Is there an optimal position to shoot a basketball?

There is no ‘sweet spot’ for shooting a basketball at the hoop that works for everyone. The chance of success depends on skill, but there are optimal angles at which to shoot a ball that increase your chances. Professional players tend to shoot the basketball up at an angle of around 35-45 degrees, allowing the ball to fall towards the basket at a steep angle, making a larger area of the hoop accessible. Throwing a basketball with the correct spin can also increase the chance of success. Spin will not affect a ball’s motion through the air, but it will change the way it bounces off the rim or the backboard. This subtle change in velocity that spin adds to the rebound can make or break a shot.

Answered by Rik Sargent