Steph Curry has what many consider to be the best basketball shooting range in the NBA. It’s nearly impossible to guard him in the 3-point line because of his ability to shoot from ridiculously far away, and he has done that for years. If you want to improve your basketball shooting range, keep reading to find out how you can do it with proper technique and some practice time.
Step 1 – Understand the Fundamentals
As the most skilled basketball players are the ones that can shoot from anywhere, it’s important to have a fundamental understanding of how to make a shot. The first step to increasing your shooting range is being able to shoot from within 15 feet of the rim—something that’s 75% consistent for top shooters in the NBA. Practice on close shots, and work your way out until you’re shooting off the dribble from deep. One simple drill that has helped Steph Curry increase his range over time? Practicing with water bottles from behind the arc (essentially setting up rings). Then, progress to standing free throws, where you continue to add objects for reference until you reach your desired distance—remember not to rush! Over time, practice will make perfect.
Step 2 – Train Hard
If you’re an average player, you probably don’t put in enough time to make your shots consistently. One workout a week won’t cut it—you need to put in the time! The key to increasing your shooting range is simple: consistency and hard work. The goal is for you to improve with every shot, no matter how easy it seems or how far away from the basket it goes. And practice shooting from a variety of spots on the court; that way, no matter where you are, you’ll feel comfortable taking a shot and have a higher chance of hitting the mark. For example, most players would love to be able to shoot three-pointers like NBA star Steph Curry, but they can’t because they never practice beyond 10 feet or 15 feet out.
Step 3 – Analyze and Self-Correct
The key is recognizing your strengths and weaknesses, if you aren’t a solid shooter then don’t shoot far. But when it comes to shooting deep three pointers with consistency it all boils down to one skill: balance. The two-time MVP utilizes great footwork and balance when he gets open, a step-by-step guide on how you can improve your range is below
Step 4 – Eat Well, Sleep Well and Stay Hyrated
Nutrition, weight lifting and proper sleep is the secret to building on court shooting strength. Lifting weights will increase your core strength, leg strength and arm strength. By doing bench presses and push ups you’ll be able to shoot farther because you’ll have more upper body endurance. Drinking a lot of water throughout the day can help with recovery after workouts and prevent fatigue by hydrating your muscles. Sleep plays a huge role in a basketball player’s ability to stay consistent with practice, games and shooting during the season. Getting at least eight hours of sleep at night is optimal for most athletes but even getting seven hours per night is better than six hours or less, if you’re trying to improve your shooting range and consistency during practice or game play!
Step 5 – Understand Balance Points
Many shooters, when shooting, are not in balance and rely on some aspect of their shot that is out of whack for their range. Most find themselves leaning back a lot, or looking one way or another when at their range. Or, worse yet, they shoot with a bent knee at some point during their shot. A good coach can correct for these imbalances and help you maintain proper form no matter where you are in your jumper motion by working on developing balance points that work for your range.
Step 6 – Master Footwork Patterns
If you’re going for a deep shot, you can improve your chances of hitting the net by taking one extra step at the beginning of your approach. (Steph Curry gets the ball so far out that he only needs one extra step, but don’t follow his lead on everything.) Every two feet closer you get to the basket equals about two feet further away from your sweet spot on the backboard. That is, if you have your favorite shooting spot somewhere around 12 or 15 feet out and are 13 feet away from the rim, take one additional step towards your target before releasing the ball. The same goes for when you’re close to the rim: If it’s a close-up shot (say six or seven feet away), take another step in that direction.
Step 7 – Use Equipment to Improve Range
Instead of looking at a row of backboards, why not shoot over something slightly taller than you? This will allow you to reach even higher and improves your shooting range. As you get better, go to places with steeper angles such as catwalks and bridges. You may also consider using tape on your hands as it will allow you to increase your vertical reach without sacrificing control. These kinds of exercises will help you improve your range and make a game-changing deep shooter out of yourself.
Conclusion – The Final Word On Increasing Your Basketball Shooting Range
Strength training and weightlifting isn’t just for bodybuilders and football players anymore. All types of athletes are learning the benefits of adding muscle mass to their bodies, from an improved ability to defend themselves on the court to a more effective serving stroke in the case of tennis players. Think about how much strength you’ll add to your legs with basic leg exercises like squats and you’ll begin to see why getting stronger is so important for basketball. The weight room doesn’t have to be intimidating either; there are many YouTube videos that show you how to perform all kinds of lifts without any prior experience at all. Make sure you’re hitting the weight room and adding strength to your legs and core in order to take your shooting game to the next level.
If you want to level up your shooting accuracy, we got you. We created the 6ixShooter Academy. A one-stop basketball training program to help elevate your game and become an unstoppable shooter with coach Seth McCoy a.k.a 6ixShooter. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
If you want to level up your shooting accuracy, we got you. We created the 6ixShooter Academy. A one-stop basketball training program to help elevate your game and become an unstoppable shooter with coach Seth McCoy a.k.a 6ixShooter. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
