Shooting Slumps and How to Break Out of Them

Most everyone that has played the game of basketball has gone through what is called a shooting slump. This is where the shots that you usually hit with regularity are simply rimming out and missing. Shooting slumps are common at all levels of basketball, including the pros in the NBA. No matter how great of a basketball player you are, you are likely to run into this problem eventually.

One game shooting slumps are usually much easier to overcome than long term shooting slumps. When you hit a shooting slump in the game, you need to concentrate on getting high percentage shots. A layup or dunk can trigger your shot quicker than anything in the game of basketball. Work on driving to the basket instead of taking longer shots such as three pointers. Getting to the foul line will often help you to overcome your shooting slump.

Long term shooting slumps are a bit more complicated. Many people hit shooting slumps that can last for several games or more. When this happens, it is important to take a look at what you are doing wrong. If you have video tape of your shooting before the slump and after the slump, then watch them both and compare them. Often the problem with your shooting can be traced back to a simple change in form or release.

Common causes of long term shooting slumps can be confidence, lack of elevation on the shot, releasing the ball early or late and not getting good rotation on the ball. These are the things that you should be focusing on in practice to get out of the shooting slump. Make sure you are paying attention to each of these things on the practice floor and then transfer that knowledge during the game.

To raise your confidence level, shoot a number of shots in practice from comfortable distances on the floor. Repeating the process over and over will give you the confidence you need in the game. Make sure you have open looks as well as shots with defenders in your face at practice.

As for improving the mechanics of your shot, ask others to watch your shot and tell you what they see. A good coach can spot a glitch in your shot quickly if they are aware you are struggling. This can be a huge help when you are in a shooting slump. Do not change your shot drastically to get out of a slump, as this can make the problem worse.