Outline:
Introductory paragraph
Hook: Swish, the basketball shot straight through the hoop as I released it from my hands! Shooting is my favorite part of basketball.
Background (why are you an expert or authority on the subject?): I have been playing basketball for 12 years including two years on my high school team the Westford Academy Grey Ghosts.
Thesis statement (break down your explanation into three logical parts or steps): The three components to successfully shoot a basketball is the stance, your focus, and your shot.
Body paragraph No. 1
Part 1: Stance
Topic sentence: One of the most important parts of shooting a basketball is to start in a relaxed and balanced stance.
- Step 1: Keep your feet no further than shoulder width apart, preferably closer together, and slightly staggered.
- Step 2: You should put your shooting foot very slightly ahead of your non-shooting foot. Your shooting foot is the foot on the same side as your shooting arm – if you’re right-handed, it will be your right foot.
- Step 3: Your feet should be turned 10 to 45 degrees towards your off-hand side, and your shoulder, hip, and elbow should be aligned with the basket.
- Step 4: Next, flex your knees slightly. Locking your knees makes it easy for you to get knocked off balance.
- Step 5: Keep your stance in mind as you learn to shoot and begin to practice. Once you find the stance that suits you best, use it every single time.
Body paragraph No. 2
Part 2: Focus
Topic sentence: Once you have the proper stance, it is important to focus on the basket.
- Step 1: First step is to locate the target. If you want the ball to go into the net, then you need to look at the net.
- Step 2: If you’re planning to bank the ball in off the backboard (which is shooting the ball off the backboard of the hoop, the big glass rectangle behind the hoop, and have the ball land in the basket), then look at the spot on the backboard you want to hit.
- Step 3: Your eyes are an incredibly important part of a good shot in basketball. Once you release, you may either follow the flight of the ball or continue to look at the rim.
Body paragraph No. 3
Part 3: Your Shot
Topic sentence: Now that your stance and focus are established, it is time to take a shot!
- Step 1: Once you have the ball in your hands, depending on which your shooting hand is, dip the ball down to your waist or thigh. The ball and your shooting eye should form a straight line to the basket.
- Step 2: Next, position your elbow so it’s under the ball, not cocked to the side. Learn to position the ball in this same place every single time you get ready to take a shot. When someone passes you the ball, dip it to your waist or thigh. If you catch a bounce pass or another low pass, or are shooting off the dribble, you don’t need to dip, as you are already in a dipping motion.
- Step 3: Also, if you are right-handed, keep your left hand on the side on the line and your right hand holding the back of the ball firmly in place.
- Step 4: Use your hand that you write with to shoot with. Your other hand is just for the guide. If you are left-handed, do the opposite.
- Step 5: Now, grip the ball correctly. Position your shooting hand so that your fingertips are perpendicular to the seams in the ball. This hand is responsible for launching the ball. Place your non-shooting hand on the side of the ball to act as a guide for the shot.
Conclusion
- Summarize the thesis
- Compare and contrast?
- Include any evidence that didn’t fit into the three body paragraphs
- Leave the reader with a lasting impression
An athletic stance, a focused mindset, and a fluid shooting motion are key elements to successfully shoot a basketball. With this newfound knowledge, anyone should be able to learn how to shoot a basketball correctly and be successful at it. It takes hard work, and lots of practice, but eventually, this motion becomes easier.
Gianna Ottaviano 