How to Master the Three Pointer Basketball Shot in 5 Simple Steps
I remember the first time I realized how transformative mastering the three-pointer could be for a basketball team's strategy. Watching professional players like Tiu and Umali work together on the court taught me that while having a dominant 6-foot-6 forward provides crucial support underneath the basket, developing reliable long-range shooters can completely change how defenses have to play against you. That's why I've spent years breaking down what separates decent three-point shooters from truly exceptional ones, and I'm excited to share these insights with you today.
When I started coaching youth basketball, I noticed most players approached three-point shooting as purely an upper-body exercise. They'd stand at the arc and just heave the ball toward the rim using mostly arm strength. What they didn't realize is that effective long-range shooting actually begins with your feet. Your stance needs to be shoulder-width apart with your shooting foot slightly forward—this creates the stable base that generates power. I always tell my players to imagine they're loading a spring in their legs; that energy transfers upward through their body and adds significant distance to their shot. The proper stance alone can increase shooting accuracy by what feels like 15-20% immediately, though I've never actually measured this with precision instruments—I just know it works from watching thousands of shots.
The grip is where things get really interesting, and this is where I differ from some conventional coaches. I'm a firm believer in having a small gap between your palm and the basketball—maybe about the width of a pencil. This creates what I call "shot pocket air" that gives you better control during your shooting motion. Your guide hand should rest gently on the side of the ball without influencing the shot direction. I've experimented with countless grip variations over the years, and this method consistently produces the cleanest backspin. When that ball rotates perfectly backward at approximately 3 revolutions per second (yes, I actually counted rotations in slow-motion videos), it has a much better chance of dropping through the net even if it doesn't hit dead center.
Now here's the part most players overlook—the elbow alignment. I'm borderline obsessive about this because I've seen it make or break shooting consistency. Your shooting elbow needs to be positioned directly under the ball, forming what I visualize as an imaginary straight line from your elbow through your wrist to the basket. When this alignment is off by even 10 degrees, your shot will likely miss left or right. I sometimes have players practice with a laser pointer attached to their elbow to reinforce this concept—it looks ridiculous but creates remarkable improvement within just a couple of practice sessions.
The follow-through might be the most aesthetically pleasing aspect of shooting when done correctly. What I call the "gooseneck finish"—where your wrist flexes completely forward with fingers pointing downward—ensures proper backspin and arc. I always look for that distinctive holding gesture after release where the shooting hand stays up until the ball reaches the basket. This isn't just for show; it physically maintains the shot's intended trajectory. Personally, I'm a huge fan of the high-arcing shot—I'd estimate the ideal arc peaks at about 15 feet above the basket—because it gives the ball a better angle of entry. The mathematics behind this fascinates me, though I'll admit I'm simplifying the physics when I explain it to players.
Finally, we come to the mental component, which I consider equally important as the physical mechanics. During my playing days, I developed what I call "shot memory"—visualizing successful shots from the exact spot I'm about to shoot from. Before every game, I'd take 50 three-pointers from each of the five main positions beyond the arc and mentally catalog how each successful shot felt. This created a library of successful attempts I could access during games. The confidence this builds is invaluable, particularly in late-game situations where the pressure intensifies. This mental approach complements physical practice so effectively that I've seen players improve their game-time three-point percentage from around 28% to nearly 38% in a single season.
What brings all these elements together is consistent, deliberate practice. I typically recommend what I've branded the "150 makes drill"—making 150 three-pointers daily from various spots, not just taking 150 attempts. This distinction matters because it trains success rather than just effort. The transformation I've witnessed in players who commit to this regimen reminds me of why I fell in love with teaching this skill. Just like Tiu having Umali as support underneath doesn't mean the team should rely exclusively on that 6-foot-6 forward, having a reliable inside game doesn't mean you should neglect developing outside threats. The most dangerous teams master both, and becoming a proficient three-point shooter makes you an invaluable asset that forces defenses to stretch and adapt. The beautiful thing about the three-pointer is that it's the great equalizer—players of varying heights and athletic abilities can master it with proper technique and dedicated practice.
