All angles The sweet spot
Shots clanking off the back rim? Use your angles.
The angleShoot higher than feels natural
Flat shots hit the back of the rim. Physicist Peter Brancazio's math says shots launched at 32° or less tend to clank, and the best launch angle is about 45° plus half the angle from your hand to the rim. Shorter players need a steeper arc.
The video for this angle is on its way.
Follow #useyourangles
How to do it
- Square up and hold the ball with your shooting hand under it.
- Aim for an arc that drops down into the rim, not across it.
- Push up through your legs and extend fully on release.
- Follow through with your wrist toward the rim.
- Film a few shots from the side to see your real arc.
Why it works
A ball coming down steeply sees a bigger opening. At a shallow angle, the rim looks like a narrow oval and there's little room for error.
Questions
Can the arc be too high?
Yes. Very high shots need more force and are harder to control over distance. Aim for the recommended range, not the ceiling.
Why do shorter players need more arc?
Their release point is farther below the rim, so the angle up to the rim is bigger.