Getting Proper Rotation on Jump Shots

If you talk to most any basketball coach, they will tell you that rotation is one of the most important aspects of a great jump shot. Without a good rotation on the ball, your shooting percentage will likely be low. Rotation is the spin that you put on the basketball. Perfect shooting rotation should have the ball spinning from bottom to top, and not top to bottom or side to side. This rotation allows the ball to get a good bounce if it hits the rim or backboard. Improper rotation will make the basketball spin out or off the rim instead of calmly rolling in.

Great rotation begins and ends with having the same routine on every shot. The great shooters of the game have a very clean shot that looks pretty much the same each time they shoot. Sometimes the angle or distance of the shot changes, but the rotation remains the same. This can only come from finding your perfect comfortable shot, and practicing it constantly.

Before you begin to find your perfect rotation, you have to know the basics of a good jump shot. The first thing you should do is square up your shoulders to the basket. Your shoulders should be directly square to the hoop and your feet should be directly under your shoulders. This can be done in a half of a second for those that are quick and it does not have to slow your jump shot down. Squaring up to the basket will insure that you shoot the ball from a solid base.

As you begin your jump shot, you must bend your knees and elevate straight up into the air. Do not jump to the side or fade away unless you are forced to by the defense. The straighter your jump, the better your odds of getting proper rotation and making the shot.

Keeping your elbow tucked in and straight up and down as possible, you will then shoot the basketball at the top of your jump. As you get farther away from the basket, this release point may change. Depending on your strength and position on the floor, you may need to adjust the release point as well. Ideally the shot is taken at the highest point of your jump.

As you shoot the ball, you should roll it off your fingertips equally. In other words, the ball should literally roll off the ends of all your fingertips with a flick of the wrist. This will rotate the ball back towards you and properly towards the basket. Follow through the shot entirely and then head towards the basket in case of a miss. You might pick up an offensive rebound.

Proper jump shot rotation is not rocket science but it does require a ton of practice. Some people have a natural rotation in their shot while others spend years working on it. Regardless of the group that you fall into, you can get great rotation on your shot with enough practice.