In my opinion, the Set Point is the most important position in shooting. For mature, elite players, the Set Point typically occurs when the ball is positioned around the forehead. It marks the transition between two critical phases of the shooting motion—the Lifting Motion and the Shooting Motion. This concept has been adopted by many coaches and is key to understanding how a shot is executed properly.

The Lifting Motion

Most players’ shots resemble an “S” curve when we trace the path of the ball from the shooting hand side. The ball often starts around the waist level in the triple-threat position, then moves up and slightly away from the body. As the ball reaches chest height, it changes direction and begins to come back toward the body while still lifting upward. This entire path is what I call the Lifting Motion—the phase in which the player’s shooting hand is not yet positioned to push the ball toward the hoop. The player is generating force, but the hand is simply lifting the ball into position.

The Shooting Motion

At approximately forehead height (for mature players; often lower for younger ones), the ball changes direction again and begins to move up and forward away from the body. This final movement—upward and toward the target—is what I refer to as the Shooting Motion. It’s the phase where the player is actively applying force to the ball, and the shooting hand is in position to shoot the ball in the intended direction.

The Set Point as the Transition

The Set Point is the transition between the Lifting Motion and the Shooting Motion. At this point, the shooting hand should be in position to push the ball both up and forward. It is here that many shooting errors are introduced, which is why I consider the Set Point to be the most important moment in shooting. The shooting hand is finally positioned to apply force to the ball, and the shot truly begins.

Ideal Positioning at the Set Point

Ideally, when viewed from the front or back, the middle of the shooting hand should be directly underneath the middle of the ball at the Set Point. From the side (shooting hand side), the fingers should be positioned toward the bottom and back of the ball, in a way that allows the player to push the ball upward and forward.

Most mature players will be looking underneath the ball at the Set Point, giving them plenty of room to get their shooting hand arm into the ideal position. If the Set Point is too low (near or below the chin), it limits the space for the hand to get under the ball, forcing the player to twist their shoulder or position the hand more to one side of the ball, which can introduce Negative Energy.

At the Set Point, the shooting elbow should be low enough to allow for a substantial upward push. I recommend that the upper arm be parallel to the floor at this point, ensuring there’s still plenty of room to generate the necessary power.

Side and Front views of the Set Point. Keys - Shooting hand under ball and towards the back, with room to fire elbow up in the side view. Hand under the middle of the ball in the front view.

The Role of the Guide Hand

The Set Point is also the moment when the Guide Hand begins to come off the ball, though it may not fully release until later in the motion. The Guide Hand typically comes off the ball as the Shooting Motion progresses and the ball rises above the head, allowing the shooting hand to fully take over the task of directing the ball toward the hoop.