the court coz nothing and everything seemed to work), I found this vid and it really helped me a lot. Push & Flop (I'd just like to add the "Magic Finger." Actually leading your follow-through with your pointer REALLY helps your shot, plus it makes you strive for consistency.

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9s_ukMz0e0[/url]

Personally watching this video a couple of times and adding one thing has made my shot improve by a mile!

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejTrZOkFXtk[/url]

Steve Nash draining shots...

So watch that vid and compare your form to his.

Also maybe shot some really slow set shots so you work through the motions. If you video that, it's easier to see where you go wrong as it were.

I noticed that I shot the ball over my head like larry bird, which meant I never got blocked, my fadeaway was unstoppable, but I had no range, I tried and tried but could never get a three pointer, it was always short.

So after remodelling after steve nash, I changed the release to just in front, but the key in consistency was getting into the position called the shot pocket...I tuck my shooting arm close to my side and try and keep that motion the same every time I'm about to let a shot go...

I picked up that one from Blackjack. 3:15 onwards....[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psra8Xuf1AI&feature=related[/url]

Great job on changing your shot mechanics though...and it looks like it's paying off......

One thing though, i can't pin point it but something isn't quite right with your shot...when u miss is it mostly front rim?

[QUOTE=stevieming]Personally watching this video a couple of times and adding one thing has made my shot improve by a mile!

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejTrZOkFXtk[/url]

Steve Nash draining shots...

So watch that vid and compare your form to his.

Also maybe shot some really slow set shots so you work through the motions. If you video that, it's easier to see where you go wrong as it were.

I noticed that I shot the ball over my head like larry bird, which meant I never got blocked, my fadeaway was unstoppable, but I had no range, I tried and tried but could never get a three pointer, it was always short.

So after remodelling after steve nash, I changed the release to just in front, but the key in consistency was getting into the position called the shot pocket...I tuck my shooting arm close to my side and try and keep that motion the same every time I'm about to let a shot go...

I picked up that one from Blackjack. 3:15 onwards....[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psra8Xuf1AI&feature=related[/url]

Great job on changing your shot mechanics though...and it looks like it's paying off......

One thing though, i can't pin point it but something isn't quite right with your shot...when u miss is it mostly front rim?[/QUOTE]

Great question. When I miss it is actually because I shot it of to the side, but I think that is due to me just being inconsistent with my new form and trying to get used to it. Do you have any other ideas on why?

[QUOTE=Permodius]Great question. When I miss it is actually because I shot it of to the side, but I think that is due to me just being inconsistent with my new form and trying to get used to it. Do you have any other ideas on why?[/QUOTE]

if you are shooting off to the side then it could mean a number of different things

most likely its your feet and shoulders not staying square when you get to your release point. the might start square but if your right shoulder is a little bit ahead of your left one.

it could also be the placement of your left hand is impeding your shots motion.

it could as be that your thumb on your shooting hand is affecting the flight of the ball.

stay consistent. it will take time to make your shot impulsive. it wont happen over night. these are the "details" or "kinks" that shooters at any level deal with on a regular basis. even the best shooters in the world deal with them. why do you think the best shooters take tons of shots?

[QUOTE=Permodius]Great question. When I miss it is actually because I shot it of to the side, but I think that is due to me just being inconsistent with my new form and trying to get used to it. Do you have any other ideas on why?[/QUOTE]

Actually, since someone brought up Nash, one thing you could take away from him too is his follow through. If you noticed, he usually keeps his arms up in the last position in his shot, then proceeds to bring them down as if he's tracing the air with his arms. It helps develop consistency. Best to practice them with form shooting again. I'm sorry if my description's a bit vague, but after a couple minutes of watching his shot, you'll see what I mean.

I appreciate all the help guys. As a sign of gratitude, I present you guys with a bonus clip. I noticed this little gem while reviewing all the footage I had of myself shooting around (over 1 hour). I know you guys will like it:

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N32alDtaqfQ&feature=youtu.be[/url]

[QUOTE=NotYetGreat]Actually, since someone brought up Nash, one thing you could take away from him too is his follow through. If you noticed, he usually keeps his arms up in the last position in his shot, then proceeds to bring them down as if he's tracing the air with his arms. It helps develop consistency. Best to practice them with form shooting again. I'm sorry if my description's a bit vague, but after a couple minutes of watching his shot, you'll see what I mean.[/QUOTE]


He does have an extremely smooth and efficient stroke

[QUOTE=Permodius]I appreciate all the help guys. As a sign of gratitude, I present you guys with a bonus clip. I noticed this little gem while reviewing all the footage I had of myself shooting around (over 1 hour). I know you guys will like it:

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N32alDtaqfQ&feature=youtu.be[/url][/QUOTE]

I'm guessing he started cracking up, but you got to finish that layup man.


Incredible improvement in such a short amount of time on your jumper. :applause: Yep, I would just work on getting used to the form. I noticed you occasionally get a weird hitch on the longer shots. That (reverting back) typically happens when you aren't conditioned to the form.

Good job.

looking great man, really big difference

everything looks solid. just remember to keep your form nice and tight until you actually shoot it.

you do a little hop forward, when your legs are gone you might notice your shot will start going short. try to go straight up and down. not a big deal tho, you have all the elements of a great shot in the future otherwise

[QUOTE=Burgz V2]looking great man, really big difference

everything looks solid. just remember to keep your form nice and tight until you actually shoot it.

you do a little hop forward, when your legs are gone you might notice your shot will start going short. try to go straight up and down. not a big deal tho, you have all the elements of a great shot in the future otherwise[/QUOTE]

This is exactly true, and I notice that sometimes when I shoot free throws I lean forward after the shot and lose balance, making me take a step forward. I know that this has been an issue of mine but I honestly have no idea how to stop it. It seems that no matter which way I jump I land ahead of where I jumped from. This even happens when I try it without the ball. I try jumping straight up while going through the shooting motion and looking at my feet, and it seems like no matter what I do I end up hopping forward. Can you give me any tips on exactly how I can condition myself to go straight up and down? This has been one of the things that I just couldn't eliminate and have forgotten about.

[QUOTE=Permodius]This is exactly true, and I notice that sometimes when I shoot free throws I lean forward after the shot and lose balance, making me take a step forward. I know that this has been an issue of mine but I honestly have no idea how to stop it. It seems that no matter which way I jump I land ahead of where I jumped from. This even happens when I try it without the ball. I try jumping straight up while going through the shooting motion and looking at my feet, and it seems like no matter what I do I end up hopping forward. Can you give me any tips on exactly how I can condition myself to go straight up and down? This has been one of the things that I just couldn't eliminate and have forgotten about.[/QUOTE]

its all about repetition. start slow, 5 feet in front of the hoop and take your jumpshot. you cant hop forward because it will affect your shot from that distance. start moving back gradually and repeat, as soon as you feel yourself hopping forward again, take a step in. your body does that because it's a habit , so you have to consciously train yourself to stop.

a little hop is fine, but again, when you are tired you'll start exaggerating it and thats no good because it throws off your depth perception. I used to have this problem too but i kinda worked my way out of it, no real easy way. just keep practicing.

Your jumper looks a LOT better than the videos you posted before.
You also lost some weight as well. That's great.

Now, your jumper just needs to be and feel fundamental.

Have someone come with with you and run up to you with hands up while you shoot. His will help cement your form so its ALWAYS the same. It doesn't change.
You want it as fundamental as possible. And you'll learn to release quicker. And all that stuff comes with time. But good stuff man. Your jumper looks way better. It's just one thing to do it in the gym alone, than live with people running towards you

Btw: how old are you?

[QUOTE=Permodius]



Edit: I forgot to add, I would like to know if hopping into your jumpshot if you are set is traveling. Because this is one of the ways I have experimented when speeding up my jumpshot. I don't know exactly how to explain it but basically I drop into position instead of slowly bending my knees into position. Basically, I bend my knees to quickly that I am airborne for a split-second so that I land with my knees bent and ready to explode. I know that this is great off of the dribble but if you are set and you do this (since technically both feet leave the ground even if it is ever so slightly) I want to know if it is a travel. Honestly it isn't too important because I took the extra step and adjusted my hop by keeping my left forefoot on the ground and essentially tiptoeing for the small amount of time that my right foot and my left hind foot are airborne just to make sure that part of my foot is still grounded and I can't be called for the travel.

Edit: I found a video example of what I was talking about move, in the video this guy calls it a "drop."

[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvSQBiYO6Eg[/url][/QUOTE]


This is definitely a walk but it is often over looked now. When you catch the ball ether off a dribble or off a pass if you have a foot set then that is your pivot foot. You can at no time lift and plant that foot because when it is planted it is a walk. Even on a layup if you take two full steps it is a walk. The correct way is to plant your first step as (slightly after) making your next step your pivot foot which can then be lifted.

The shot in the video is probably okay for the pros but that should be called a walk every time in lower levels.

[QUOTE=MJ(Mean John)]Your jumper looks a LOT better than the videos you posted before.
You also lost some weight as well. That's great.

Now, your jumper just needs to be and feel fundamental.

Have someone come with with you and run up to you with hands up while you shoot. His will help cement your form so its ALWAYS the same. It doesn't change.
You want it as fundamental as possible. And you'll learn to release quicker. And all that stuff comes with time. But good stuff man. Your jumper looks way better. It's just one thing to do it in the gym alone, than live with people running towards you

Btw: how old are you?[/QUOTE]

Thanks man, I'm definitely gonna take all of your advice to heart. And good eye on the weight loss. I have lost weight since I started attending the University because now I have access to an indoor gym and I'm able to play or practice much more often. Also thanks to the other poster for clearing up whether or not that was a travel. Oh, and I'm 21, ever since I started playing basketball at 16 I've been trying to catch up to everyone else by putting in ten times the work that they do.