Fun Basketball Shooting Techniques for Kids” – Score Big Smiles!

Shooting a basketball takes practice. Kids first learning the sport benefit from starting with proper form. Coaches provide tips so young players build skills hitting hoops. We cover basic shooting mechanics, ball handling, and drills improving accuracy.

Proper Shooting Form

Focus begins with feet positioned shoulder-width apart. Balance your weight even across both legs. Keep knees bent slightly. Extend shooting arm fully upwards. Your elbow lifts skyward, with wrist flicked back.

Next, eyes lock onto the hoop. Visualize the ball swishing cleanly through the net. Lift the ball to eye level using your guide hand. Push upwards from legs to elevate for the shot. Transfer energy from feet through the body into the shot.

At the peak of the jump, flick shooting wrist forward. Extend arm fully and snap fingers toward the basket. Release ball by extending index finger last. Follow through fully after the release. Land balanced, ready to rebound a miss or sprint back on defense.

Ball Handling Drills

Dribbling drills improve control. Have players pound the ball hard using fingertips. Keep eyes up and pound ball from side to side. Switch hands frequently. As skills improve, add crossovers, behind-the-back, and between-the-legs dribbles.

Once able to handle the ball, practice dribbling and shooting. Perform a killer crossover, drive to the hoop, and pull up for a jump shot. Or drive baseline, spin into the lane, and hit a turnaround fadeaway jumper. Master ball handling moves before incorporating them into shooting.

Shooting Drills To Increase Accuracy

Start under the hoop and practice form shooting. Release ball properly without jumping for basics. Next, move to elbows and free throw line. Practice proper mechanics from a standstill. Finally, shoot jumpers from the wings, top of the key, and corners.

For catch-and-shoot practice, have a rebounder pass ball to various spots. Shoot immediately off the catch focusing on quick release and proper form. Or, catch ball and make one hard dribble before shooting to simulate catching a pass on the move.

Once comfortable shooting stationary shots, add movement. Practice sprinting around cones and pulling up for jumpers. Or, run circles around the three-point arc shooting threes after each lap. Condition game speed shots through drills.

Finish workouts with competitive shooting contests. See who can hit the most free throws in a row or three pointers in a minute. Making shooting practice fun keeps kids engaged and motivated.

Proper shooting technique provides a foundation. Regular ball handling and shooting drills develop muscle memory for consistency. Mastering basketball basics at a young age prepares for long-term hoops success. With diligent practice, kids generate confidence to shoot and score under pressure.