Shooting is Complex: Factors in Becoming a High Level Player

Shooting is one of the most complex factors in becoming a high level basketball player. To become a good shooter is a goal that all players set out to achieve when starting their basketball journey. However, not all will reach that goal. Now, this is not to say that if you don’t become a good shooter, you still cannot become a very effective basketball player. Basketball is a game of skill, and often times, a player may develop other skills that cover up for their lack of shooting(ie:Deandre Jordan).

In today’s age, with the rise of elite shooters like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, shooting has become the most highlighted skill in the game of basketball. The 3 point shot is now the most highly coveted skill in the game of basketball. Lost, in all of these incredible displays of 3 point shooting, is the mid range game. One of my favorite players, at this present time, is DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan is a prime example of the effectiveness of the mid-range game. At present, DeRozan averages 1.4 three point attempts per game, while averaging nearly 28 points per game. So, what does that tell you? Not only is the 3 point shot a skill, but also the mid range shot as well. DeRozan is a throwback to the early NBA, where players treated the 3 point line as a means to increase the score, when given the opportunity. In today’s game, each possession is treated as an opportunity to run a 3 point set.

With all of these points being made, as a young player, your focus needs to be on shooting as a whole. Do not approach your workouts with the mindset that your goal is to strictly become an effective 3 point shooter. Take the time to figure out what area of the court that you find yourself in the majority of times in games. If you thoroughly know your offensive sets that your coach uses, you will make sure to focus on getting up reps in the spots that you frequently find yourself in. Whether you work on catch and shoot 3 pointers/mid range shots or 1,2 dribble three point and mid range shots, make sure to be true to your current offensive sets. We at Hoop Prodigy are going to give you 5 shooting drills that are not only going to help you raise your shooting prowess, but also help you understand the type of shot needed in certain situations.

#1 SHOOTING WARM UP

One of the most overlooked aspects of Steph Curry’s game, is his preparation that goes into his elite level shooting. If you asked the majority of the public, they would believe that he rolls out of bed shooting deep 3’s. Trust me, this is not the case. Steph goes through a rigorous amount of warming up prior to games. In fact, Steph starts about 3 feet from the basket, when starting his shooting routine. I know that it’s really cool looking to walk in the gym and immediately start chucking up 3 pointers like all of your friends. Remember, your goal should consist of you setting yourself apart from everyone else! So, with that being said, here’s a great way to start your shooting warm up.

Stand about 3 feet from the basket and go through a repetition of shots. Now, the important part of this drill is to make sure to reach towards the basket and hold your release. Your form should stay consistent in each shot. Guide hand properly aligned, as well as a fluid wrist flip release.
Repeat this shot in 3 spots, consisting of each side of the rim, as well as the front of the rim. Each rep should consist of 30 to 50 shots. You may extend the range 4-5 feet after each completed rep cycle, with the last spot being a shot you would take in a game.

#2 SHOOTING WARM UP WITH FOOTWORK FOCUS

The feet are the key components to becoming an effective basketball player. If your feet aren’t in rhythm with your shot, you can easily find yourself off balance, which affects your shot. In this drill, we will continue with the shooting warm up, but also work on getting our feet in sync with our shot release.

Start about 8-10 feet from the basket. Start with a stance as if you are going into your shot or about to drive.(Knees bent, legs shoulder width apart, chest up) With a low dribble, start advancing toward the basket. Your feet should be in a short, choppy, shuffling motion, until reaching your spot (3 feet from basket).
Upon reaching your spot, POUND the ball on your last dribble and go right into your shooting motion. Again, making sure to concentrate on guide hand, wrist release and follow through. Repeat from each side of basket, as well as front of basket. 5 made reps each side, with a final pound of left and right hand

#3 CATCH AND SHOOT

Now that you have warmed up the muscles responsible for shooting, as well as gotten your feet in sync, it’s now time to proceed to the next step.

While working with a rebounder/passer, map out spots on the court that you would like to improve at. Keep in mind to not lose focus and to make sure to work on game spots. At each spot, make sure to stay in ready to shoot posture(hands ready, knees bent, butt down). Your release should be the same as when you were 3 feet from the basket.(Guide hand alignment and release)
Alternate between catch and hop shots and catch and step shots. You should be efficient in both aspects of catch and shoot. Keep track of your misses and makes at each spot on the floor, as well as what type of percentage variation occurs between the catch and shoot/catch and step shots.

#4 OFF THE DRIBBLE SHOTS

Becoming a god shooter is more complex than just being a player who can catch the ball anywhere and make shots. Once a defense has scouted you, and know that you are an efficient catch and shoot player, they will begin changing their close-outs. They will now close out closer to make you put the ball on the floor. This is another area that makes Steph Curry the best in the business. You must be able to stay in the right stance, all while advancing forward with the dribble, into your shot. Whether it ends up being 1,2,3 dribbles, you should be able to keep your dribble and feet in sync enough to pull up for an on balance shot.

As with the CATCH AND SHOOT drill, mark off spots that you would like to start and end at for a pull-up jump shot. A key component to this drill is to make sure to have your eyes surveying the court as you drive. You always want to keep the defense off guard as to what your goal is, once you go off the dribble.
Make yourself a dual threat that not only has the ability to hit the shot off the dribble, but also set up other team-mates with passes. Make sure to alternate between left and right hand dribble attacks.

#5 PUMP FAKE INTO SHOTS

Once you have acquired the reputation of being a knock down shooter, you will begin to see teams executing extremely hard close outs in your direction. Use this to your advantage. These hard close outs will make the defense become off balance.

The pump fake is an excellent way to get the defense even more out of sync. It is extremely difficult for a defender to stay with you after a hard close out, with you also giving a pump fake. Not only will you have the chance to get to a spot off the dribble, but you also give yourself a great chance of drawing a foul on the defense. As with the prior shooting drills, find spots on the court that you feel you need work on. Again, don’t forget to also concentrate on spots you catch the ball in your coach’s offensive sets. At each spot, once your passer/rebounder gives you a pass, execute a believable pump fake, then a fluid release jump shot. Remember, as with all shooting drills, to be in shot aggressive posture (knees bent, hands ready, chest up).

When executing the pump fake, make sure to sell the fake with your shooting motion and eyes. Repeat at each spot and keep track of your misses and makes. You will see that the pump fake can greatly reduce your shot percentage. This is why it is imperative to stay low, use your legs and execute a fluid follow through on each shot.

As with all skill sets in basketball, REPETITION is the only way that you will improve. Your off time should be spent getting up as many shots as possible. Good luck!

Coach Poncho Hodges is an Elite Basketball Skills and Development Trainer. He has played at the Pro-Level and has a desire and love for the game of Basketball.

p. 310.906.0847

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