Basketball requires its players to have speed, strength, endurance, and a mastery of various techniques.
Beef basketball is one of those techniques that are fundamental to the success of any basketball player. Coaches and players alike attest to the importance of employing the right technique in any game.
BEEF Basketball Defined
So, what is beef basketball? Many people think it's a variation of the game, but that's not the case. Instead, it is an acronym for a technique used by players when making standing-ovation-worthy shots.
The term 'beef' stands for Balance, Eyes, Elbows, and Follow-through. These are the fundamentals that every player must pay attention to when making a shot.
With this acronym in mind, players are continually reminded to pay attention to their balance and keep their eyes on the target. It also reminds them to have their elbows aligned and maintain stable arm movements in the follow-through.
But why are these fundamentals important? Well, let's take a closer look at each fundamental below.
Shooting Fundamentals: What They Mean and How to Apply Them
Balance
Maintaining a good balance is important when playing basketball. Not only does it improve your chances of making good shots, but it also protects you from unnecessary injuries.
The most tried and tested, comfortable shooting stance is having your feet about as wide as your shoulders.
Not to forget, comfort is the key to a good game. Keeping your shooting foot slightly in front of your other foot will help you keep a steady and comfortable posture. Plus, maintaining consistency with every shot is important to improve your balance.
Lastly, remember to protect your knees as you take the shot. Keep them comfortably bent when in the shot stance to allow for a more fluid body movement as you take your shot. For a visual demonstration, you may refer to this video.
Eyes
With zero doubt, the target is the rim. Keeping your eye on the target is important when looking to make a solid shot. Hence, any coach would agree that the rim should be the point of focus.
Pick a spot on the rim beforehand and focus on it as you make your shot. Even after releasing the ball, keep your eyes trained on your focal point rather than the ball. Maintaining a point of focus is also helpful in upholding your overall balance.
Elbow
Precision and accuracy are essential when it comes to basketball. Thus, having the right leg, hand, elbow, and eye alignment is key when making a clean shot.
Ensure that the elbow of the shooting hand is aligned with the hoop. Any deviation can widen your shot and cause you to miss the hoop altogether.
A well-aligned elbow and a well-positioned hand form a strong foundation for a strong shooting hand. Your forearm should be at a 90-degree angle with the ball above the elbow to ensure proper alignment. Plus, the elbows should be slightly raised.
Follow-Through
Lastly, the direction of the ball is guided by the movements of the player's hands. The follow-through is thus the culmination of the necessary arm movements required for a successful shot.
In an ideal follow-through, your hands should be firmly holding the ball. So when you extend your arm to take a shot, your wrist securely moves the ball forward in the direction of the hoop.
The ideal recommended angle for the release of the arch formed by the wrist while shooting is about 60 degrees. Keep your fingers pointed in the direction of the ball after releasing it to create the perfect follow-through.
If all this sounds like a mouthful, have another look at Allan Houston, the NBA legend, as he explains the ideal follow-through.
Remember to keep your wrist relaxed when you shoot. Also, pay attention to the guiding hand. Make sure not to let it get in the way of your shooting hand.
Things to Remember
The BEEF shooting technique focuses on the fundamentals of basketball. This technique allows you to make the best possible shots while protecting your wrist, knees, and back from injury.
Balance is critical, and the proper stance goes a long way towards improving your performance. Take your time and figure out what is comfortable for you.
Whether it is an open stance or a closed one, make sure that you are consistent in your shooting stance. The more you practice it, the better you become at it. A good posture allows you to distribute your weight and maintain balance equally.
Indeed, focus helps to improve balance. Train your eyes to pick a point on the hoop and focus on it throughout the shot. Be aware that basketball is a fast-paced sport with lots of distractions.
Keeping your eyes trained on one spot allows you to momentarily block out all other distractions, improving your chances of making a successful shot.
Lastly, stay light on your feet. Keep your knees comfortably bent as you get into your shooting stance. This allows you to have a more fluid movement.
No matter how intense the game gets, remember to stay relaxed at all times. Keep the movements to a necessary minimum to improve your accuracy.
Conclusion: BEEF Basketball
The BEEF strategy of shooting is a template that you can replicate on several other shots. Keep practicing your shots to figure out what is comfortable for you. Beef basketball is a simple, four-step strategy that has been tried and found to be true.
Different players and coaches adapt to it in different ways, but the fundamentals remain the same.
Uphold your balance. Keep your eyes focused on a particular point. Maintain the alignment of your elbows, hands, and eyes. Maintain your follow-through by only making the necessary arm movements pertaining to your shot.
With that said, we bet you are itching to test out your newfound basketball knowledge. So don’t just sit there; get to the court and practice.
