2torial #0596: Learn2 Shoot a Basketball Free Throw (Continued) Position the ball Shooting a basketball is all in the fingertips and wrist snap. With the dominant hand: take the ball and pull your wrist to a cocked back position until it shows wrinkles. Next, bring in your dominant elbow as far under the ball as feels comfortable and lift the ball to a comfortable place at a height around your shoulders.   With the nondominant hand: hold the ball with your fingertips on the nondominant side like a bookmark. Bring your nondominant elbow up about 8 inches (20 centimeters) from your body. Step 2