What Does B.E.E.F. Stand For? The Meaning Behind This Basketball Shooting Drill

B.E.E.F. is an acronym that stands for balance, eyes, elbow, follow through. It represents the key elements of proper shooting form in basketball. B.E.E.F. is often used when teaching basketball shooting drills to reinforce these fundamental techniques.

Origins of the B.E.E.F. Basketball Shooting Drill

The B.E.E.F. drill was created by legendary NBA coach Lenny Wilkens. He emphasized its importance during his successful coaching tenures with teams like the Seattle Supersonics.

Along with other renowned coaches like Stanford women’s coach Tara VanDerVeer, Wilkens promoted the B.E.E.F. acronym as a way to teach proper shooting mechanics. It provides an easy-to-remember checklist for players to run through as they shoot jump shots and free throws.

Now the B.E.E.F. drill and mantra are staples of basketball practices at all levels. From youth leagues to the NBA, you’ll hear coaches shouting “B.E.E.F.” to reinforce strong fundamental shooting technique.

Breaking Down the Meaning of B.E.E.F.

Let’s examine what each letter in B.E.E.F. represents when it comes to shooting a basketball:

B = Balance

Maintaining proper balance is crucial when shooting. Players should have their feet shoulder-width apart, with their shooting side foot slightly ahead of the other. Knees should be bent and body squared to the basket.

This athletic stance allows players to rise straight up into their shot without leaning or drifting. Balance gives shooting power and consistency.

E = Eyes

The first “E” cues players to keep their eyes focused on the target. Shooters must visually lock in on the front of the rim throughout their motion.

This ensures proper direction and arc on the shot. Players often miss shots by taking their eyes off the rim too early.

E = Elbow

The shooting arm elbow must be straight up and down, not angled outward. Keeping the elbow in forms a straight line from the shoulder through the wrist.

This allows the shooter to extend directly to the basket. An elbow sticking out causes sidespin and inconsistent accuracy.

F = Follow Through

The final step is following through completely after every shot. The shooting hand should continue its upward motion after releasing the ball, flicking the wrist.

This imparts the proper backspin and arc needed for shots to fall through the hoop. Follow through also helps reinforce keeping the eyes on the target and maintaining balance.

How to Use the B.E.E.F. Shooting Drill

Here is one simple way to incorporate the B.E.E.F. drill into basketball practice:

• Start close to the basket, just a foot or two away from the front of the rim.

• Take a balanced stance, remember B.E.E.F, then shoot the ball.

• After making two shots in a row without hitting rim, take a step back.

• Repeat out to the free throw line, focusing on B.E.E.F. for every shot.

You can also integrate B.E.E.F. into any shooting drill by emphasizing one element at a time. For example, have players shoot 5 free throws focusing just on their balance.

No matter how it’s applied, the B.E.E.F. checklist helps reinforce muscle memory for proper shooting form. Applying these principles consistently is the key to becoming a great shooter.

The Benefits of the B.E.E.F. Shooting Mantra

There are many advantages to making B.E.E.F. part of basketball shooting instruction:

• Provides an easy-to-remember sequence for shooting mechanics

• Applicable to players of all ages and skill levels

• Helps diagnose shooting form mistakes

• Develops repetition and consistency

• Translates directly to game situations

• Builds shooter confidence when mastered

• Keeps players focused and attentive

B.E.E.F. Shooting Tips and Variations

Here are some extra pointers and variations for the B.E.E.F. basketball shooting drill:

• Emphasize holding the follow through until the ball reaches the basket. This ensures proper technique through the finish.

• Take multiple shots from each spot, not just two, before stepping back. More reps promote consistency.

• Players can call out “B.E.E.F.” before shooting to solidify the sequence.

• Break down and isolate each element of B.E.E.F. during drills to maximize benefits.

• Start close to the basket but finish B.E.E.F. repetitions from the 3-point line to tie in game shots.

No matter how you implement it, the B.E.E.F. acronym is an easy-to-use tool for reinforcing ideal shooting form. Add it to your team’s basketball workouts and watch your players’ shooting skills and confidence rise.