How to Learn to Shoot Three Point Shots in Basketball

Three-point shots are one of the most exciting and strategic elements of a basketball game. The ability to accurately and consistently make three-point shots can dramatically change the outcome of a game, giving a team a significant advantage. Modern basketball is increasingly focused on three-point shots, which require high accuracy, confidence, and special skills from players. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the technique of how to make  a three-point shot in basketball , as well as take a closer look at the mistakes that many beginners make, and analyze tactics that will allow you to increase the percentage of your shots from behind the arc.

How to learn to shoot three-pointers?

The throw got its name for its value. Its successful execution allows the team to get three points. With a minimal difference in the score, two or even one three-pointer can completely change the outcome of the game. Another important point, which we will dwell on in more detail in the corresponding section of the article, is that three penalties are assigned for a foul on it.

The three-point line is the furthest from the basket. In simple terms, this is the entire court except for the area between the arc and the basket. For this reason, this shot is often called from behind the arc. The line can be at different distances. In the NBA, the distance to it is 7.24 m, in the college championship – 6.02 m, and in the rest of the world – 6.75 m.

The NBA’s leading three-point shooter is Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, who broke Ray Allen’s record. As of April 2024, Curry has made 3,474 three-pointers.

The practical advice provided in the article will help you understand and improve your three-point technique, but it does not guarantee success. To learn how to throw from behind the arc, you need to train a lot and for a long time, as well as practice. This will take more than one month. At the same time, it is very important to watch various videos, paying attention to the throwing techniques of the best snipers.

Preliminary Three Point Shot Practice

It is highly recommended not to start practicing throwing from behind the arc right away. First, start practicing throwing at a distance of half a meter from the basket. Your goal is to train your accuracy so that the ball always ends up in the ring without touching its edges. Then, gradually increase the distance.

Psychological attitude is also important. If you don’t believe that you can make a throw from behind the arc, you really won’t hit the center of the ring. Also, try to act as correctly as possible from the start, avoiding common mistakes, and taking the right position.

Preparing for a three-point shot

Never tense up before throwing. Your body should be relaxed. This especially applies to your hands and arms. Over time, this will happen automatically. The more tense you are, the more difficult it will be to throw. Always focus on the hoop and imagine the ball hitting it. Be sure to feel the ball before throwing.

Foot position for a three-pointer

The feet should be slightly apart, but parallel to each other, with the center of the basket as the orientation. This position allows the kinetic momentum of the jump to coincide with the direction of the throw. If the feet are not positioned correctly, you will have to apply much more effort, and the trajectory of the ball will deviate significantly from the intended one.

Hand position for a three-pointer

The weaker, less developed hand is always the guide hand and is on the side of the ball. The strong hand, which you will throw with, should always be in front. The ball should not be on the inside of the palm, but on the open fingers. It is very important that the hand you throw with is bent at a right angle and is in line with the basket.

Three-point shot moment

The most important moment, which largely determines the accuracy of the hit:

1. Take a deep breath and then exhale as you throw the ball.
2. Straighten your arm completely so that your wrist points upward and your hand rotates the ball around a horizontal axis.
3. The ball slides off the index and middle fingers.
4. In the final phase of the throw, the hand seems to “follow” the ball, which at the moment of release from the hand should be above your eyes, but at the same time in line with the target.

Remember, the greater the distance to the ring, the greater the amplitude should be during the swing.

Common Mistakes When Shooting Three Point Shots

To ensure that your three-point shot technique is correct, try to avoid the following common mistakes made by many beginners from the very first practice:

• Do not bend your arm less than 90 degrees, as this will change the trajectory. In simple terms, the ball will fly horizontally, like in a shot put, not like a basketball throw.
• Avoid leaning your back and shoulders back. This position of your upper body will significantly increase your range of motion, which will negatively impact your accuracy.
• Don’t spin the ball with your ring finger. While this may be beneficial to your shot at some points, it will change the trajectory of a three-pointer and the ball will likely miss the basket because it will fly sideways.
• Don’t get in your way with your guide hand while throwing.

When learning to throw, be sure to pay attention to these four points and try to never allow them to happen.

Three-pointer from the backboard

The shield can be a great help in scoring a three-point shot. Its use in itself is, of course, a bit of a trick, but if it helps to get three points, no one will care about it. This is especially true for moments when even a one-point difference can bring the team victory.

How to use the shield correctly? You need to focus on the rectangle that is drawn on its surface. When you are on the side of the shield, aim at the corner of the rectangle closest to you. If you are standing directly opposite, your reference point is its upper middle. Using this little trick, you will almost certainly make a throw from behind the arc.

If you are serious about shooting three-pointers from the backboard, be sure to practice a lot. In training, ask your teammates to try to take the ball away from you, and after successfully dodging, throw the ball from the right or left side, as well as the center. Learn to hit the hoop from behind the arc from a variety of positions.

The main thing to remember is that the moment to shoot is always very short, and you need to be able to literally abstract yourself from everything except the thought that you will definitely hit the hoop.

Three-point foul

A three-point foul is a violation that occurs when a defender makes contact with an offensive player who is in the process of shooting from the three-point line. This violation has serious consequences because it gives the offensive team a significant advantage.

The following actions are considered a foul:

• Contact During a Block Attempt: A defender attempts to block a shot and makes contact with the arm, torso, or other body part of an attacking player.
• Vertical Violation: The defender enters the thrower’s space, violating his vertical position.
• Late Contact: The defender makes contact with the attacker after the ball has been released, often attempting to “hook” the ball or change the trajectory of the shot.

As a penalty for a foul, three free throws are awarded to the team that was fouled. In other words, these are three potential points that the team could have earned if a three-pointer had been made. Also, one free throw is awarded when the ball was thrown into the basket during a foul. However, the number of fouls per quarter is added up, and starting with the sixth, it leads to a free throw.

A foul on a three-point shot is a serious violation that can significantly affect the course and outcome of a basketball game. Understanding the tactical, technical, and psychological aspects of this violation allows teams to more effectively develop strategies for both defense and offense. Following the rules and using opportunities wisely will help players minimize risks and maximize their skills to achieve success on the court.