1. Find the optimal distance:

Position yourself behind the three-point line, approximately 22 feet away from the basket. Find a comfortable distance that allows you a clear view of the hoop and enough room to shoot.

2. Set your feet:

Plant your feet shoulder-width apart and slightly bend your knees. To ensure proper balance, your dominant foot should be slightly ahead of the other foot.

3. Grip the ball:

Hold the ball with both hands, positioning your shooting hand’s fingertips (not palms) on top of the ball and your non-shooting hand on the side of it for support. Create a “Y” shape with your thumb and index finger to form an ideal grip.

4. Align your body:

Keep your body square with the basket, shoulders relaxed, hips aligned with your knees and feet, and maintain good posture throughout.

5. Visualize your target:

Focus on the basket, specifically its front edge where you want the ball to enter.

6. Bend at the knees and waist:

Bending at both the knees and waist generates power needed for longer-range shots like a three-pointer.

7. Generate force through your legs:

As you begin to shoot, straighten your legs first while keeping your forearm vertical. This engages the larger muscles in your thighs, enabling you to generate more power in your shot.

8. Release with wrist action:

Swiftly extend your shooting arm upward and snap or flick your wrist forward to release the ball off of your fingertips. This creates important backspin, allowing for greater control of shot trajectory.

9. Follow through:

Maintaining a high follow-through helps ensure that backspin is applied correctly and improves overall accuracy. After shooting, hold that position for a moment to develop muscle memory.

10. Maintain arc on shots:

Aim to shoot with a high arc so that it clears any oncoming defenders while still having a gentle entry angle into the basket.

11. Practice your shot:

As with any skill, repetition is key. Spend time honing your three-point shooting technique through dedicated practice sessions to watch your accuracy and confidence grow.

12. Analyze and adjust:

Lastly, analyze your shots’ performance to identify areas for improvement. Adjust your technique accordingly and continue practicing until you achieve consistent results.