Expert: Bob Anagnostou - 9/9/2007

Question
Hi, i have several questions, all involing shooting. First is on my release I like the ball to come off my middle finger instead of my forefinger. I still get good backspin, but is that okay? Secondly, lately the ball has not been releasing off my correct finger and i think its the grip. How do I hold the ball in correlation of the seams and stuff? Finally, I'm not strong enough to shoot above my head yet, so im not sure if my elbow position is correct. Should my wrist be fully cocked back and my elbow exaggerated at 90 degrees? Thanks, and sorry for all the questions

Answer
Dear friend,

First of all, it's not wrong at all to give spin with the middle finger. The thing is that the finger that gives the final touch has to follow through and point in the center of the basket.

Use both hands to hold the ball, but only your shooting hand will actually propel the ball forward. Don't shoot two-handed. Your shooting hand is the "platform" and should be underneath the ball with your wrist cocked back. Your elbow should be bent at about 90%, like a backwards "L", and underneath the ball (not out to the side). Your other hand (the "guide hand") helps support or balance the ball, but does not enter into the actual shooting of the ball. Your non-shooting hand should actually come off the ball just before you release the ball, so that you are shooting with one hand, just your shooting hand. Use your fingertips, not palms, to hold and release the ball.

Here is a method to learn what the correct "platform" is. Extend your shooting arm straight forward with your palm facing up and let the ball sit comfortably your hand (fingers comfortably apart). Now in one motion, bend the elbow while rotating the forearm, wrist and hand outward and upward, and under the ball so that the ball is now resting on your hand above your right shoulder with the wrist cocked back. The shoulder is the "hinge", the elbow points toward the hoop and an "L" is formed by the forearm and the arm (looking from the shooting arm side). Your elbow should be in and pointing at the basket.

Now, the position of the shooting hand's thumb is important. The shooting thumb should be pointing upward at about a 45 degree angle left (right-handed shooter). This will cause the elbow to naturally fall under the ball. I have seen some young players with the thumb too far under the ball and pointing straight leftward, which causes the elbow to fly outward (see the two photos). So if your shooter's release looks a little goofy, has side-spin, or the elbow is flying, look at the position of the thumb... a very simple concept that's easy to fix.

To strenghten your shooting arm, work on free-weight exercises that target the triceps like
1)Dumbbell Kickback
Kneel over bench with arm supporting body. Grasp dumbbell. Position upper arm parallel to floor. Extend arm until it is straight. Return and repeat. Continue with opposite arm. Body and arm need to be positioned horizontal.

2)Dumbbell Triceps Extension
Position one dumbbell overhead with both hands under inner plate (heart shaped grip). Position one dumbbell overhead with both hands under inner plate (heart shaped grip). Position wrists closer together to keep elbows from pointing out too much. Let the dumbbell pull the arm back to maintain full shoulder flexion. Consider using seat with back support. Position body more upright if shoulder flexion flexibility is adequate.

3)Weighted Bench Dip
Place weight on lap. Place hands on the edge of a bench, feet on adjacent bench. Lower body until full stretch or rear end touches floor. Raise body and repeat.

Sincerely Yours,
Coach B.Anagnostou
Olympiacos Coaching staff
(Euroleague, HEBA)