How to Improve Your 3-pt Shooting

This article will cover the finer points of improving your 3-point shooting.

First off, the 3-pointer is just another jump shot. But having said that, we have to recognize that the 3-pointer is different in some respects than other jump shots you'll take. Let's go into some details on the differences, and how you can address these items so you can improve your 3-point shooting.

It's a deep shot, taken from further out that other jump shots, so you have to work on improving your shooting range.

Because 3-pointers are distance shots, you have to work on improving your shooting range. A lot of players work on shooting 15 or 16-foot jumpers in practice, and then try to step back behind the 3-point line in games. It doesn't work that way. To become a great 3-point shooter, you have to work on shooting 3-point shots. Sounds simple, but you'd be amazed at how many players don't work on 3's in practice or shoot arounds and then expect to knock down 3-pointers in games.

One of the best drills around for working on improving your shooting range is one I use with my private coaching clients. As part of your shooting practice, once you're warmed up from your normal range, step back 1 to 2 feet, and take 10 jumpers from the increased distance, focusing on using perfect form on your shot (the same form you normally use to shoot). Then, step back another foot or two and take another 10 jump shots. Continue moving back a foot or two each time and using perfect form. As you continue to move back from the basket, you'll have to use your lower body more and more to generate the power to get the ball to the basket. Continue moving back until you can no longer shoot the ball with good form (in other words, when your form starts to break down, stop shooting).

The mental aspect of the 3-point shot

Taking a 15 or 16-footer is simply taking a 15 or 16-footer, but taking a 3-pointer is different. Since you get an extra point for the shot, there is obviously more importance placed on the three. Players, coaches, fans, and the media all love to talk about 3-point shots and 3-point shooters. And as a result, there is added stress in taking the shot (players think about it a lot more than other jump shots).

So what's the best way to address this issue? Practice, both physically and mentally. As mentioned above, if you want to become a great 3-point shooter, you have to work on the shot. Practice stand-up 3-points, taking 3s off one or two dribbles, and shooting the shot coming off of screens. Practice shooting the 3 over and over again until you feel comfortable and confident in shooting from behind the arc.

Also, visualize yourself knocking down 3-pointers. Top athletes use visualization as part of their training programs for a reason: it works. At various times during the day, close your eyes and picture yourself catching the ball behind the arc, turning and facing, and confidently knocking down the shot. Picture it, but also "feel" it. In your mind, put yourself on the court, feel the ball in your hands, watch it as it goes towards the basket and splashes through the net.

Foot placement

For most jump shots, it doesn't really mattter where you are on the court. Whether you're at the elbow, on the baseline, or near the top of the key, you don't really worry about where you are on the court. But for the 3-point shot, foot placement is important.

What do I mean? Simply put: make sure you are behind the line. There is nothing worse than knocking down what you thought was a 3-pointer, but only getting credit for 2 points because your toe was on the line. In essence, you took a three (since you were out that far), but only get rewarded for 2 points.

So, make an effort to know where you are on the floor, and to make sure that if you do take a 3-pointer, you are behind the arc. How big of an impact will this have on your game? Maybe a little. Maybe a lot. Lots of games are decided by 1, or 2, or 3 points. And by making sure you are behind the line, you could ensure that you get that extra point on the shot. Over the course of a game, or a season, it could make a major impact on your success, and the team's success. It's a little thing, but little things add up and can have major impact.

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