🏀 Fix It Early, Build It Right: Spotting Shooting Form Problems Before They Stick

There’s nothing harder to fix than a bad shooting habit that’s been repeated thousands of times.

That’s why at JC3 Girls Basketball, we focus on form first—distance later. It’s not about how far she can shoot in 2nd grade. It’s about whether she’s learning the right mechanics that will serve her for years to come.

If your daughter is just getting started with shooting—or already showing signs of poor form—this blog will help you know what to watch for, what to fix, and how to build great habits early.

🚫 The Most Common Shooting Mistake: The Two-Handed Push

Most young athletes begin their shooting journey pushing the ball with two hands.

Why? Simple.
They haven’t yet learned how to properly use their legs and hips to generate power.

What happens next? A “shot-put” style release, flat arc, and inconsistent results.
And once that becomes a habit, it’s tough to undo.

✅ Fix #1: The “Chair Drill” for Form Shooting

We don’t start on the goal—we start with form.

How to do it:

1. Have your athlete stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
   
   
2. Place a chair or box behind them.
   
   
3. With the ball in her dominant hand, set it in her “shooting pocket” (in front of her shooting shoulder).
   
   
4. Bend at the hips like sitting in a chair, tap the box with her backside.
   
   
5. Explode up to her toes, keeping her arm straight and follow-through high.
   
   

🧠 Focus cues:

• “Shoot with one hand only to start.”
  
  
• “Explode through the legs and hips.”
  
  
• “Fingertips, not palms!”
  
  

Once she masters this, move to a low goal or close-range shot and add the guide hand (which should only balance the ball—not push it).

🖐️ Fix #2: Teach Fingertip Release Early

Many kids shoot with the ball flat in their palm, which kills rotation and accuracy.

Here’s how to check for proper grip:

• When the is sitting in her pocket, look for a small gap between the palm and the ball.
  
  
• Emphasize middle and index finger release.
  
  
• Watch for consistent backspin on every shot.
  
  

Flat shot? It’s probably a palm release. Fix that first.

💪 Fix #3: Get Under the Ball with a 90-Degree Shooting Arm Angle

Here’s a great coaching cue from Coach Jessie:

“Pretend you're holding a serving tray.”

The shooting wrist should be fully bent back, elbow under the ball, and arm in a 90° angle. This puts all the weight under the ball, not behind it.

When a shooter pushes instead of lifting, it creates:

• Flat arc
  
  
• Inconsistent direction
  
  
• Difficulty adjusting from different ranges
  
  

Make sure her arm structure is right before she even worries about distance.

📣 Final Thoughts from Coach Jessie

Parents, remember this:
Your daughter doesn’t need to shoot 3s in 3rd grade.

She needs to build repeatable mechanics that will make her confident and consistent as she grows stronger. Focus on close-range form shots, proper technique, and body awareness. Don’t rush the process.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. And when she starts with great habits, her future self will thank her.

Looking for Guided Shooting Help?

Our JC3 courses break down shooting mechanics step-by-step—making it easy for athletes (and parents!) to spot, correct, and build powerful habits from the start.

Join us and give your daughter the tools she needs to grow into a confident, consistent shooter—the right way.