title_body: Can my tamping method damage the basket or portafilter?
upvoted_answer: In general, by the majority of baristas, the recommended method to tamp is this: 
  
  
  safely hold the basket (with the portafilter)
  fill and tamp the grounds using appropriate force (5–20 kgf)
  make a circular movement (180–360°) with the tamper to smooth the surface
  
  
  
  
  Regarding your question, any kind of shock may be harmful for your gadgets in the long run.