What Does BEEF Stand For In Basketball?

Basketball coaches and players frequently use the acronym BEEF when teaching and practicing shooting technique But what exactly does BEEF stand for and why is it important? In this article, we’ll break down the meaning behind BEEF and explain why proper shooting form is so vital in basketball

The Meaning Behind BEEF

BEEF is an acronym that stands for

Balance
Eyes
Elbow
Follow through

It’s a helpful mnemonic device for remembering the four main components of proper shooting form, Let’s explore each one in more detail

Balance

Having good balance establishes a solid base for your shot. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart with your dominant foot slightly ahead of the other. Knees should be bent and body relaxed yet controlled. Good balance allows you to go straight up and down into your shot without leaning or swaying.

Eyes

Focus your eyes on the target, whether that’s the back of the rim, front of the rim, or another spot. Consistency is key – pick a spot and stick with it every time. Keeping your eyes focused helps align the rest of your body properly.

Elbow

The shooting elbow should be tucked in, not flared out, and aligned directly under the ball. This keeps the ball, hand, and rim in a straight line for optimal accuracy. The elbow joint should form around a 90 degree angle.

Follow Through

Fully extend your shooting arm and wrist during the follow through for ideal backspin and arc. Snapping the wrist and holding the follow through adds touch, spin, and consistency to shots.

The Origins of BEEF

The BEEF shooting method has been promoted by several legendary coaches including Lenny Wilkens, Tara VanDerveer, and Don Meyer. It provides a simple yet effective way to teach proper shooting mechanics.

While the exact origins are unclear, the BEEF acronym has been used for decades and continues to be employed by youth, high school, college, and pro coaches globally. It’s proven remarkably effective across all levels of basketball.

Why Proper Form Matters

Shooting a basketball correctly seems straightforward. However, developing a consistent, efficient, and accurate shot requires meticulous attention to detail. Proper form matters for several key reasons:

Power – With balance and full extension, you can generate more force for long range shots.
Precision – Keeping the elbow tucked, eyes focused, and follow through straight prevent shots veering off course.
Consistency – Ingraining good habits through repetition builds muscle memory for reliable, repeatable shots in games.
Injury Prevention – Poor form leads to undue strain on joints and muscles, increasing injury risk. Good form distributes stress safely.
Range – Efficient mechanics provide greater range than sheer arm strength alone. Even smaller, younger players can shoot 3s this way.
Versatility – A technically sound jumper readily adapts to shooting off the dribble, on the move, or off screens.

In short, proper shooting technique helps every player reach their shooting potential and expand their scoring arsenal.

Teaching BEEF Shooting Fundamentals

When working with young players, only introduce one or two aspects of BEEF at a time. Overloading them with too many mechanics at once can be counterproductive. Be positive and encouraging – changing ingrained habits takes patience and practice. Here are some coaching tips:

Demonstrate proper technique so they can visualize it. Have players imitate your form.
Use verbal cues like “balance”, “eyes”, and “follow through” while they shoot to reinforce BEEF.
Don’t allow players to shoot 3s until they’ve mastered mid-range shooting first.
Start close to the basket and gradually work back as consistency improves.
Employ shooting games and competitions to keep things fun.
Frequently check for understanding and provide feedback.

Instilling sound fundamentals early through BEEF sets players up for long-term shooting success.

Sample BEEF Shooting Drill

Here is one simple beginner’s drill for practicing the BEEF method:

Start 1 foot from the rim at the box line.
Go through BEEF checklist: feet shoulder-width apart and squared (balance), eyes on target (rim), elbow under ball and bent 90 degrees (elbow).
Make 5 swishes in a row without hitting rim before moving back.
After 5 made baskets, take one step back.
Repeat process moving back until you reach the free throw line.

This drill ingrains each aspect of BEEF systematically. Other variations are endless – you can move side to side, add a defender, or incorporate dribbling.

Wrapping Up BEEF

Mastering a reliable shot takes time for all players. Be patient and focus on proper technique above results early on. Drills like BEEF build a solid foundation by isolating each crucial shooting element. Consistently applying BEEF unlocks improved shooting for basketball players of all ages and skill levels. Remember, BALANCE, EYES, ELBOW, FOLLOW THROUGH!

what does beef stand for in basketball

Your Elbow Isn’t the Problem—It’s THIS Body Part

When you go to the doctor, you give them your symptoms. They then analyze those symptoms to determine the root cause of the issue.

We should look at shooting the same way. If your elbow flares, is that the reason you are missing?

I’d say the elbow is a symptom, but not the root cause. Rather, the root cause is your hand placement.

Good shooters get their hand in the center of the ball when they shoot. This allows them to lift the ball efficiently, shooting a 1 hand shot that generates power.

Can you do that with your elbow sticking out like a chicken wing? Probably not. But if you’re having problems lifting the ball and shooting with 1 hand, I’d start by correcting your hands.

Try this test – get the ball to your set point. Then take your guide hand an inch off the ball. If the ball stays in your shooting hand, then your hand placement (and elbow placement) is fine. If the ball rolls off, adjust your hand and the elbow will follow.

When you get the ball centered on your hand, your elbow will naturally align itself. It may not be directly under the ball. In fact, I can almost guarantee it won’t be.

If you don’t believe me, try shooting with your elbow at a 90 degree angle to the ground. It’s not very comfortable! It causes your shooting shoulder to dip and feels awkward.

What you’re more likely to find is an angle like Steph & Caitlin’s. Slightly but not dramatically out.

Shooting Secrets from Curry and Clark: The Truth About Elbow Placement

Check out Steph Curry’s elbow when he shoots.

Check out Caitlin Clark’s when she shoots.

Neither of them have their elbow right under the ball. I’d say they’ve both done okay for themselves.

Of course, they could just be exceptions that don’t disprove the rule.

However, I’d argue that’s not the case.