In simple terms, basketball is about shooting the ball in the basket. The more times you put it through the hole, you win. Easy enough? Well, if you put it that way, it is, but not every single basketball player starting out has that shooting touch.
So, how do you develop your shooting and improve your accuracy? A lot of practice will help, but using the best basketball shooting machines in the market is not such a bad idea, either. This time, we are going to take a look at three of the best basketball shooting machines that could help you improve your outside shot.
If you want to get back to playing basketball, get our top pick for the best basketball shooting machine here.
Our Favorites for the Best Basketball Shooting Machines
In layman’s term, a basketball shooting machine is a machine setup that you can use to practice your shot. It automatically rebounds for you so you can quickly get the ball back and continue with the practice. It also comes with a high net that surrounds the basket so you can come up with a better arc on your shot. In our opinion, our most recommended basketball shooting machine is:
Dr. Dish iC3 Shot Trainer
The Dr. Dish iC3 Shot Trainer will help you with your jump shots, but it comes at a price. That should surely come into consideration, but if you can afford it, this is a fantastic machine to have.
What Makes It Unique:
- It can easily be set up and taken down without any special tools, all in a matter of minutes.
- You can take it absolutely anywhere, whether that’s inside the gym or right in your driveway.
- It has a welded steel frame making it sturdy and durable.
A lot of complaints on the machine were about its shot counter. They say it was ruined a few days after use, but if your focus is on merely putting shots up and completing drills, then you can ignore this problem altogether since it is only a minor feature.
Why Choose The Dr. Dish iC3 Shot Trainer:
- Its design causes you to change the arc of your shot, which results in a much better shooting prowess.
- With this basketball shooting machine, you can increase your shot attempts by 300% in the same amount of time.
- Very lightweight despite how sturdy it is.
Our Runner Ups for the Best Basketball Shooting Machines
Shoot-A-Way 10K “The Gun” Basketball Shooting Machine
The Shoot-A-Way 10K “The Gun” Basketball Shooting Machine is a good machine to have but it is way pricier than the Dr. Dish iC3 Trainer. It also weighs a lot, which means it may require at least two persons to set the thing up.
What Makes It Unique:
- It has exclusive features such as a phone app for real-time analytics and a heart rate counter, among others.
- It comes with a handy remote control with four buttons for basic functionality.
A drawback with this machine is that you need to practice shooting outside of 12 feet to maximize its effectiveness. Anything further in, and you will be forced to throw a shot with an unnaturally high arc, or you will be too low to catch the ball. The latter can be adjusted using the crank feature, so it’s just a minor concern.
Why Choose The Shoot-A-Way 10K “The Gun” Basketball Shooting Machine:
- Its technology is highly reliable with reports of one or two misfires on 10,000 shots taken.
- Has a trade-in program so it gives you confidence that it won’t lose that much value down the line
Our Value Picks for the Best Basketball Shooting Machines
Spalding Back Atcha Ball Return Training Aid
Spalding has been routinely making durable basketball training products, yet at times, it can be pretty expensive. However, not with the Back Atcha Ball Return Training Aid. With this, you’ll get what you need out of a basketball shooting machine without breaking the bank.
What Makes It Unique:
- Keeps it simple, with it being only a ring attachment.
- Reasonably priced compared to the other products on this list and should also last long.
- Made by Spalding, a global sports brand known for the quality of its products
The biggest drawback with the Back Atcha basketball training aid is it doesn’t actually fit in most hoops. There are cases when it doesn’t match the hoop frame. In many cases, it does, and with a little custom adjustment, it will do what you intend it to do.
Why Choose The Spalding Back Atcha Ball Return Training Aid:
- As one customer puts out, you can install it in “five seconds,” a euphemism for “very quick.”
- It is designed to make basketball more fun for beginners. Kids will surely love practicing with the Back Atcha!
- If you’re practicing in your backyard alone, this is a product well-spent.
Another brand that you may consider is the SKLZ Kick-Out Basketball Return Attachment, which does the same thing but at a tad higher price. The product can improve if there are some adjustments made to it, but it gets the job done.
- Returns at 90° arc
- Compatible with standard, Pro Slam, Arena Slam and Slam Jam rims
- Keeps ball on court.
- Designed for outdoor residential play
- Backed by Spalding's
Why You Should Invest in Quality Basketball Shooting Machines
The biggest problem in basketball training is putting in quality repetitions. This is where a quality basketball shooting machine comes into play. Why?
It is because you can’t be in the gym or with your trainer all the time. And if you’re working out alone, most of the time spent will be chasing balls around or even across the street. Sure, that will be exercise as well, but I’m not sure if it does anything to improve your stroke.
Now, imagine if you have the best basketball shooting machine that you can afford, and you can use it any time you want. There will be more time spent on shooting mechanics, more repetitions, and you can even do it without someone rebounding for you!
And here’s the deal: Even if you’re not all that serious about basketball and it’s all a recreational sport to you, it doesn’ matter. You do want to shoot baskets consistently, without the hassle of going after loose balls every single time a shot is down. Not only does this work for players who want to go to the next level, but having a basketball machine also benefits the recreational players. You may even invite the whole team over and have a friendly shootout!
FAQ on Basketball Shooting Machines
How Do Basketball Shooting Machines Work?
Basketball shooting machines help you by increasing the number of shots you put up in practice. Put the machines under a hoop, and it then gathers the ball after the shot and passes it back to you. This system allows you to continue shooting without worrying about where you chase the ball after it ricochets.
In some cases, a basketball shooting machine is simply a hoop attachment with a chute that does the passing work. The best basketball shooting machine, in our opinion, is something that does more than just rebound the basketball but should also improve your shooting technique. It can be a little expensive, but if you’re serious enough in hoops, that machine will give you an advantage.
Who Should Use Basketball Shooting Machines?
Everyone who considers basketball as part of their lifestyle should use basketball shooting machines, one way or another. However, we understand that not everyone can afford a purchase. In that case, why not try a DIY basketball shooting machine or use cheaper alternatives such as a basketball shooting machine game like the Hot Shot Basketball shooting machine?
Under any circumstances, a basketball shooting machine imitates catch-and-shoot situations in an actual game. Practicing makes you more proficient at that specific shooting skill, but using a basketball shooting machine could help you even more.
What are the Benefits of Basketball Shooting Machines?
As mentioned, it increases your repetitions by as much as 300%. That means if you get 100 shots up without a robot rebounder, then you can do 300 in the same amount of time using a basketball shooting machine. That kind of practice won’t make your jumper perfect, but it will help it come close to one.
Dr. Dish Basketball vs. Shoot-A-Way: Which is Better?
To answer the question right away, many basketball trainers prefer Dr. Dish basketball from a technology, set-up, and economic standpoint. It is considerably less bulky while having thicker tube constructions, and its technology allows you to do so many things (customized workouts and ball handling drills), including conducting non-shooting drills. Additionally, Shoot-A-Way products do cost a lot higher.
How Much Does a Basketball Shooting Machine Typically Cost?
For the simplest basketball return attachments, it may range from $23 to $38. For more advanced and best basketball machines, it could cost at least $400 up to over $6,000 depending on the brand and technology.
How to Choose the Best Basketball Shooting Machines for You
There are several things to consider when choosing the best basketball shooting machine. Like any other purchase, you should consider how much you can afford and your basketball prowess. Some of the best basketball machines out there are used for advance training, and if you are only a beginner, it’s advisable to start on the basic stuff.
Now, let’s say you are a more serious basketball player and you can afford to buy the more expensive and the best basketball shooting machine, what should you keep in mind? In that case, be sure to compare these machines according to their speed and accuracy. If you can rebound the ball faster than the machine, that wouldn’t be worth it now, would it? Similarly, if it can’t pass the ball anywhere near your vicinity, then it defeats the purpose of having these machines in the first place.
Wrapping Things Up: The Best Basketball Shooting Machines
In closing, here are the best basketball shooting machines we looked at today:
Labeling something as the best basketball shooting machine is subjective, and it hinges on a lot of factors, the foremost being cost. In our list, the favorite for the best basketball shooting machine is the Dr. Dish iC3 Shot Trainer. It is easy to transport, has a high net that helps improve the arc on your shooting technique, and an average price.
While some basketball trainers prefer the Shoot-A-Way 10K “The Gun” Basketball Shooting Machine, it’s quite bulky and costs so much. With its Home Court Shoot-A-Way technology, it’s understandable why it’s expensive, but it may not be for everyone.
If we’re talking solely about price, then the best basketball shooting machine for you is the Spalding Back Atcha Ball Return Training Aid. It has a very simple mechanism and yet, still effective to use.
Now, should you expect improvements right away from these basketball shooting machines? Absolutely. Even a marginal improvement is still an improvement, and if you continue focusing on your craft with the help of the best basketball shooting machines, you will get to where you want sooner rather than later.
If you found this post helpful, you’re definitely going to like our other basketball gear reviews here.
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> The Best Basketball Training Equipment