Problem Observed

Potential Causes

Suggested Change

Side spin on the ball.

This is likely to affect the arc of the shot and may also affect the direction of the shot.
  1. The non-shooting hand twisting to push the ball.
  2. Their shooting hand twisting on release, as the fingers of the hand come together

To get backspin on the ball:

  1. Hold the follow through of the shot and check that the non-shooting hand has not twisted.  If the palm of the non-shooting hand is facing the basket then it has most likely pushed the ball putting side spin on it.
  2. Have athlete stand at the elbow and “shoot” the ball, trying to land at the other elbow.  If the shot has “backspin” the ball will bounce back toward the player.