Free Throw / Jump Shot Find the free throw line and stand on it with your feet parallel to one another directly in front of the basketball hoop. If you find it more comfortable, you can also stagger your stance. If you shoot right handed, place your right foot forward slightly. Holding the ball, lower yourself by bending at the knees and hips. Rise up onto your toes as you prepare to release the ball. Push the ball towards the net and follow through with your shooting (dominant) hand facing down toward the floor. Your guide hand should be straight and pointing upward toward the net. Land with your feet in starting position. Bank Shot In a bank shot, you’ll bounce the basketball off of the backboard and into the net. It’s best to take bank shots when you’re standing to the side of the net. You’ll want to look and aim at the top corner of the white square above the net. Use the same form and follow through you would on a layup. Layup Layups are shots taken almost directly under the net. Similar to the bank shot, you’ll use the backboard to knock the ball into the net. Dribble towards the block (the small square that’s diagonal from the hoop on the lane line). Push the ball into your shooting hand as you raise your arm and jump, raising the knee on that same side. Hook Shot The hook shot is a one-handed shot, usually taken at a considerable distance from the hoop, often over the head of a defender. To start, position your body as if you were going to execute a jump shot. Your non-shooting shoulder should be pointing at the hoop. Make sure your shoulders are even and your knees bent, as you look at the basket. Jump up, raising your shooting leg at the same time you raise your shooting arm. Your shooting elbow should be in a locked position as you bend your arm into a 45-degree angle. Push your shooting arm upwards and over your head. Flick your wrist and let the ball glide off of your fingers in the direction of the hoop. Follow through with your arms straight and raised, your fingers bent slightly forwards.