- Basketball Backboard
Shooting for the square of the backboard, especially when close up, drastically increases the accuracy of your shot.basketball image by aline caldwell from The backboard is underutilized in basketball, and instructions on how to use one in your game enhance the variety of your shots and your overall level of play. In general, using the backboard requires a proper shooting technique, being aware of your angles and practicing the various shots often.
1.1
Review your shooting technique. Assuming you prefer to push the ball off with your right hand, place your left hand on the left side of the ball and your right hand slightly underneath and on the lower right side of the ball. Do the opposite if you prefer to push off with your left hand. Square your shoulders facing the hoop when shooting, with one hand pushing off on the ball and the other hand guiding the ball.
2.2
Be aware of your angle relative to the backboard. Shoot for the square on the backboard whenever you are close to it; as you move farther away, however, aim harder for that square, keeping in mind the likely location of the ball after it hits the background. According to basketball player Dwyane Wade, when you shoot a backboard shot (as opposed to aiming purely for the hoop) “it’s more of a line drive with a touch.”
3.3
Practice shooting off the backboard regularly. You need to instinctively know how to shoot from different parts of the court to become familiar with how angles will impact your shots. Practice shooting “around the world,” meaning from each angle of the court to familiarize yourself with backboard shots.