Common Shooting Mistakes Beginners Make and How to Fix Them

Basketball shooting is a skill that requires precision, practice, and proper technique. For beginners, mastering the fundamentals can be challenging, and common mistakes often go unnoticed. In this blog post, we’ll explore seven of the most common shooting mistakes and provide actionable tips to help young athletes improve their shooting form and consistency.

Throwing the Ball vs. Shooting the Ball

One of the most frequent errors beginners make is throwing the ball instead of shooting it. This often occurs when players start their shot by placing the ball too far back behind their shoulder. This ball placement leads to a throw rather than a proper shot.

Fix: Keep the shooting pocket positioned in front of your shoulder and body. This alignment ensures a smooth shooting motion rather than a throwing action.

Misaligned Shooting Arm

A shooting arm that doesn’t stay straight and aligned with the basket is another common mistake. Beginners often allow their arm to cross their body, usually in an attempt to generate more power, which compromises accuracy.

Fix: Focus on keeping your shooting arm straight and aligned with the basket throughout the entire motion. Practicing in front of a mirror can help with awareness and form correction.

Weak Knees and No Hip Drive

Knee alignment is crucial for generating power. Beginners sometimes allow their knees to cave inward when bending, reducing power. Similarly, failing to engage the hips limits the efficiency of the shot.

Fix: Ensure your knees stay aligned and push back, not inward. Engage your hips by driving them forward as you shoot to maximize power and efficiency.

Not Achieving Full Extension

A lack of full extension—whether in the hips, legs, or arms—can hinder the effectiveness of a shot. Incomplete extension reduces the power and arc needed for accuracy.

Fix: Start low, with your hips back, and extend fully through your legs, hips, and shooting arm. Practicing slow, deliberate form shooting can help reinforce this habit.

Releasing the Ball Too Late

Timing is everything in shooting. Beginners often release the ball on their way down from a jump instead of at the highest point, which compromises the shot's trajectory.

Fix: Focus on releasing the ball at the peak of your jump or motion. This ensures the shot has the proper arc and minimizes the risk of defenders blocking the ball.

 Improper Finger Placement

The position of your fingers during the release significantly impacts the shot's consistency. Beginners often allow the ball to roll off the wrong part of their hand or fail to keep their shooting fingers pointed down.

Fix: Align your elbow under the ball and ensure the ball rolls off your middle and index fingers. During follow-through, keep all fingers pointed straight down to improve accuracy and ball rotation.

Overusing Strength to Compensate for Technique

Young players sometimes compensate for poor technique by using excessive strength, leading to erratic shots. This approach can create bad habits that are hard to break.

Fix: Build shooting strength progressively by practicing form shooting close to the basket. Focus on mechanics over power. As form improves, gradually increase distance while maintaining proper technique.

Final Thoughts

Shooting is one of the most vital skills in basketball, and developing strong fundamentals is essential for long-term success. By addressing these common mistakes early on, young players can build a solid foundation for accurate, consistent, and confident shooting.

At JC3 Girls Basketball, we specialize in helping players refine their shooting mechanics while instilling the mental toughness needed to perform under pressure. If your daughter struggles with her shooting form or needs personalized guidance, our programs are designed to unlock her potential and boost her confidence on the court. Let’s take her game to the next level! 🚀

Encourage your player to focus on the process and celebrate small victories as they work toward perfecting their shot. With practice, patience, and the right guidance, they'll be sinking buckets in no time!

Please check out my FREE Video Series 7 Common Shooting Mistakes