How to Shoot a Basketball: Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Shooting a basketball is one of the most exciting skills for young players to learn—but it can also be one of the hardest to master. How do you teach kids how to shoot a basketball without hurting their confidence? Many kids develop shooting habits early that are tough to correct. The challenge for parents and coaches is knowing how to fix those mistakes without damaging a child’s confidence or love for the game.

In this guide, we’ll break down teaching kids how to shoot a basketball, and how to correct the most common youth basketball shooting mistakes with a positive attitude.

Why Confidence Matters in Shooting

Before jumping into mechanics, it’s important to understand the mindset behind shooting. Young players need repetition and encouragement to build confidence. If correction feels like criticism, they may become hesitant or lose enthusiasm.

When you focus on small wins—like improved form, better balance, or making a few more shots each practice—you help players associate shooting with progress, not pressure. The best shooters aren’t perfect; they’re confident enough to keep shooting through mistakes.

Common Shooting Mistakes and How to Fix Them

1. Shooting with Two Hands or “Pushing” the Ball

The mistake: Many young players lack the strength to shoot properly, so they use both hands or push the ball from their chest. This leads to inconsistent accuracy and limited range.

How to fix it:

Emphasize form over distance. Have kids shoot close to the basket—just a few feet away—to focus on proper technique.
Encourage a one-hand follow-through, using the guide hand only for stability.
Try “form shooting” drills: stand near the hoop, balance the ball on one hand, bend the knees, and release with a smooth arc.

Coaching tip: Praise effort, not power. Tell players, “We’re working on clean form, not how far you can shoot.” This helps them value technique and reduces frustration.

2. Poor Balance and Footwork

The mistake: Kids often shoot off-balance, leaning forward or jumping sideways, which makes shots inconsistent.

How to fix it:

Teach the “BEEF” method (Balance, Eyes, Elbow, Follow-through).
Practice set shots from short range with a wide, stable stance.
Use a dot drill or floor markers to remind players where their feet should be during the shot.

Balanced shooters are more consistent, and balance also builds confidence—because kids can feel when a shot “feels right.”

3. Dropping the Elbow or Flat Shooting Arc

The mistake: A low elbow position or flat release causes the ball to fly straight instead of arcing, reducing accuracy and the chance of a friendly bounce.

How to fix it:

Encourage players to keep the elbow under the ball and shoot up, not out.
Use visual cues like “shoot over the front of the rim” or “reach for the sky.”
Practice high-arcing shots close to the basket to help players feel the proper motion.

A higher arc also helps young players make more shots, which builds the positive reinforcement they need to keep improving.

4. Rushing the Shot

The mistake: Many kids rush because they’re nervous about defenders or anxious to score quickly. This leads to poor rhythm and missed shots.

How to fix it:

Teach players to catch, pause, and shoot—developing a natural rhythm.
Practice form shooting off the catch with a count of “1-2-shoot” to slow them down.
Emphasize shot preparation—knees bent, eyes on the rim, and hands ready before receiving the ball.

When learning how to shoot a basketball, confidence grows when kids feel in control. Slow, deliberate practice leads to smoother, faster shooting later.

5. Fading Away or Leaning Back

The mistake: Young players sometimes fade away to avoid contact or look flashy, which hurts accuracy.

How to fix it:

Practice shooting straight up and down—jump, land, and hold the follow-through in the same spot.
Use the “wall drill”: have players shoot close to a wall so they can’t lean backward.
Reinforce strong core balance and upright posture.

Remind players that great shooters like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson use excellent balance—they rarely fade unless the situation demands it.

6. Focusing Only on Makes and Misses when Learning How to Shoot a Basketball

The mistake: Kids often judge success only by whether the ball goes in, which can hurt motivation when shots don’t fall.

How to fix it:

Celebrate good form and effort, not just results when teaching how to shoot a basketball.
Track mechanical progress—smooth release, proper follow-through, and balanced landings.
Use “form goals” in practice, such as holding follow-through for two seconds or keeping feet square.

Positive coaching helps kids understand that improvement comes from habits, not just outcomes.

Basketball Shooting Drills that Make a Difference

So where do you start? Mojo creates great videos that youth basketball parents and coaches can lean on for basketball drill ideas.

Try to make the process of learning and fixing mistakes as fun as you can with these drills designed to develop good habits on the court:

Teaching How to Shoot a Basketball the Right Way

When teaching kids how to shoot a basketball, patience and consistency are key. The goal isn’t to make every shot—it’s to develop the right habits early so good form becomes natural. Keep drills short, fun, and focused on progress rather than perfection.

When teaching how to shoot a basketball, encourage kids to practice close to the basket, shoot slowly, and pay attention to their balance and follow-through. Build confidence by celebrating the effort it takes to learn, not just the shots that go in.

Every great shooter starts with the same foundation: strong mechanics, a positive attitude, and the belief that improvement comes with practice. By teaching the right way—and keeping it fun—you’re giving young players the tools to succeed both now and for years to come.

Check out more basketball tips for parents and coaches below.

Youth Playbook

Youth Playbook is your go-to resource for tips, tools, and insights to help coaches and parents support young athletes. From practice drills to game-day prep and everything in between, we’re here to make youth sports a positive, fun, and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

How to Shoot a Basketball: Youth Shooting Mistakes & How to Fix Them (Without Killing Confidence)

Why Confidence Matters in Shooting

Common Shooting Mistakes and How to Fix Them