F=MA
Newtons second law states that acceleration is produced when a force acts upon a mass. So the Basketball has mass, which means that the player has to use the right amount of force on the ball when shooting or passing. If too much or two little force is applied onto the balls mass than it would not go where intended.
to simplify: When you shoot the basket ball, it will accelerate in the direction of the force exerted on it by the person.
hope this is ok :) xx