1-Hand Form Shooting Guide: Step-by-Step Technique for Youth Players
By Brendan Winters | Former Davidson Player, Co-Founder of Pro Skills Basketball
Form shooting is one of the most important tools young basketball players can use to improve their shot. I used form shooting drills throughout my entire basketball career—from my youth days to playing professionally in Europe. It helped me lock in my mechanics, stay consistent, and mentally prepare for practices and games.
If your child wants to become a great shooter, it starts here. In fact, when Stephen Curry was reworking his shot in high school, his dad (NBA vet Dell Curry) wouldn’t even let him shoot outside of the paint for weeks. He was focused solely on form shooting—starting close to the basket and building the right habits.
At Pro Skills Basketball, we teach youth players how to develop proper shooting fundamentals using a proven step-by-step method. This guide focuses on 1-hand form shooting—an essential part of every young player’s development.
🔁 4 Steps to Mastering 1-Hand Form Shooting
🏠 Step 1: HOME BASE
This is the starting position for every rep. A good shot starts with a strong foundation.
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Feet shoulder-width apart, square to the basket
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Stand tall with toes, hips, and shoulders aligned
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Shooting arm parallel to the floor, palm up
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Ball sits on finger pads (not palm)
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Elbow tucked into side
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Guide hand hangs by your side (for now)
🪑 Step 2: SIT (aka “Start Small”)
This step engages the lower body and helps develop balance and power.
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Keep upper body still
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Pretend you’re sitting in a chair—hips go back, not knees forward
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Stay on your heels (not toes)
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Keep your chest up and eyes on the rim
📐 Step 3: LIFT (to an “L”)
Now we bring the ball into shooting position—forming the iconic “L” shape with the arm.
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Lift the ball while staying in your sit position
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Form a clean “L” with your bicep and forearm
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Ball remains on finger pads
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Ball height should be between shoulder and top of head
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Index finger pointed toward your dominant eye
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Elbow stays directly under the ball—don’t let it wing out!
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Bring your guide hand up next to the ball, but don’t touch it
🏹 Step 4: DIP & HOLD (aka “Finish Tall”)
Now it’s time to shoot. This step brings everything together—legs, arms, and follow-through.
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Begin upward movement from legs and elbow simultaneously
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Ball rolls off index/middle fingers
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Elbow snaps and locks; wrist flicks naturally
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Finish on toes with eyes still locked on target
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DIP your fingers into the rim—this means full extension
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Guide hand stays still (no twisting or thumbing)
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HOLD your follow-through until the shot lands
🔁 Quick Recap
Home Base → Sit → Lift → Dip & Hold
It’s a simple rhythm to remember but a detailed skill to master. Each rep should be slow and focused. Beginners should take about 10 seconds per shot, while more advanced players can shorten to 3–5 seconds.
🏀 Form Shooting Workout: 50 Reps a Day
Want to improve your shooting consistency and confidence? Start with this 50-rep drill:
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Stand 3–5 feet from the basket on the right baseline
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Shoot 10 slow, focused 1-hand form shots
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Move to right block/wing (3–5 ft) and shoot 10 more
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Move to center/front of rim, shoot 10 more
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Move to left block/wing, shoot 10 more
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Finish on left baseline, shoot final 10
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Go back to the first spot, step back slightly, and repeat if desired
📈 Why Form Shooting Works
Form shooting helps youth basketball players:
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Develop consistent shot mechanics
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Build muscle memory and confidence
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Improve balance, rhythm, and follow-through
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Warm up properly before practice or games
At Pro Skills Basketball, we teach shooting fundamentals in all of our Player Development Academies, Small Group Workouts, and Basketball Clinics.
If you’re in one of our 25+ cities nationwide, come train with us!
📩 Contact us at admin@proskillsbasketball.com
📞 Call us at 866-996-3888
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