Correcting Shots that Miss Right and Shots that Miss Left
By Dr. Hal Wissel

Correcting shots that miss right and shots that miss Left are listed below, along with suggested trigger words to correct them. Trigger words are positive words, preferably one syllable words, that you associate with the correct mechanics of your shot and reinforce rhythm and confidence.

Error: Your shot hits the right side of the rim (right-handed shot).

Correction: You are either not squared up facing the basket, or you are starting your shot with the ball set in front of your head and your elbow out causing your arm to extend to the right on the shot.

Start with your body square to the basket. Set the ball high on the shooting side of your head between your ear and shoulder with your shooting hand facing the front of the rim. Keep your shooting elbow in to align the ball with the basket. Important note: Some players do not have the flexibility to place the shooting hand facing the basket while keeping the elbow in. In this case, the shooting hand facing front takes preference over the elbow in. First place the shooting hand facing the basket, then move the elbow in as far as your flexibility allows. This will enable you to shoot with your arm wrist and fingers going straight toward the basket. Suggested trigger words are “Front and Straight!”

Error: Your shot hits the left side of the rim (right-handed shot).

Correction: You are either not squared up facing the basket, or you are starting your shot with the ball set on your right hip or too far to your right resulting in shoving the ball from right to left as you shoot. Shoving the ball is a fault that results from not using the down and up action of your knees for rhythm and range. Start with your body square to the basket. Set the ball high on the shooting side of your head between your ear and shoulder with your shooting hand facing front and your elbow in as far as your flexiblity allows. Shoot with the down and up action of your legs and your shooting arm, wrist and finger going straight toward to the basket. Suggested trigger words are “Down and Up!” or “High and Straight!

Correcting Shots that Miss to Right or Left

Edited from:
Wissel, H. (2011). BASKETBALL: Steps to Success. Third Edition. Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL.
Wissel, Hal. (2005). Basketball Shooting: Confidence, Rhythm and Mechanics DVD. Basketball World, Suffield, CT.
Wissel, Hal. (2009). Basketball Shooting: Make Your Shot Automatic DVD. Basketball World, Suffield, CT.