A good shot starts from the ground. If your feet are in the wrong place, your elbow, legs and release all have to make up for it. Here is a simple stance to build on.
The basic setup
- Width: about shoulder-width apart
- Shooting-side foot: slightly ahead of the other foot
- Toes: pointing roughly at the rim
- Weight: on the balls of your feet, not your heels
- Knees: soft and ready to bend
Why the stance matters
Your feet decide where your hips and shoulders face. If they point away from the rim, your shot follows them and you miss to one side. A balanced stance also lets your legs push upward in a straight line.
Common stance mistakes
| Mistake | What happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Feet too narrow | You lose balance | Widen to shoulder width |
| Feet too wide | Less jump, slow shot | Bring them in |
| Toes turned out | Hips face the side | Point toes at the rim |
| Too far forward foot | Body twists | Keep the foot only slightly ahead |
Drills
- Line drill: stand on a line with your shooting foot just ahead. Take 10 form shots.
- Land in place: after each shot, check that you land near where you took off.
- Catch and shoot: practice setting your feet before the pass arrives.
Check your feet on video
Film a side view and a front view. Pause at the set point and look at your feet, knees and shoulders. HoopArea tracks knee bend and arm alignment and scores your shot out of 10, which helps you see whether your base supports your shot.
See your own shot scored. Film one jump shot and HoopArea maps your joints and scores your form out of 10, with the exact fixes. Download HoopArea free on the App Store