# Basketball Shooting Part of the Athletics Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/athletics/guide/index.md) *5. Performance Options* > **5.** Complete the activities in FOUR of the following options and show improvement over a three-month period: **Option G—Basketball Shooting** **Activities:** - 10 free-throw shots for accuracy - Shots from 8 positions: left-side layup, right-side layup, left side of hoop along the key line, right side of hoop along the key line, where key line and free-throw line meet (left side), where key line and free-throw line meet (right side), top of the key, and another spot along the three-point line Basketball shooting is a skill that rewards practice more than natural talent. The best shooters in the world did not start that way — they built their accuracy through thousands of hours of repetition, muscle memory, and attention to form. ### Free-Throw Shooting The free throw is the most practiced shot in basketball. You stand 15 feet from the basket with no defender, no clock pressure, and complete control. It is pure technique. **The fundamentals (B.E.E.F.):** - **B — Balance:** Feet shoulder-width apart, slightly staggered (shooting foot slightly forward). Weight evenly distributed. Knees slightly bent. - **E — Eyes:** Focus on the target. Most coaches recommend looking at the back of the rim (the part closest to you) or just over the front of the rim. - **E — Elbow:** Your shooting elbow should be directly under the ball, forming an "L" shape. Keep it tucked in — do not let it wing out to the side. - **F — Follow-through:** Extend your arm fully, snap your wrist, and hold the follow-through position. Your fingers should point down toward the basket like you are reaching into a cookie jar on a high shelf. > **Tip** > > Develop a free-throw routine and use it every single time. Step up to the line, bounce the ball the same number of times, take a breath, set your feet, and shoot. A consistent routine calms your nerves and triggers muscle memory. ### Layups A layup is a shot made while moving toward the basket, typically off the backboard. You need to make layups from both the left and right sides. **Right-side layup:** 1. Approach from the right side at a 45-degree angle. 2. Take off from your **left foot** (the foot opposite your shooting hand). 3. Drive your right knee upward and extend the ball toward the backboard with your right hand. 4. Aim for the top corner of the small square on the backboard — the ball should kiss the glass and drop in. **Left-side layup:** Mirror everything: approach from the left, take off from your **right foot**, and shoot with your **left hand**. This is harder for most right-handed players, but it is essential. A player who can only finish on one side is predictable and easy to defend. > **Be Prepared! Your Left Hand Feels Useless** > > Most right-handed players struggle with left-side layups at first. Your left hand feels clumsy and the ball keeps hitting the wrong part of the backboard. > > - **Start close.** Stand directly under the basket and practice flipping the ball in with your left hand. > - **Add one step.** Take one step with your right foot and lay it in. > - **Add two steps.** Now add the full approach, slowly. > - **Repeat hundreds of times.** Left-hand layups become comfortable through sheer repetition. There is no shortcut. ### Shooting from the Key and Beyond The remaining positions test your ability to shoot from different angles and distances around the basket: - **Along the key line (left and right):** These are mid-range shots from the sides, about 8–12 feet from the basket. Use the backboard for bank shots from these angles. - **Where key line meets free-throw line (left and right):** These are elbow shots — named for the corner of the free-throw lane. Square up to the basket and use your standard shooting form. - **Top of the key:** A straight-on shot from the free-throw line extended. No backboard — this is a "swish" shot. - **Three-point line:** The longest shot in the set. Maintain your shooting form but generate more power from your legs to cover the extra distance. ![A basketball court viewed from above with numbered dots showing the eight shooting positions from the requirement, with the key, three-point line, and basket clearly labeled](https://ik.imagekit.io/doulacoop/tr:w-800/mbu-assets/merit-badges/athletics/guide/basketball-court-positions?v=98f01fe6) ### Training for Basketball Shooting **Shooting Practice Plan** — Build accuracy from every spot - [ ] Form shooting (close range): Stand 3–5 feet from the basket and shoot one-handed to focus on wrist snap and follow-through. 20 shots. - [ ] Free throws: Shoot 25–50 free throws every practice session. Track your makes. - [ ] Spot shooting: Shoot 10 shots from each of the 8 required positions. Track makes from each spot. - [ ] Layup drills: Alternate left-side and right-side layups. 10 from each side. - [ ] Game-speed shooting: Dribble to a spot, pull up, and shoot. This simulates game conditions more than standing still. > **Did You Know?** > > NBA legend Steph Curry makes about 90% of his free throws and has led the league in three-point shooting multiple times. His secret? He shoots 300–500 practice shots per day, every day, and has done so since high school. [NBA Jr. — Youth Basketball Skills](https://jr.nba.com/basketball-skills/): Free basketball drills, skills tutorials, and training resources for young players. --- - Previous: [Baseball Throw](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/athletics/guide/req5-baseball-throw/index.md) - Next: [Football or Soccer Kick](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/athletics/guide/req5-football-soccer-kick/index.md)