The Science and Math of a Three-Point Shot
"Ball's Life", the sweet sound of the net, and the sight of the defense are all signs of a beautiful rainbow three pointer made by science and math.
The Science and Math of a Three-Point Shot
For many basketball players shooting a basketball is as simple as putting butter to a bread, but there is actually a complex science and math behind making any shot, especially a three point shot. Obviously there are many variables that are involve in a shot, but here we will be talking about angles and equations from the cream of the crop shooters from the NBA and not some crazy trick shots that J.R. Smith can make from time to time.
There are some factors involve in the shooting process that are essential for banking a shot. These factors are the elbow's angle, the height of the jump and rotation of the ball. When we are analyzing a three point shot, the first thing we need to observe is the elbow's angle. According to scientist the perfect angle for an elbow to be while shooting a three pointer is between 48° and 54°. If your elbow is between these degrees, the probability of missing or that your shot is blocked go down, and the probabilities of going in sky rock.
The elbow's angle is not the only influential factor involved in shooting, the height of the jump is very important too. According to studies the closest your jump is to being parallel to the basket, the more likely the shot will go in. Ray Allen the NBA's leader in three pointers made in history, usually release the ball when is nine feet away from the floor, only one feet of different of being completely parallel to the basket.
Lastly, the rotation that you give to the ball should be a backspin. This backspin is what players and coaches call "The Shooting Touch". Every sharp shooter from the NBA, including Stephen Curry, Ray Allen, Kyle Korver, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant have this so called touch.
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