Top 3 Ways to Shoot a Basketball with One Hand
Let’s face it, being able to shoot a basketball properly, efficiently, accurately, and consistently can help you to win more basketball games. There is, perhaps, nothing more deadly than an accurate, precise shooter elevating over a defender for an almost guaranteed bucket.
But how do you learn how to shoot well?
One sure fire way to help with your overall shooting ability is to do learn how to shoot with only one-hand. Below, we’re going to go over the top 3 ways to shoot a basketball with one hand and provide you with helpful tips and techniques to do so.
Why Learn How to Shoot with One Hand?
Shooting a basketball, whether with one or two hands, requires skill. There is a certain form that must be learnt, practiced, and then perfected. In addition, shooting requires proper follow-through and a certain level of finesse when the ball is released.
Although most shooters and basketball players learn how to shoot with both hands on the ball, many players take their shooting skills a step further by practicing how to shoot with one hand.
A common reason why so many basketball players learn how to shoot with one hand is because they are trying to learn and practice how to shoot with their non-dominant hand. The non-dominant hand, typically a player’s left-hand, is oftentimes weaker than their more dominant hand.
As-such, in an attempt to train and strengthen their non-dominant hand, a basketball player may opt to practice shooting with one hand, their non-dominant one.
Additionally, many basketball players may opt to practice and train on how to shoot a basketball with one hand as a means of developing ambidextrousness. Being ambidextrous is having the ability to utilize both hands in equal amounts and capabilities.
By being ambidextrous, a basketball player will not only be able to dribble with both their right and left hands but will also be able to control the ball with either hand. This can be particularly useful when a player is looking to make a difficult pass or dribble through a tight defense.
Lastly, a basketball player may opt to learn how to shoot with one hand as a means of developing and strengthening their layup and floater skills. These shot attempts are typically done with the dominant hand but may need to be completed with the non-dominant hand, where this practice can be especially useful.
Start Close to the Basket in the Beginning
The number one best way to learn how to shoot with one hand is to do so close to the basket.
You should stand a few feet directly in front of the rim. Holding the basketball with one hand, place your opposite hand behind your back.
Maintain proper handling of the ball and concentrate on the rim. Slightly bending your knees, and without jumping or removing your feet from the ground, flick your wrist and the ball effortlessly into the basket.
Grab the rebound and repeat. You should become comfortable with the stance, motion, and steadiness of the basketball in your hand.
Continue to practice this routine with one hand until you score 20 baskets in a row. Make sure to practice with both hands individually.
Then, after you have made 20 baskets in a row, take two steps back and repeat the process. Continue doing this until you are comfortable shooting the ball with one hand, with both hands respectively, at and near the free-throw line.
Use a Weighted Basketball
Another great way to learn how to shoot a basketball with one hand is to practice with a weighted basketball. A weighted basketball is simply a normal basketball that has added weight within it to help with shooting drills and forms.
Weighted basketballs work by helping athletes to train on how to shoot, pass, dribble, and rebound with the weighted ball. As the weighted ball is more difficult to control, pass, and shoot, doing so in with one in practice will make a normal, non-weighted ball easier to control and shoot.
However, when it comes to shooting a basketball with one hand, there is perhaps no better option than to do so with a weighted basketball. The weighted basketball will help you learn how to control the ball with one hand and will help you learn proper shooting form and technique.
Once you have completed drills and techniques with one hand with a weighted ball, you will find that a normal, non-weighted ball is significantly easier to control and shoot.
Develop Your Hand and Arm Strength
Let’s be honest, shooting a basketball with one hand is difficult. In fact, it is really difficult. And this is especially true if you do not have much strength or power in your hands and arms.
That’s why, one of the best ways to learn how to shoot a basketball with one hand is to work on strengthening your hand and arm strength. This can be best done by utilizing weight training routines either at home or at the gym.
One great way to strengthen your hands is to utilize a hand grip strengthener. These hand strengtheners are easy to use and provide quick, fast results. In addition, they can be utilized nearly anywhere and at any time. Simply hold the bars of the hand strengthener and squeeze them together. Release slowly and repeat until fatigue sets in.
In addition, you will want to work on your arm strength. There are a number of different exercises you can do at home with your own body-weight that will strengthen your arms.
A simple and easy one is the arm circle. Standing upright, lift your hands perpendicular to your body. Slowly rotate your arms clockwise for 30-seconds and then counterclockwise for another 30-seconds. Rest and repeat 3-times.
Another great arm workout is the plank sidewalk. Positioning your body in a plank position, move your right-hand a couple of feet to the right. Follow this direction with your left-hand. Then, move your left-hand a few feet to the left. Follow this direction with your right-hand. Continue doing this exercise back-and-forth for 60-seconds before resting and repeating 3-times.
Lastly, if you do not have access to free weights or a gym, consider adding push-ups to your workout routine. Push-ups are one of the best upper-body workouts and can help you to build muscle and muscle definition and can be done virtually anywhere, without the need for special equipment.