Basketball Shooting Game Tips to Improve Your Accuracy and Score More Points

Let me tell you something about basketball shooting that I've learned over years of watching and playing this beautiful game. Watching Juan Gomez De Liano's explosive PBA debut where Converge absolutely dominated with that 129-92 victory over Titan Ultra really reminded me of something fundamental - great shooting isn't just about form, it's about confidence and rhythm. When you're in that zone like De Liano clearly was, the basket looks as wide as an ocean, and every shot feels like it's destined to go in. I've had those moments myself on much smaller stages, where everything just clicks, and I want to share what I've discovered about reaching that state more consistently.

The foundation of great shooting starts with something most players overlook - your feet. I can't stress this enough. Your shot begins from the ground up, and if your footwork is sloppy, your shooting percentage will reflect that. When I analyze players' forms, I always start from their base. Are their feet shoulder-width apart? Is their weight properly distributed? Are they squared to the basket? These might seem like basic considerations, but you'd be surprised how many players neglect them. In that Converge game, if you watch the replays, you'll notice how balanced their shooters were even when contested. That balance translates directly to shooting accuracy. I've tracked my own shooting percentages across hundreds of games, and when I focus on my footwork, my field goal percentage improves by at least 15-20%. That's the difference between being a decent shooter and a reliable scoring threat.

Now let's talk about the actual shooting motion, which is where most people focus their attention. The elbow should be under the ball, the shooting hand forming that perfect "Y" shape, the guide hand just resting gently on the side - these are the fundamentals we all know. But here's what I've discovered through trial and error: the real secret lies in the consistency of your release point. My shooting coach back in college used to say, "If I blindfolded you, you should still be able to hit shots because your release should feel exactly the same every time." It took me years to truly understand what he meant. When Justin Arana was putting up that monster double-double, every shot from mid-range had nearly identical arc and rotation. That level of consistency comes from thousands of repetitions where you're not just going through the motions, but actively focusing on making each shot identical to the last.

The mental aspect of shooting is what separates good shooters from great ones. I've seen incredibly talented players in practice who can't translate that to game situations because they haven't developed the mental toughness required. Basketball is as much a psychological battle as it is physical. When Converge went on that scoring run, you could see their confidence building with each made basket. That's what happens when you've put in the work - the pressure situations feel familiar rather than intimidating. I always tell younger players to practice game scenarios in their head. Visualize hitting game-winning shots, imagine the crowd noise, feel the pressure, and then execute your normal shooting motion. This mental rehearsal is just as important as physical practice. Personally, I've found that my shooting percentage improves by about 8-12% when I incorporate regular visualization techniques into my training routine.

Shot selection is another crucial element that often gets overlooked. Even with perfect form, taking low-percentage shots will kill your accuracy numbers. What impressed me about Converge's performance was their discipline in taking high-quality shots within their offensive system. They weren't forcing contested looks early in the shot clock. This is something I had to learn the hard way early in my playing days. I tracked my shooting percentages from different spots on the floor and discovered that my mid-range percentage was actually higher than my three-point percentage, even though everyone these days is obsessed with threes. That personal data changed how I approached games. Sometimes the best shooting advice isn't about changing your form, but about being smarter about when and where you shoot.

The follow-through might be the most underrated part of the shooting motion. I see so many players who chop their follow-through short, especially when they're tired or under pressure. But that complete extension and holding your follow-through until the ball reaches the rim - that's what creates consistent shooting. When I'm working with developing players, I have them practice holding their follow-through for a full two seconds after every shot during practice. It feels awkward at first, but it builds muscle memory that pays off in games. Watching professional shooters, you'll notice they all have that textbook follow-through that looks almost identical every time. That's not coincidence - it's deliberate practice becoming second nature.

Game-speed practice is non-negotiable if you want to improve your in-game shooting. I made this mistake for years - practicing shots at half-speed and then wondering why I couldn't replicate that success in actual games. The difference between practice shooting and game shooting is like the difference between playing catch and facing a 95-mile-per-hour fastball. You need to simulate game conditions as much as possible. That means practicing when you're tired, with defenders (even imaginary ones), and moving at full speed. My shooting percentage increased dramatically when I started incorporating more game-simulation drills into my routine. The data doesn't lie - players who practice at game speed improve their in-game shooting percentage nearly twice as fast as those who don't.

Rest and recovery play a surprising role in shooting accuracy that most people don't consider. When your legs are tired, your shot falls short. When your arms are fatigued, your form breaks down. I've tracked my shooting percentages throughout seasons and noticed a clear pattern - my accuracy drops by about 7-9% when I'm not getting adequate rest. That Converge team looked fresh and energetic throughout their dominant performance, and it showed in their shooting numbers. Proper sleep, hydration, and recovery techniques are just as important as practice when it comes to maintaining shooting consistency throughout a long season.

Ultimately, improving your basketball shooting is about building habits through consistent, focused practice. There are no shortcuts, despite what some might tell you. The players who put up impressive numbers like that 129-point performance by Converge have typically put in thousands of hours of deliberate practice. What I've shared here are the insights I wish someone had told me when I first started taking shooting seriously. The beautiful thing about basketball is that everyone can improve their shooting with the right approach and enough dedication. Start with the fundamentals, build good habits, practice with purpose, and trust your work when you step onto the court. The results will follow, just as they did for Juan Gomez De Liano in his spectacular debut.