Tips for Coaching Shooters by Dr

Tips for Coaching Shooters By Dr. Hal Wissel

1. Familiarize yourself with the player you are coaching. Learn to listen more than you talk. A player wants to feel comfortable with you and have confidence in you before they work with you. At times you will coach a player that will feel that you think he cannot shoot. Always start with what the player is doing well.

2. Coach each player individually. You do not want a player to learn everything that you know about shooting. You want each player to learn what he wants to know in terms of improving his shot. However, you should be able to answer every question the player will ask.

3. Encourage the player to talk to you and say what he likes and doesn’t like. Tell the player, “I want to get you to shoot with confidence and rhythm. I want to work on that mechanic that helps your shot the most. The point is, it’s your shot and you adjust what you want to adjust. I’m here to coach you and help you, but you’re going to learn to coach yourself.”

4. Find out what a player is looking for by asking questions. You can learn a lot about a player from his answers. When you really listen to the answers, you can gear your responses to suit the player’s particular needs. Ask the player, “When you are shooting well, what are you doing? There is no wrong answer to this question. It simply gives an indication of a player’s confidence level and what he knows about his own shot. If a player responds with the answer, “I just shoot!” It may indicate that he has confidence, or that he is not over thinking when he shoots. When a player answers, “When I’m shooting well, my shoulders are going toward the basket.” Then you have an idea that he has an understanding of what he wants to do when shooting. When a player answers, “The ball is going in!” It probably means that he does not know much about his shot.

5. Keep it simple. Keep your instruction brief, simple, yet inspiring. Players lose interest if your coaching is long, too detailed, or boring. For the most part, a player is not progressing while you are talking. Get the player shooting.

6. Strive to keep a player’s confidence level high. Be positive and keep encouraging the player to know that he can and will achieve his goals. Motivate the player to consistently do what it takes to reach his goals and never let him think for one moment that he will have anything less than success. Constantly tell the player, “You’re a shooter!”

7. When a player does not want your help do not take it as a personal attack on you. In fact, only one player or a few players may be interested in receiving your coaching. Once you have success with one or more players, others will become interested in how you can help them.

8. Never stop coaching. When a player sees that you care about him, are positive, enthusiastic, energized and tenacious, it will inspire him to reach new heights. Above all, make it enjoyable! You become a better coach to a player when he sees that you have high spirits, a bright smile and a sense of humor.

From: Wissel, Hal. (2005). Basketball Shooting: Confidence, Rhythm and Mechanics. Basketball World, Suffield, CT. Wissel, Hal. (2005). Basketball Shooting: Off the Pass, Off the Dribble and In the Post. Basketball World, Suffield, CT. Available at: http://www.basketballworld.com

Dr. Hal Wissel conducts SHOOT IT BETTER Mini Camps worldwide and year round for players ranging from youth level to NBA and WNBA. Visit: http://www.basketballworld.com or call BASKETBALL WORLD at 1-860-668-7162

Step-Back Jump Shot Off Dribble By Dr. Hal Wissel

Step-Back One-Dribble Jump Shot

Be in a triple-threat stance, and a threat to shoot first. Make an aggressive jab step and shot fake. Stop and read the defender. If the defender makes a retreat step, take a quick step-back away from your defender with your jab-step foot and at the same time dribble back with your strong hand. Jump behind the ball and pick it up in front of your shooting knee with your shooting hand on top and your balance hand under the ball. Shoot a jump shot. Maintain balance by picking the ball up at your knee and exaggerating the follow-through of your shoulders, head and shooting hand toward the basket to counter any tendency to lean your head and shoulders back

Step-Back Jump Shot Off More Than One Dribble

When dribbling to your strong-hand side, dribble with your outside hand, keeping your eyes on the basket. Protect the ball with your inside hand and your body. Free yourself from your defender by dribbling back and jumping behind the ball on your last dribble. Pick up the ball in front of your shooting knee with your shooting hand on top and your balance hand under the ball. Jump straight up and shoot a jump shot. Exaggerate the follow-through of your shoulders, head and shooting hand toward the basket to counter any tendency to lean your head and shoulders back on your shot. Land in balance. When dribbling to your weak-hand side, dribble with your outside hand, keeping your eyes on the basket. Protect the ball with your inside hand and your body. Free yourself from your defender by dribbling back using a crossover dribble on your last dribble. Jump behind the ball. Pick up the ball in front of your shooting knee with your shooting hand on top and your balance hand under the ball. Jump straight up and shoot a jump shot. Exaggerate the follow-through of your shoulders, head and shooting hand toward the basket to counter any tendency to lean your head and shoulders back on your shot. Land in balance.

Edited from: Wissel, Hal. (2005). Basketball Shooting: Confidence, Rhythm and Mechanics. Basketball World, Suffield, CT. Wissel, Hal. (2005). Basketball Shooting: Off the Pass, Off the Dribble and In the Post. Basketball World, Suffield, CT. Available at: http://www.basketballworld.com

Dr. Hal Wissel conducts SHOOT IT BETTER Mini Camps worldwide and year round for players ranging from NBA and WNBA to youth level. Visit: http://www.basketballworld.com or call BASKETBALL WORLD at 888-812-5452 or 860-668-7162.

Shooting with a Quick Release By Dr. Hal Wissel

Most shots in a game are open shots. When open, the jump stop enables you to catch and shoot in one motion, thereby fostering a quicker release than the step and shoot, which is a two motion shot. It is also easier to adjust to bad passes. When using the jump stop, make certain your body is facing the basket with your hands and feet ready. Your hands are above your shoulders and your knees slightly flexed before you receive the pass. Jump behind the ball and catch the ball with your body and shooting hand facing the front of the rim. Your knees should lower just before the catch and extend upward on the catch in a quick rhythmical down-and-up motion. On bad passes, jump behind the ball, rather than reaching for the ball. Rhythm and range come from the down and up motion of your legs, rather than lowering the ball or stepping into the shot.

Keeping the ball high fosters a quick release and also provides less chance for error. Stepping into your shot may help your range, but your shot becomes a two-count shot. Using the down-and-up method allows you to shoot in one motion or one count. When shooting off the catch the down comes just before the catch and the shot goes up as your legs go up providing for a quicker release.

Use the one-two stop when closely guarded and the pass is made away from the defender to your outside hand. Land on your inside foot and pivot into your defender and then use a jab step keeping the ball high in a triple threat position.

Dr. Hal Wissel conducts SHOOT IT BETTER Mini Camps worldwide and year round for players ranging from NBA to youth level. Visit: http://www.basketballworld.com or call BASKETBALL WORLD at 888-812-5452 or 860-668-7162.

Shooting with a Quick Release By Dr. Hal Wissel

Basketball Shooting Off the Dribble Drills By Hal Wissel

Shooting off the Dribble Drill 1. Straight Drive One-Dribble Jump Shot This drill leads up to shooting jump shots off the dribble going to your strong-hand side and weak-hand side. Start with the ball at the left box outside the lane, your back to the basket. Pass to your self by tossing the ball high so it bounces high at the left elbow of the court. Run to the left elbow and catch the ball, your back to the basket, using a one-two stop, landing on your inside (left) foot first. Pivot on your inside (left) foot, using a front turn toward the middle and face the basket. Make a jab step with your right foot, while making a shot fake, showing the ball high. Be in triple-threat stance and in position to shoot first. Create space by dribbling once with your right hand toward the middle of the free throw line. Jump behind the ball. Pick up the ball in front of your shooting knee with your shooting hand on top and your balance hand under the ball. Jump straight up and shoot a jump shot. Land in balance. Now perform the drill, starting from the right box and tossing the ball to the right elbow. Catch the ball while landing on your inside (right) foot first and pivot on your inside (right) foot, using a front turn toward the middle. Create space by dribbling once with your left hand toward the middle of the free throw line. Note: A right-handed player will have farther to jump when going to the left. A left-handed player will have farther to jump when going to the right in order to pick up the ball in front of the shooting knee. Record the number of one-dribble jump shots made out of 10 attempts, driving to the right from the left elbow. Your goal is to make 10 consecutive one-dribble jump shots off a straight drive right. Record the number of one-dribble jump shots made out of 10 attempts, driving to the left from the right elbow. Your goal is to make 10 consecutive one-dribble jump shots off a straight drive left.

Shooting off the Dribble Drill 2. Crossover One-Dribble Jump Shot This drill develops the ability to shoot jump shots off a crossover dribble while going to your strong-hand side and weak-hand side. The drill begins the same way as the previous drill. Begin with the ball at the right box outside the lane. Toss the ball to the right elbow. Catch the ball with your back to the basket using a one-two stop, landing on your inside (right) foot and pivoting toward the middle. Face the basket, making a jab step with your left foot, while making a shot fake, showing the ball high. Be in triple-threat stance, a threat to shoot first. Make a crossover step with your left foot to the outside. Create space with a long dribble with your outside (right) hand toward a 45-degree angle with the backboard. Jump behind the ball. Pick up the ball in front of your shooting knee with your shooting hand on top and your balance hand under the ball. Jump straight up and shoot a jump shot. Land in balance. Now perform the drill, starting from the left box and tossing the ball to the left elbow. Catch the ball while landing on your inside (left) foot first and pivot on your inside (left) foot, using a front turn toward the middle. Make a crossover step with your right foot to the outside. Create space with a long dribble with your outside (left) hand toward a 45-degree angle with the backboard. When dribbling to your weak-hand side, you can practice using two dribbles making a crossover dribble on the last dribble to pick up the ball in front of your shooting knee. Record the number made out of ten attempts using a crossover one-dribble jump shot from the right elbow, driving right toward a 45- degree angle with the backboard. Record the number made out of ten attempts using a crossover one-dribble jump shot from the left elbow, driving left toward a 45-degree angle with the backboard. Your goal is to make 10 consecutive crossover one-dribble jump shots off a crossover drive right and to make 10 consecutive one-dribble jump shots off a crossover drive left.

Shooting off the Dribble Drill 3. Step-Back One-Dribble Jump Shot This drill develops the ability to shoot jump shots off a step-back dribble. As in the previous drill, begin with the ball at the right box outside the lane. Toss the ball to the right elbow. Catch the ball with your back to the basket using a one-two stop, landing on your inside (right) foot and pivoting toward the middle. Face the basket, making a jab step with your left foot, while making a shot fake, showing the ball high. Be in triple-threat stance, a threat to shoot first. Stop and read the defender. If the defender makes a retreat step, take a quick step-back away from your defender with your jab-step foot and at the same time dribble back with your strong hand. Jump behind the ball and pick it up in front of your shooting knee with your shooting hand on top. Shoot a jump shot. Maintain balance by picking the ball up at your knee and exaggerating the follow-through of your shoulders, head and shooting hand toward the basket to counter any tendency to lean your head and shoulders back on your shot. Now perform the drill, starting from the left box and tossing the ball to the left elbow. Catch the ball while landing on your inside (left) foot first and pivot on your inside (left) foot, using a front turn toward the middle. Record the number of step-back one-dribble jump shots made out of 10 attempts from the right elbow. Record the number of step-back one-dribble jump shots made out of 10 attempts from the left elbow. Your goal is to make 10 consecutive step- back one-dribble jump shots from the right elbow and to make 10 consecutive step-back one-dribble jump shots from the left elbow.

Shooting off the Dribble Drill 4. Step-Back Jump Shot off More Than One Dribble This drill develops the ability to shoot a step-back jump shot off more than one dribble. Begin with the ball at the offensive left box outside the lane. Toss the ball to the left wing. Catch the ball with your back to the basket using a one-two stop, landing on your inside (left) foot and pivoting toward the middle. Face the basket, making a jab step with your right foot, while making a shot fake, showing the ball high. Be in triple-threat stance, a threat to shoot first. Create space with two dribbles middle (strong-hand side for right handed player). Dribble with your outside hand, keeping your eyes on the basket. Protect the ball with your inside hand and your body. Free yourself from your defender by dribbling back and jumping behind the ball on your last dribble. Pick up the ball in front of your shooting knee with your shooting hand on top and your balance hand under the ball. Jump straight up and shoot a jump shot. Exaggerate the follow-through of your shoulders, head and shooting hand toward the basket to counter any tendency to lean your head and shoulders back on your shot. Land in balance. Now perform the drill, starting from the offensive right box and tossing the ball to the right wing. Catch the ball while landing on your inside (right) foot first and pivot on your inside (right) foot, using a front turn toward the middle. Face the basket, making a jab step with your left foot, while making a shot fake, showing the ball high. Be in triple-threat stance, a threat to shoot first. Create space with two dribbles middle (weak-hand side for right handed player). When dribbling to your weak-hand side, dribble with your outside hand, keeping your eyes on the basket. Protect the ball with your inside hand and your body. Free yourself from your defender by dribbling back using a crossover dribble on your last dribble. Jump behind the ball. Pick up the ball in front of your shooting knee with your shooting hand on top and your balance hand under the ball. Jump straight up and shoot a jump shot. Exaggerate the follow-through of your shoulders, head and shooting hand toward the basket to counter any tendency to lean your head and shoulders back on your shot. Land in balance. Record the number of step-back jump shots made out of 10 attempts driving middle from the left wing. Record the number of step-back jump shots made out of 10 attempts driving middle from the right wing. Your goal is to make 10 consecutive step-back jump shots driving middle from the left wing and to make 10 consecutive step-back jump shots driving middle from the right wing.

Shooting off a Step-Through Drill. Shot Fake Step-Through Jump Shot This drill develops the ability to shoot jump shots off a shot fake and step-through. As in the previous drill, begin with the ball at the right box outside the lane. Toss the ball to the right elbow. Catch the ball with your back to the basket using a one-two stop, landing on your inside (right) foot and pivoting toward the middle. Face the basket, making a jab step with your left foot, while making a shot fake, showing the ball high. Be in triple-threat stance, a threat to shoot first. Stop and read the defender’s hand position. If the defender’s hand is up on the same side as your jab step, step-through with your jab-step foot past your defender’s lead foot and move your head and shoulders under your defender’s arm. If the defender’s hand is up on the side away from your jab step, crossover and step-through with your jab-step foot past your defender’s lead foot moving your head and shoulders under your defender’s arm. Protect the ball with your head and shoulders and move it away from the defender’s reach as you shoot a jump shot. Now perform the drill, starting from the left box and tossing the ball to the left elbow. Catch the ball while landing on your inside (left) foot first and pivot on your inside (left) foot, using a front turn toward the middle. Record the number of step-through jump shots made out of 10 attempts from the right elbow. Record the number of step-through jump shots made out of 10 attempts from the left elbow. Your goal is to make 10 consecutive step- through jump shots from the right elbow and to make 10 consecutive step-through jump shots from the left elbow.

Edited from: Wissel, H. (2004). BASKETBALL: Steps to Success. Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL. 2nd Edition. Wissel, Hal. (2005). Basketball Shooting: Confidence, Rhythm and Mechanics. Basketball World, Suffield, CT. Wissel, Hal. (2005). Basketball Shooting: Off the Pass, Off the Dribble and In the Post. Basketball World, Suffield, CT. Available at: www.basketballworld.com Dr. Hal Wissel conducts SHOOT IT BETTER Mini Camps worldwide and year round for players ranging from NBA and WNBA to youth level. Visit: www.basketballworld.com or call BASKETBALL WORLD at 888-812-5452 or 860-668-7162. Shooting a Hook Shot By Hal Wissel

The advantage of the hook shot is that it is difficult to block, even by taller opponents. The hook shot is generally limited to an area close to the basket, a range of 10 to 12 feet. Learn to shoot the hook shot with either hand to greatly increase your effectiveness in the post or when driving into the lane. When well executed, the hook forces an opponent to overplay you, and a fake hook can create an opening in the opposite direction for a power move, drive, or pass. Contrary to popular belief, the hook shot is not difficult to learn. With practice, you will be able to use your weak as well as your strong hand for shooting the hook shot. Start in a balanced stance with your back to the basket, feet spread shoulder-width apart, and knees flexed. Sight your target by looking over your shoulder in the direction you will turn to shoot. Within a 45-degree angle of the backboard (above the box and below the middle hash mark on the lane line), accuracy is aided by using the backboard to soften the shot. When banking the shot, aim for the top near corner of the box on the backboard. If you are not at a 45-degree angle, aim just over the rim. In most instances, you will make a ball fake in the opposite direction of your intended shot. After your fake, move your shooting hand under and your non-shooting hand behind and slightly on top of the ball. Flex the elbow of your shooting arm and position it at your hip, keeping the ball in direct alignment with your shooting shoulder. This is called the hook shot position or lock-in position (recommended key word is “Lock!”). Use the foot opposite your shooting side and step away from your defender. As you step, hold the ball back and protect it with your head and shoulders, rather than leading with the ball. As you step, dip your knee and pivot in, turning your body toward the basket (recommended key word “Legs!”). Lift the knee on your shooting side and jump off your pivot foot. Shoot by lifting the ball to the basket with a hook motion as you extend your shooting arm in an ear-to-ear direction (recommended key word is “Lift!”). Flex your wrist and fingers toward the target and release the ball off your index finger, keeping your non-shooting hand on the ball until the release. Follow through completely. Land in balance, ready to rebound any missed shot with two hands and score using a power move. A missed hook shot should be thought of as a pass to yourself. A defender attempting to block your hook shot will not be in position to box out and prevent you from getting the rebound.

Hook Shot Errors and Corrections

Error As you shoot the hook shot, you lose protection and control of the ball. Correction You are taking your non-shooting hand off the ball too soon. Keep your non-shooting hand on the ball until you release it.

Error Your hook shot is short. Correction Short is due to not using your legs, a slow rhythm, or not following through. Use feel to determine the error. Use a down and up motion of your legs for power. Say key words “Lock, legs, lift!” in an even rhythm from the start of your shot to release of the ball. Follow through by extending your arm completely on every shot.

Error Your hook shot is long. Correction Put a higher arc on your hook shot by lifting your arm higher.

Error Your right-handed hook shot hits the right side of the rim, and your left-handed hook shot hits the left side of the rim. Correction You are bringing your arm in front of your head on the follow-through. Start by holding the ball in hook shot position, your shooting elbow aligned with your hip, allowing you to extend your arm with an ear-to-ear motion straight to the basket.

Error Your right-handed hook shot hits the left side of the rim, and your left-handed hook shot hits the right side of the rim. Correction You are bringing your arm behind your head on the follow-through. Start by holding the ball in hook shot position, your shooting elbow aligned with your hip, allowing you to extend your arm with an ear-to-ear motion straight to the basket.

Error The hook shot hits the rim and rather than pulling in, the ball circles out or skims from front to back and out.

Correction You probably started your hook shot with your hands on the sides of the ball or rotated them to the side as you shot, or release the ball off your ring finger instead of your index finger, causing side rotation on the ball. Both mistakes produce sidespin instead of backspin. Start in hook shot position, your shooting elbow aligned with your hip. Place your shooting hand under the ball and your balance hand slightly behind and on top of the ball. Release the ball off your index finger to get backspin, and the ball will pull in if it hits the rim.

Hook Shot Drills

Hook Shot Warm-Up

In this drill, you will shoot hook shots with both your strong and weak hands. Start with your head under the front of the rim, facing the sideline in a balanced stance. Hold the ball in hook shot position with your shooting elbow at your side, your shooting hand under the ball, and your balance hand slightly behind and on top of the ball. Shoot the hook by lifting the ball to the basket in an ear-to-ear motion, keeping your balance hand on the ball until the release. Say the key words “Lock, legs, lift!” in an even rhythm from the start of your shot to release of the ball. Use two hands to catch the ball as it comes through the basket or to rebound on a missed shot. Treat a missed shot as a pass to yourself. Record the number of consecutive hook shots made with each hand.

Hook Shot Warm-Up with Crossover Step

After you can make five consecutive warm-up hook shots with each hand, move to the hook shot with a crossover step. Start with your head under the front of the rim. Face the sideline while holding the ball in hook shot position. Make a crossover step toward the foul line with your inside foot, the one that is closer to the basket, and shoot a hook shot. Pivot toward the basket on the crossover step and lift your shooting-side knee as you shoot. Say the key words “Lock, legs, lift!” in an even rhythm from the start of your shot to release of the ball. Record the number of consecutive hook shots made with each hand.

Alternate Hand Hook Shooting (Mikan Drill)

In this drill, you will alternate shooting right-handed and left-handed bank hook shots using a crossover step. For the first shot, use your right hand. Start under the rim, facing the right sideline. Hold the ball in hook shot position with your right hand under the ball. Execute a crossover step with your inside foot at a 45-degree angle, pivoting toward the basket on the step and lifting your right knee as you shoot. Shoot a right-handed bank hook shot, aiming for the high near corner of the box on the backboard. Catch the ball with two hands after either a made shot or a rebound. Place the ball in hook shot position with your left hand under the ball. Face the left sideline and make a crossover step with your right foot at a 45- degree angle. Pivot and shoot a left-handed bank shot. Catch the ball with two hands. Continue the drill, alternating between right and left-handed hook shots. Say the key words “Lock, legs, lift!” in an even rhythm from the start of each shot to release of the ball. Record the number of consecutive hook shots made when alternating hands.

From:

Wissel, Hal. (2004). Basketball: Steps to Success. Human Kinetics. Champaign, IL. Wissel, Hal. (2005). Basketball Shooting: Off the Pass, Off the Dribble and In the Post. DVD. Basketball World. Suffield, CT. Available at: http://www.basketballworld.com

Mental Practice Viewing a DVD of Your Perfect Shot By Hal Wissel

You can mentally practice shooting by viewing a DVD of your own perfect shot. Have someone record your shooting until you get a perfect shot. Copy the perfect shot onto a DVD 100 times. You can then insert the DVD into your DVD player and watch your 100 perfect shots each day. It will take about 10 minutes.

When recording your shot, set the camera on a tripod at half-court. Zoom in so you get both elbows, and the top of the box on the backboard. This will allow you to view your stance, hand position on the ball, follow through and ball going through the net. Shoot a jump shot. Record until you get a perfect shot. A perfect shot is one in which the follow through is held up until the ball goes through the net, hits the floor and bounces back to you (due to backspin). You may want to add your perfect free throw, catch and shoot jump shot from a pass inside out and a pass from each side, and jump shot off the dribble going right and left.

If you have a DVD of one of your games with a good view of you shooting a perfect shot in that game, you can make 100 copies of that shot to watch. Of course the best shot to have on DVD and watch is a clutch shot. We have all seen Michael Jordan's game winning shot against Utah (follow through held high) that clinched the NBA championship. Make Your Shot Automatic! By Hal Wissel

Most basketball players want to improve their shooting. That is good, but to reach your basketball shooting goals takes daily, specific, measurable goal setting and correct practice. For the average player it takes 20,000 correct repetitions to make your shot automatic. If you shoot 1000 correct shots each day, how many days would it take for your shot to be automatic?

The answer is 20 days or less than three weeks. If you shoot 100 correct shots each day, how many days would it take for your shot to be automatic? The answer is 200 days or almost seven months. You have a decision to make. How bad do you want it?

Shooting close to the basket, using ten lead-up shooting drills, you can shoot 1000 shots in one hour. Eight of the shooting drills are from eight feet in front of the basket and two of the drills are performed from the elbows or 16 feet from the basket. Record the shots made out of 10 attempts for each drill. Complete 10 rounds. Record the total shots made out of 100 shots for each drill. Add the totals shots made for each drill for total shots made out of 1000 shots. The goal is to complete 1000 shots in one hour.

When you are able to shoot 1000 correct shots in one hour over a twenty day period, you will be on your way to reaching your basketball shooting goals. Remember, the key to progress is daily practice.

Visit our Basketball World website www.basketballworld.com and click on basketball shooting. Basketball shooting articles including the lead-up drills, daily shooting charts and monthly shooting charts are available in Adobe.pdf format for you to print.

Edited from: Wissel, Hal. (2004). Basketball: Steps to Success. Second edition. Human Kinetics, Champaigh, IL. Wissel, Hal. (2005). Basketball Shooting: Confidence, Rhythm and Mechanics. Basketball World, Suffield, CT. Wissel, Hal. (2005). Basketball Shooting: Off the Pass, Off the Dribble and In the Post. Basketball World, Suffield, CT. Available at: http://www.basketballworld.com

Successful free throw shooting requires confidence, sound mechanics, a routine, relaxation, rhythm and concentration. Routine, relaxation, and rhythm contribute to concentration and confidence.

Confidence

Think positively. You always shoot from the same place on the line. No one is guarding you. The basket is big. Three and a half balls can fit in the rim. With confidence - and sound mechanics - you cannot miss. Stand a few feet behind the free throw line until the official hands you the ball. You will stay more relaxed there. If you hear negative remarks from the crowd or recognize your own negative thoughts, interrupt them with the word stop. Take a deep breath and let go of the negative thoughts as you exhale. Replace them with a positive statement of affirmation such as “I’m a shooter!” “Nothing but net!” or “Count it!”

Routine

Develop a sound routine for the free throw to check pre-shot mechanics. A routine also helps you relax, focus, and shoot with rhythm. Most important, using a routine will enhance your confidence. The routine can include dribbling a set number of times, checking mechanics, using visualization to practice your free throw mentally just before shooting it, and taking a deep breath to relax. Adopt a sound routine and stay with it; it is a mistake to copy fads or repeatedly change your routine. Here is a sample routine that you can adjust to fit you. Once you receive the ball, position your feet, making certain to line up the ball (not your head) with the middle of the basket. Use the small indentation mark in the floor at the exact middle of the free throw line that marks the free throw circle. Set your shooting foot slightly outside this mark, lining up the ball with the middle of the basket. Most players use the one-hand shot for a free throw taking the time to control each of the basic mechanics: balance, hand position, elbow-in alignment, sight (focus), rhythm, and follow-through. Set up in a balanced stance. Some players bounce the ball a certain number of times to help them relax. When you bounce the ball, keep your shooting hand on top. This helps you to have your shooting hand facing the basket when you set the high in position to shoot. Use a relaxed hand position, and line up your index finger with the valve on the ball. Next, check your elbow-in alignment.

Relaxation

Learn to relax when shooting free throws. You have more time to think with free throws than with other shots. Trying too hard may cause undue physical or emotional tension. Use deep breathing to relax your mind and body. For a free throw, you should particularly relax your shoulders; take a deep breath and let your shoulders drop and loosen. Do the same for your arms, hands, and fingers. Learn to relax other parts of your body. Controlling your breathing and relaxing your muscles are especially useful in a free throw routine.

Concentration

Before shooting, visualize a successful shot. Visualization just before you shoot can produce a more free-flowing, smooth, continuous rhythm and increase confidence. Just before shooting, concentrate on your target just over the front of the rim. Keep your focus on the target as you shoot.

Rhythm

Start your shot high and use the down-and-up motion of your legs for rhythm rather than lowering the ball for rhythm. The down-and-up motion of your legs provides momentum for your shot and is particularly helpful when shooting late in the game when your legs are tired. By starting the ball high and using your legs for rhythm, you will lessen the chance for error that can come with lowering the ball. Shoot the free throw with a smooth, free-flowing rhythm. Use personalized key words to help establish a smooth, sequential rhythm for free throw shooting. Say your words in the rhythm of your shot. For example, if your trigger words are legs and through and your anchor word is yes, put them together -“Legs-through-yes!”- in rhythm with your shot, from the start of your shot until the ball is released. Using personalized key words this way establishes your rhythm, enhances your mechanics, and builds confidence.

Act Like a Shooter

Exaggerate your follow-through, keeping your eyes on the target and your shooting arm up until the ball reaches the basket. Holding your follow-through is not only good mechanically, but more importantly you look and act like a shooter.

Common Error You feel tense before and during your free throw.

Correction Use deep breathing to relax your mind and body. Breathe in deeply and exhale fully. Relax your shoulders, letting them drop and loosen. Do the same for your arms, hands, and fingers. Learn to relax other parts of your body as necessary.

Free Throw Drills

1. Daily Free Throw Practice

Shoot a set number of free throws each day. Practice sets of 10 free throws after other drills. Because a player rarely shoots more than two free throws in a row during a game, when doing this drill, never take more than two successive free throws without moving off the line. Practice under pressure. Use imagination, and compete against yourself. For example, imagine that time is out and that making the free throw will win the game. Record the number of free throws made out of every 100 attempts. Constantly challenge your own record. Do the same with consecutive free throws. Be confident. Use positive affirmation statements before you go to the line, and visualize a successful shot just before shooting. Having a routine helps build confidence for free throws. Use deep breathing and muscle relaxation techniques. Focus. The final step before shooting is to eliminate all distractions and focus on the basket. Say your personalized key words in rhythm from the start of your free throw to the release of the ball. If you miss, visualize a successful free throw with good form, again saying your key words. Shoot 100 free throws. Score yourself based on the total number of free throws made. Record your score. Also record the highest number of consecutive free throws. Challenge your record every time you perform the drill.

2. Eyes Open and Eyes Closed Free Throw Shooting

Combining free throw practice with eyes closed and free throw practice with eyes open has been shown by research to improve shooting more than free throw practice with eyes open alone. Shooting with eyes closed removes vision as your dominant sense, heightening your other senses, particularly the kinesthetic sense (feel of body movement) and touch. Visualize a successful shot and focus on the basket immediately before closing your eyes. Shoot a free throw with your eyes closed. Start the drill by shooting 5 free throws with your eyes open. Have a partner rebound each shot and keep track of how many shots you make out of 5 and how many consecutive shots you make. After shooting 5 free throws with your eyes open, shoot 5 free throws with your eyes closed. Have a partner rebound the ball and give you feedback on each shot, including the reaction of the ball on the rim. Use this feedback and your kinesthetic and tactile senses to adjust your shot as necessary. Complete the drill by shooting 5 free throws with your eyes open. Have a partner rebound each shot and keep track of how many shots you make out of 5 and how many consecutive shots you make. Score yourself based on the total number of free throws made. Record your score. Also record the highest number of consecutive free throws. Challenge your record every time you perform the drill.

From:

Wissel, Hal. (2004). Basketball: Steps to Success. Human Kinetics. Champaign, IL. Wissel, Hal. (2005). Basketball Shooting: Confidence, Rhythm and Mechanics. DVD. Basketball World. Suffield, CT. Available at: http://www.basketballworld.com

The most common errors in shooting are listed below, along with suggestions on how to correct them.

Error. Your shot is short. Correction: A shot that is short is usually due to not using your legs, an incomplete follow-through, or a slow or uneven rhythm. Through feel you should be able to determine whether you need to emphasize force from your legs, complete follow-through by keeping your arm up until the ball reaches the basket, or an even paced rhythm.

Error: Your shot is long. Correction: Your shooting arm is extending on too flat a trajectory (less than 45 degrees). Raise your shooting arm higher when you shoot putting a higher arc on your shot (45 to 60 degrees). You are leaning your shoulders back as the shoot. Shoot with your head and shoulders going forward and upward toward the rim as you follow-through. Your hands are positioned too far apart from each other on the ball preventing you from lifting the ball. Move your hands closer together.

Error: Your shot is inconsistently short or long. Correction: You probably have incomplete and inconsistent elbow extension on your shots. Extend your arm with complete elbow extension on follow-through.

Error: Your shot hits the right side of the rim (right-handed shot). Correction: You are either not squared up facing the basket, or you are starting your shot with the ball set in front of your head and your elbow out causing your arm to extend to the right on the shot. Start with your body square to the basket. Set the ball on the shooting side of your head between your ear and shoulder with your shooting hand facing the front of the rim. This will enable you to shoot with your arm wrist and fingers going straight toward the basket.

Error: Your shot hits the left side of the rim (right-handed shot). Correction: You are either not squared up facing the basket, or you are starting your shot with the ball set on your right hip or too far to your right resulting in shoving the ball from right to left as you shoot. Shoving the ball is a fault that results from not using your legs for power. Start with your body square to the basket. Set the ball on the shooting side of your head between your ear and shoulder with your shooting hand facing front and your elbow in. Shoot with your shooting arm, wrist and finger go straight toward to the basket.

Error: Your shot lacks range, control and consistency. You miss short, long or to either side. Correction: You are probably lowering the ball and/or bringing the ball behind your head or shoulder and throwing the ball to the ball to the basket with an inconsistent follow-through. Lowering the ball or throwing the ball is a fault that results from not using the down and up action of your legs for power. Set the ball high on the shooting side of your head between your ear and shoulder with your shooting hand facing front. Emphasize the down and up motion of your legs and complete follow-through until the ball reaches the basket. Starting your shot high will give you a quicker release, less chance for error and less chance for your shot to be blocked.

Error: Your shot hits the side of the rim and circles out (right-handed shot). Correction: You shot the ball with sidespin. The most common cause of sidespin is starting your shot with your shooting hand on the side of the ball and then rotating your hand behind it. If you over rotate your shooting hand, the ball will hit the right side of the rim with sidespin and roll left. If you under rotate, the ball will hit the left side of the rim and roll right. Other causes of sidespin are the ball on the palm, the ball sliding off your ring finger rather than shooting off your index finger, moving your hand on the ball, or thumbing the ball with your non-shooting hand. To prevent rotating your hand, the ball sliding off your ring finger or moving your hand, set your shooting hand behind the ball so it faces the front of the basket and shoot with your hand and index finger pointing straight toward the basket. To prevent thumbing the ball with the thumb of your non-shooting hand, place the ring finger and pinky of your non-shooting hand under the ball. Squeeze the thumb and index finger of the non-shooting hand together to help you to shoot the ball only with your shooting hand. Set your shooting hand behind the ball and facing the basket and shoot with your hand and index finger pointing straight toward the basket. At first your shot may have a tendency to go to the left due to not getting the extra force from your non-shooting hand. You will learn to adjust by using more power from your legs and shooting hand.

Error: When shooting off the dribble, you miss to the right or left side of the basket. Correction: You are probably reaching to the side for the ball and starting the shot from the side of your body. When open dribble to the front of your shooting knee, jump behind the ball and pick up the ball with your shooting hand on top of the ball so when you bring the ball up your shooting hand will be facing the front of your target.

Error: When shooting off the dribble, you float forward, back, or to the side. Correction: When open dribble to the front of your shooting knee. Pick up the ball in front of your shooting knee (shooting hand on top of the ball) with your knees flexed to gain balance for your shot and prevent floating.

Correcting Errors in Shooting Off the Dribble By Dr. Hal Wissel

Errors in shooting off the dribble are caused by picking the ball up with your hands on the side of the ball (a major cause of side spin, which causes the ball to circle out) and floating to the side, in or back (resulting in misses to the side, long or short). When shooting a jump shot off the dribble it is easier for most players when dribbling to the strong- hand side. You create space away from your defender with one or two dribbles, then jump behind the ball facing the basket on the last dribble. Pick up the ball in front of the shooting side knee with the shooting hand on top and the non- shooting (balance) hand under the ball. When your shooting hand is on top of the ball your shooting hand will face the rim when you raise the ball to shoot. By picking the ball up at the shooting side knee, you are able to change sideward momentum to upward momentum and jump straight up to shoot a jump shot, rather than floating to the side. It is more difficult to shoot off the dribble when you are going to your weak-hand side. A right-handed player will have farther to go when going left in order to pick up the ball in front of the shooting knee. A left-handed player will have farther to go when going to the right in order to pick up the ball in front of the shooting knee. In addition to jumping behind the ball, you can also use a crossover dribble to the shooting side knee when dribbling toward your weak hand side.

Most players shoot seven basic shots: the one-hand set shot, the free throw, the jump shot, the three-point shot, the hook shot, the lay-up, and the runner. These shots all share certain basic mechanics, including sighting, balance, hand position, elbow-in alignment, shooting rhythm, and follow-through. The best way to develop your shot is to concentrate on only one or two mechanics at a time.

Sight

Focus your eyes on the basket, aiming just over the front of the rim for all except bank shots. Use a bank shot when you are at a 45-degree angle to the backboard. A 45-degree angle falls within the distance between the box and the middle hash mark on the lane line. The distance for the bank angle--called the 45-degree funnel--widens as you move out. For shooting a bank shot, aim for the top near corner of the box on the backboard. Sight your target as soon as possible and keep your eyes focused on the target until the ball reaches the goal. Your eyes should never follow the flight of the ball or your defender's hand. Concentrating on the target helps eliminate distractions such as shouting, towel waving, an opponent's hand, or even a hard foul.

Balance

Having balance leads to power and rhythmic control in your shot. Your base, or foot position, is the foundation of your balance, and keeping your head over your feet (base) controls your balance. Spread your feet comfortably to shoulder width and point your toes straight ahead. Pointing your toes straight aligns your knees, hips, and shoulders with the basket. The foot on the side of your shooting hand (right foot for a right-handed shot) is forward. The toe of your back foot is aligned with the heel of the foot on your shooting side (toe-to-heel relationship). Flex your legs at the knees. This gives crucial power to your shot. Beginning and fatigued players often fail to flex their knees. To compensate for the lack of power from not using their legs, they tend to throw the ball from behind the head or shove the ball from the hip. Both actions produce errors. Your head should be over your waist and feet. Your head controls your balance and should be slightly forward, with your shoulders and upper body inclining forward toward the basket. Your shoulders should be relaxed.

Hand Position

Hand position is the most misunderstood part of shooting. It is vital to start and finish your shot with your shooting hand facing the basket (behind the ball). Placing the non-shooting hand under the ball for balance is also important. This position, with the shooting hand facing the basket (behind the ball) and the non-shooting hand under the ball, is called the block-and-tuck. It leaves your shooting hand free to shoot the ball, rather than having to balance and shoot the ball. Place your hands fairly close together. Relax both hands and spread the fingers comfortably. Keep the thumb of your shooting hand relaxed and not spread apart to avoid tension in your hand and forearm. A relaxed hand position (like a handshake) forms a natural cup, enabling the ball to contact the pads of your fingers and not your palm. Place your non-shooting (balance) hand slightly under the ball. The weight of the ball balances on at least two fingers: the ring finger and the little finger. The arm of your balance hand should be in a comfortable position, with the elbow pointing slightly back and to the side. Your shooting hand is turned toward the basket behind the ball, your index finger directly at the ball's midpoint. The ball is released off your index finger. On a free throw, you have time to align your index finger with the valve or other marking at the midpoint of the ball. Developing fingertip control and touch leads to a soft, accurate shot.

Elbow-In Alignment

Hold the ball comfortably in front of and above your shooting-side shoulder between your ear and shoulder. Keep your shooting elbow in. When your shooting elbow is in, the ball is aligned with the basket. Some players do not have the flexibility to place the shooting hand behind the ball facing the basket while keeping the elbow in. In this case, first place your shooting hand behind the ball facing the basket, then move the elbow in as far as your flexibility allows.

Rhythmical Shooting Motion

Shoot the ball with a smooth, evenly paced, rhythmical lifting motion. Shooting involves synchronizing the extension of your legs, back, shoulders, and shooting elbow and the flexion of your wrist and fingers. The initial force and rhythm for your shot come from a down-and-up motion of your legs. Start with your knees slightly flexed. Bend your knees and then fully extend them in a down-and-up motion. Saying the key words down and up from the start of your shot until the release of the ball will trigger the down-and-up action of your legs, providing rhythm and force for your shot. Your legs and shooting arm work together. As your legs go up, your arm goes up. As your legs reach full extension, your back, shoulders, and shooting arm extend in a smooth, continuous upward direction. It is vital to keep the ball high with your shooting hand toward the basket. Use the down-and-up motion of your legs for rhythm rather than lowering the ball for rhythm. Keep-ing the ball high fosters a quick release and also provides less chance for error. As your arm goes up, the ball is tipped back from your balance hand to your shooting hand. A good guide is to tip the ball back only until there is a wrinkle in the skin between your wrist and forearm. This angle provides a quick release and consistent follow-through. Direct your arm, wrist, and fingers straight toward the basket at a 45- to 60-degree angle, extending your shooting arm completely at the elbow. The final force and control of your shot comes from flexing your wrist and fingers forward and down. Release the ball off your index finger with soft fingertip touch to impart backspin on the ball and soften the shot. Keep your balance hand on the ball until the point of release. The amount of force you should impart to the ball depends on the range of the shot. For short distances, the arm, wrist, and fingers provide most of the force. Long-range outside shots require more force from your legs, back, and shoulders. Smooth rhythm and a complete follow-through will also improve long-range shooting.

Follow-Through

After releasing the ball off the index finger, keep your arm up and fully extended with the index finger pointing straight to the target. The palm of your shooting hand should be turned down and the palm of your balance hand should be turned up. Keep your eyes on your target. Exaggerate your follow-through. Hold your arm up in a complete follow-through position until the ball reaches the basket, then react to the rebound or get into defensive position. Holding your follow- through until the ball reaches the basket is not only good mechanics, but it also makes you look and act like a shooter and increases confidence.

Shooting Drill 1. Strong-Hand Warm-Up One-hand shooting, using either the strong hand or the weak hand, is an excellent way to develop your ability to start and complete a shot with your shooting hand facing the front of the rim. This helps eliminate side rotation. It also fosters lifting the ball to the basket rather than throwing the ball. This drill is particularly beneficial if your non-shooting hand tends to interfere with your shot (for example, if you thumb the ball with your non-shooting hand). The one-hand shooting drill allows you to focus on having the shooting hand in the correct position facing the front of the rim. Keep your shooting elbow in. When your shooting elbow is in, the ball is aligned with the basket. Some players do not have the flexibility to keep the shooting hand facing the front of the rim while keeping the elbow in. In this case, first put your shooting hand facing the front of the rim, and then move the elbow in as far as your flexibility allows. Start about nine feet from the basket with your shooting hand facing the front of the rim while keeping your elbow in as far as your flexibility allows. Your shooting hand is above your shoulder between your ear and shoulder. Use your non-shooting hand to place the ball in your shooting hand. Do not reach for the ball with your shooting hand. Now lower your non-shooting hand to your side. Balance the ball in your shooting hand with your index finger at the ball’s midpoint. Check that your forearm is at a right angle to the floor and that it forms an L with your upper arm. This position helps you lift the ball to the basket rather than throw it. Use your personalized key words in rhythm with your shot or when you are correcting your shot. If you tend to bring the ball back and throw it rather than lift it to the basket emphasize the key word Front! If your shot misses to your strong-hand side of the rim, because your elbow is out, consider using the key word In! Record the number of strong-hand shots made out of 10 attempts. Record the good shots made out of 10 attempts. Your goal is to make 10 consecutive good shots. After making five consecutive shots from 9 feet, increase the distance to 12 feet. After making five consecutive shots from 12 feet, move back to the foul line (15 feet from the backboard).

Shooting Drill 2. Weak-Hand Warm-Up Perform the drill in the same way as the Strong Hand Warm-up, but use your weak hand. When using your weak hand, you may have a tendency to shove the ball and miss toward the opposite side of the rim. Emphasize the down-and-up movement of your legs, which will help your range and ability to lift the ball straight to the basket. Consider using the key words down and up! Record the number of weak-hand shots made out of 10 attempts. Record the good shots made out of 10 attempts. Your goal is to make 10 consecutive good shots. After making five consecutive shots from 9 feet, increase the distance to 12 feet. After making five consecutive shots from 12 feet, move back to the foul line (15 feet from the backboard).

Shooting Drill 3. Three Finger Warm-Up You will use only three fingers in this drill – the pinky and ring finger of your non-shooting hand to balance the ball and the index finger of your shooting hand to shoot the ball. This drill enables you to focus on shooting the ball off the pads of you index finger with a soft touch. Start about nine feet from the basket with your shooting hand facing the front of the rim while keeping your elbow in as far as your flexibility allows. Place your shooting hand is above your shoulder between your ear and shoulder. Check that your shooting hand forearm is at a right angle to the floor and that it forms an L with your upper arm. This position helps you lift the ball to the basket rather than throw it. Balance the ball with your non-shooting hand under the ball. Keep the elbow of your non-shooting hand out. Bring the ball to your shooting hand. Now balance the ball using only the pinky and ring finger of your non-shooting hand. The other fingers of your non-shooting hand should be off the ball. Place the pads of the index finger of your shooting hand behind the ball at the ball’s midpoint. Lift the ball to the basket and release the ball off the pads of your index finger with a soft touch emphasizing the key word Point! Follow through by fully extending your shooting arm and pointing your index finger over the front of the rim. Record the number of three finger shots made out of 10 attempts. Your goal is to make 10 consecutive shots using only three fingers.

Shooting Drill 4. Jump Shot Warm-Up The objectives of this drill are to develop confidence, form, rhythm, and range for making jump shots. Start in a balanced stance about nine feet in front of the basket. Perform jump shots from that distance, using correct form for each shot. For a jump shot, the ball is held higher than for a one-hand set shot. The height of your jump depends on the range. When close to the basket, you should release the ball at the top of your jump, with your arm, wrist, and fingers providing most of the force. On long-range outside jump shots, you don’t need to jump as high, allowing you to use more force from your legs for the shot. Strive for a balanced jump so you can follow through until the ball hits the floor. Say your three personalized words in rhythm from the start of your shot to the release of the ball. Record the number of jump shots made out of 10 attempts. Record the good shots made out of 10 attempts. Your goal is to make 10 consecutive good shots. After making five consecutive shots 9 feet from the backboard, take a giant step back until you are 12 feet from the backboard. After making five consecutive shots from 12 feet, take a giant step back until you are 15 feet from the backboard.

Shooting Drill 5. Front of Board The front of board shooting drill focuses on the fundamentals: shooting hand behind the ball, elbow-in alignment, release off the index finger, follow-through, and catching the ball in position to shoot. Face the backboard. Pick a spot near the top corner of the front of the board to serve as your target. A spot on the front of the backboard is excellent for fostering a straight shot. Begin with the ball in shooting position above your shooting shoulder. Place your shooting hand behind the ball with your index finger at the ball’s midpoint. Check for elbow-in alignment. Using a complete follow-through (full elbow extension), shoot the ball to your target on the front of the board, making it return to your shooting position so you don’t have to move your hands on the catch. Say your personalized key words in rhythm from the start of your shot to the release of the ball. If the ball does not return to your starting position, jump behind the ball and catch it in position to shoot. After a missed shot, visualize a successful shot in good form, again saying your key words. Use feedback from the feel and direction of the ball. For example, if the miss was caused by your arm going to the side, add the key word straight. Use point if the ball went off the wrong finger, creating sidespin. Use hands if you caught the ball with your hands on the side. Count it as a good shot when you hit your target on the front of the board, then catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands. Count it as a good shot when you hit your target on the front of the board, then catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands. Record the good shots, with good catches made out of 10 attempts. Your goal is to make 10 consecutive good shots with good catches.

Shooting Drill 6. Side of Board The side of board shooting drill is the same as the front-of-board drill except you use the side of the board. This drill puts more emphasis on a straight shot and good catch. On a shot that is slightly off, the rebound will go to the side. This enables you to practice jumping behind the ball to catch it in position to shoot. Face the side of the backboard. Pick a spot near the top of the side of the board to serve as your target. A spot on the side of the backboard is excellent for fostering a straight shot. Using a complete follow-through (full elbow extension), shoot the ball to your target on the side of the board, making it return to your shooting position so you don’t have to move your hands on the catch. Catch the ball in position to shoot. Jump behind the ball on shots that rebound to your left or right side. Count it as a good shot when you hit your target on the side of the board, then catch the ball in shooting position without having to move your hands. Record the good shots, with good catches made out of 10 attempts. Your goal is to make 10 consecutive good shots with good catches.

Shooting Drill 7. Point of Board The point-of-board shooting drill is the same as the front-of-board and side-of-board drills except your target is the point of the board between the front and side of the board. This drill is obviously more difficult than the side-of-board shooting drill. It puts more emphasis on focusing and releasing the ball off your index finger. It also provides a greater challenge for jumping behind the ball in position to shoot. On shots that are off, the rebound may go farther to the side than in the side-of-board shooting drill. This enables you to practice jumping behind the ball to catch it in position to shoot. Face the point of the backboard. Pick a spot near the top of the point of the board to serve as your target. Focus on your target on the point of the board and shoot the ball, emphasizing the release of the ball off your index finger. Catch the ball in position to shoot. Jump behind the ball on shots that rebound to your left or right side. Count it as a good shot when you hit your target on point of the board, then catch the ball in shooting position without having to jump to the right of left and without having to move your hands. Record the good shots, with good catches made out of 10 attempts. Your goal is to make 10 consecutive good shots with good catches.

Shooting Drill 8. Chair Drill Shooting from a chair fosters consistency in lifting the ball to the basket and extending the elbow completely on the follow-through. This drill develops shooting range and helps a player who has the tendency to throw the ball. Shooting while sitting in a chair requires you to use your back, shoulders, and full arm extension to generate force for the shot. Set the chair nine feet in front of the basket. Sit on the front edge of the chair with your shoulders front, your feet aligned with the legs of the chair and your toes straight. Center yourself both mentally and physically. When you are physically centered, you are in a state of readiness; your muscles relax and you breathe a little deeper and more slowly than usual. Being physically centered also involves balancing your weight evenly for the skill you will be performing, which is particularly helpful for gaining power. When you are physically centered it helps you become mentally centered. When you are centered you are more alert, focused and confident. Centering allows you to raise your center of gravity and transfer your force from back to shoulders to generate full power for the shot. Start about nine feet from the basket with your shooting hand facing the front of the rim while keeping your elbow in as far as your flexibility allows. Your shooting hand is above your shoulder between your ear and shoulder. Use your non-shooting hand to place the ball in your shooting hand. Do not reach for the ball with your shooting hand. The index finger of your shooting hand should be at the ball’s midpoint. Check that your forearm is at a right angle to the floor and that it forms an L with your upper arm. This position helps you lift the ball to the basket rather than throw it. Use your personalized key words in rhythm with your shot or when you are correcting your shot. If you tend to bring the ball back and throw it rather than lift it to the basket emphasize the key word Front! If your shot misses to your strong-hand side of the rim, because your elbow is out, consider using the key word In! Work for the sequential build-up of force from your back, shoulders, arm, wrist, and fingers as you shoot. Say your personalized key words in the rhythm of your shot from the start of the shot to the release of the ball. Visualize a successful shot with good form. Use feedback from the feel of the shot and its distance, direction, and reaction on the rim. If the shot was short, emphasize the key word through!. To increase distance, use a sequential buildup of force using the key words back-shoulder-through! Record the good shots made out of 10 attempts. Your goal is to make 10 consecutive good shots. After making five consecutive shots 9 feet from the backboard, move the chair back until you are 12 feet from the backboard. After making five consecutive shots from 12 feet, move the chair back until you are 15 feet from the backboard (free throw distance).

Shooting Drill 9. Toss to Left Elbow Jump Shot One objective of this drill is to develop your ability to catch and shoot in one motion with a quick release. Another objective is to develop your ability to start a jump shot in a balanced stance while facing the basket and land in balance after the shot. Start with the ball at the left box outside the lane, your back to the basket. Pass to your self by tossing the ball high so it bounces high at the left elbow of the court. Run outside the lane to the left elbow and quickly jump behind the ball, turning your body in to face the basket. Land in balance with a jump stop. Have your hands and feet ready with your hands above your shoulders and your knees slightly flexed. Catch the ball with your shooting hand high and facing the front of the rim. Catch and shoot in one motion. Your knees should lower just before the catch and extend upward on the catch in a quick rhythmical down-and-up motion. Shoot 10 shots from the left elbow. Record the good shots made out of 10 attempts. Your goal is to make 10 consecutive good shots.

Shooting Drill 10. Toss to Right Elbow Jump Shot Perform the same drill starting at the right box and tossing the ball to the right elbow. Shoot 10 shots from the right elbow. Record the good shots made out of 10 attempts. Your goal is to make 10 consecutive good shots.

Confidence is the Most Important Factor in Shooting

Believe in yourself. You want to have confidence in your ability to make the shot every time you shoot. Confident shooters control their thoughts, feelings, and shooting skill. Shooting is much more than good mechanics. It is the feeling, thoughts and belief in your self that comes first. Basketball is a mental, as well as a physical, game. Developing the mental aspect is a key to enhancing shooting as well as performance in all fundamentals.

Three and One-Half Balls Fit in the Rim

To help your confidence it is important to know that the basket is big. The basket is so big that three and one half balls can fit in the rim. This surprises most players. You can get on a ladder and fit three balls side by side over the rim and have enough space to fit and turn your hand between each ball. Realizing that the basket is so big should give a psychological boost to your confidence.

Act like a Shooter. Keep Follow-through Up Until the Ball Reaches the Rim

To also help your confidence, keep your follow through straight up until the ball reaches the rim. This is not only mechanically correct, but more importantly you will look and act like a shooter. Feel positive that each time you shoot the ball will go in. Good shooters stay confident even when they hit a cold streak and miss a few shots. After a missed shot, mentally correct the miss and visualize a good shot. Positive affirmation statements (I am a shooter! All net! or Count it! for example) that you can say to yourself can promote confident thoughts about yourself and your ability to shoot. You can also remind yourself of past successes to boost your confidence. Being able to shoot under pressure distinguishes great shooters from the good shooters. You want to take the shot not only when your team is ahead, but when the pressure is on. The direct correlation between shooting confidence and shooting success is the most consistent factor we recognize in great shooters.

Rhythm is the Second Most Important Factor in Shooting

Skills should be smooth, free flowing, and rhythmical and this is especially true in shooting. Mechanics are important, but you want to have good mechanics without being mechanical. Your shot should be smooth and rhythmical rather than mechanical. All parts of your shot should flow together in a sequential rhythm.

Rhythm and Range Come from a Down-and-Up Motion of Your Legs

To help our rhythm and range we use a down-and-up action of our legs, rather than lowering the ball or stepping into the shot. Start with your knees slightly flexed: Bend your knees and then fully extend them in a down-and-up motion. Saying the key words “Down and up!” from the start of your shot until the release of the ball will trigger the down and up action of your legs that provides rhythm and force for your shot. Your legs and shooting arm move together. As your legs go up your arm goes up. As your legs reach full extension, your back, shoulders and shooting arm extend in a smooth, continuous forward and upward direction toward your target. It is important to keep the ball high with your shooting hand facing the rim. Use the down-and-up motion of your legs for rhythm rather than lowering the ball for rhythm. Keeping the ball high fosters a quick release and also provides less chance for error. Stepping into your shot may help your range, but your shot becomes a two-count shot. Using the down-and-up method allows you to shoot in one motion or one count. When shooting off the catch the down comes just before the catch and the shot goes up as your legs go up providing for a quicker release.

Key Words Enhance Shooting Confidence, Mechanics, Rhythm and Range

As important as confidence is, accurate shooting takes more than positive thinking: it also takes shooting skill. Neither mental confidence nor mechanics alone is enough. Success results from the integration of the mental and mechanical aspects of shooting. When you think, you are in a sense talking to yourself. That talk can be either positive or negative. A technique called positive self-talk can help you integrate the mental and mechanical aspects of shooting, speeding the improvement of your shot. Positive self-talk uses key words (also called cue words) to enhance performance. Select words that help you learn correct mechanics, establish rhythm, and build confidence. The key words should be positive, concise (preferably one syllable), and personalized.

Anchor Words

A positive word that you associate with a successful shot is called an anchor word. Identify an anchor word to positively reinforce the visualization of a successful shot. Select your own personal anchor word that allows you to visualize your shot going in. Examples of anchor words are: Through! In! Yes! Net! Swish! Whoosh! Face!

Trigger Words

Words that key the correct mechanics of your shot are called trigger words. Examples of trigger words are: High! - to start your shot high and prevent lowering the ball. Straight! - to make your shooting hand go straight to the basket and stop turning your wrist. Front! - to key the position of your shooting hand facing the rim. Point! - to key the correct release of the ball off your index finger. Up! - to key a high arch. Through! - to key any part of your follow-through including shoulders, arm, wrist, and finger. Head in! - to key the follow-through of head and shoulders toward the basket and prevent leaning back or stepping back. Legs! - to key the use of your legs. Down and up! - to key the down and up action of your legs for rhythm and range.

The Selection of Key Words Should Be Personalized

Identify a personal trigger word or words that you associate with the correct mechanic or mechanics. Practice using different trigger and anchor words until you find what works for you. Select two words that trigger the correct mechanics and one anchor word to reinforce shooting success. Sometimes you may want to say the same trigger word two times in order to produce the desired result. For example, saying Straight! Straight!” may prove more effective than saying Straight! only one time to key your shooting hand to start straight and finish straight. One word can also be both a trigger and an anchor word. For example, the trigger word “Through!” can key the follow-through of your shoulders, arm, wrist, and fingers and it also can be an anchor word for the ball going through the basket. Say your three one-syllable words in rhythm, from the time your shooting motion starts with your legs until you release the ball off your index finger. For example, if legs and through are your trigger words and yes is your anchor word, you would say in rhythm to your shot: Legs-through-yes! It works better to say your words aloud, rather than to yourself. Saying your personalized key words in an even rhythm establishes the rhythm of your shot and enhances your mechanics and confidence. Give time to mental, as well as physical, practice. Mentally practice by relaxing and saying your key words in the rhythm of your shot as you visualize shooting and seeing the ball go in the basket. Guard against paralysis by analysis. This happens when you think about too much. A sure sign of too much thinking is when your shooting rhythm becomes slow or uneven. Saying only three or less one-syllable key words tends to keep you from doing too much thinking. The words are actual thoughts. Your goal is to reduce conscious thought and promote automatic execution of your shot. Trigger words help make the mechanics of your shot automatic, and an anchor word, which reinforces a successful shot, helps build your confidence. As shooting improves one trigger word may suffice. Eventually, an anchor word may be all you need to trigger the automatic action of your shot.

Edited From: Wissel, Hal. (2004). Basketball: Steps to Success. 2nd Edition. Human Kinetics. Champaign, IL. Wissel, Hal. (2005). Basketball Shooting: Confidence, Rhythm and Mechanics. Basketball World. Suffield, CT. Wissel, Hal. (2005). Basketball Shooting: Off the Pass, Off the Dribble and In the Post. Basketball World. Suffield, CT.

Dr. Hal Wissel conducts SHOOT IT BETTER Mini Camps worldwide for players ranging from NBA to youth level. Visit: http://www.basketballworld.com Additional Basketball Shooting Lead-up Drills By Hal Wissel

Shooting Drill 1. Bank Jump Shot Warm-Up In the bank jump shot warm-up drill you shoot from a 45-degree angle on each side of the basket. Start under the basket and toss the ball to a spot between the right box and the middle hash mark outside the lane. Toss the ball high so it bounces high. Catch the ball with your back to the basket, using a jump stop. Pivot on your left foot, using a front turn toward the baseline and face the basket. Make a jab step with your right foot, while making a shot fake, showing the ball high. Be in triple-threat stance and in position to shoot first. You will be facing the basket at a 45-degree angle to the backboard. The bank angle, which widens as you move out, is called the 45- degree funnel. For bank shots, aim for the top near corner of the box on the backboard, saying your key words in rhythm from the start of your shot to the release of the ball. Shoot a bank jump shot. Now perform the drill, starting under the basket and toss the ball to a spot between the left box and the middle hash mark outside the lane. Catch the ball with your back to the basket, using a jump stop. Pivot on your right foot, using a front turn toward the baseline and face the basket. Make a jab step with your left foot, while making a shot fake, showing the ball high. Shoot a bank jump shot. Record the number of bank jump shots made out of 10 attempts from the right. Record the number of bank jump shots made out of 10 attempts from the left. After making five consecutive bank jump shots from both the right and left sides of the basket, increase your distance and shoot from a spot 9 feet from the basket. After making five consecutive bank jump shots from 9 feet on both the right and left sides of the basket, shoot from a spot 12 feet from the basket. After making five consecutive bank jump shots from 12 feet on both the right and left sides of the basket, shoot from a spot 15 feet from the basket.

Shooting Drill 2. On-Your-Back Shooting This drill focuses on correct technique, such as shooting hand behind the ball, elbow-in alignment, correct release off the index finger, follow-through, and catching the ball in position to shoot. Lie on your back with the ball between your ear and shooting shoulder. Place your shooting hand facing straight up with your index finger at the midpoint of the ball. Check for elbow-in alignment. Shoot the ball up into the air with complete follow-through (full elbow extension). You want the ball to return straight back to you so that you do not have to move your hands to catch it. Say your key words in rhythm with your shot. If the ball does not return to you, visualize a successful shot and good form, again saying your key words, and use feedback from the feel of your shot and the direction of the ball. Emphasize the key word you feel will produce a successful shot. For example, if your shot is off to the side, concentrate on making your arm go straight and say straight! If the ball goes off the wrong finger, producing sidespin, you might say point! A good shot is one that goes straight up and comes straight back to your shooting hand so that you are able to catch it in position to shoot without reaching for the ball or adjusting your hand on the ball. If you catch the ball with your hand on its side, consider using the key words hand or catch. Start by shooting the ball straight up one foot high. After making five consecutive shots with good catches shooting the ball one foot high, use a full follow-through on your shot. After making five consecutive shots with good catches using a full follow-through, shoot the ball ten feet high or the level of the rim. After making five consecutive shots with good catches shooting the ball ten feet high, lie down with your head about eight feet in front of the rim and shoot the ball into the basket.

Shooting Drill 3. Mental Practice by Viewing a Video or DVD of Your Own Perfect Shot Mentally practice your shot by viewing a video of your own perfect shot. Video your shooting until you get a perfect shot. Copy the perfect shot onto a second video or DVD 100 times. You can then insert the video or DVD into your video or DVD player and watch your 100 perfect shots each day. It will take about 10 minutes.

Dr. Hal Wissel conducts SHOOT IT BETTER Mini Camps worldwide and year round for players ranging from NBA and WNBA to youth level. Visit: www.basketballworld.com or call BASKETBALL WORLD at 888-812-5452 or 860-668-7162.

Three Point Shooting Rhythm and Range By Dr. Hal Wissel

Confidence is the most important factor in shooting. Rhythm is the second most important factor in shooting. Rhythm and range come from a down-and-up motion of your legs. This is vital in developing three-point range. The down-and-up motion of your legs is also particularly important for beginning players learning to shoot at a regulation 10 foot high basket.

To help our rhythm and range we use a down-and-up action of the legs, rather than lowering the ball or stepping into the shot. Start with your knees slightly flexed: Bend your knees and then fully extend them in a down-and-up motion. Saying the key words Down and up! (with confidence and rhythm emphasizing the word up) from the start of your shot until the release of the ball will trigger the down and up action of your legs that provides rhythm and force for your shot. Your legs and shooting arm move together. As your legs go up your arm goes up. As your legs reach full extension, your back, shoulders and shooting arm extend in a smooth, continuous forward and upward direction toward your target. It is important to keep the ball high with your shooting hand facing the rim.

Use the down-and-up motion of your legs for rhythm rather than lowering the ball for rhythm. Keeping the ball high fosters a quick release and also provides less chance for error. Stepping into your shot may help your range, but your shot becomes a two-count shot. Using the down-and-up method allows you to shoot in one motion or one count. When shooting off the catch the down comes just before the catch and the shot goes up as your legs go up providing for a quicker release.

Shooting from a Chair Drill Shooting from a chair is an excellent drill for developing 3-point shooting and free throw shooting. The chair drill fosters consistency in lifting the ball to the basket and extending the elbow completely on the follow-through. This drill develops shooting range and helps a player who has the tendency to throw the ball. Shooting while sitting in a chair requires you to use your back, shoulders, and full arm extension to generate force for the shot. Set the chair nine feet in front of the basket (two giant steps in front of the free throw line). Sit on the front edge of the chair with your shoulders front, your feet aligned with the legs of the chair and your toes straight. Center yourself both mentally and physically. When you are physically centered, you are in a state of readiness; your muscles relax and you breathe a little deeper and more slowly than usual. Being physically centered also involves balancing your weight evenly for the skill you will be performing, which is particularly helpful for gaining power. When you are physically centered it helps you become mentally centered. When you are centered you are more alert, focused and confident. Centering allows you to raise your center of gravity and transfer your force from back to shoulders to generate full power for the shot. Start about nine feet from the basket with your shooting hand facing the front of the rim while keeping your elbow in as far as your flexibility allows. Your shooting hand is above your shoulder between your ear and shoulder. Use your non-shooting hand to place the ball in your shooting hand. Do not reach for the ball with your shooting hand. The index finger of your shooting hand should be at the ball’s midpoint. Check that your forearm is at a right angle to the floor and that it forms an L with your upper arm. This position helps you lift the ball to the basket rather than throw it. Use your personalized key words in rhythm with your shot or when you are correcting your shot. If you tend to bring the ball back and throw it rather than lift it to the basket emphasize the key word Front! If your shot misses to your strong-hand side of the rim, because your elbow is out, consider using the key word In! Work for the sequential build-up of force from your back, shoulders, arm, wrist, and fingers as you shoot. Say your personalized key words in the rhythm of your shot from the start of the shot to the release of the ball. Visualize a successful shot with good form. Use feedback from the feel of the shot and its distance, direction, and reaction on the rim. If the shot was short, emphasize the key word through!. To increase distance, use a sequential buildup of force using the key words Back-shoulders-through! After making five consecutive shots 9 feet from the backboard, move the chair back until you are 12 feet from the backboard. After making five consecutive shots from 12 feet, move the chair back until you are 15 feet from the backboard (free throw distance). After making five consecutive shots 15 feet from the backboard (free throw distance), move the chair back until you are 18 feet from the backboard. After making five consecutive shots from 18 feet, move the chair back until you are 21 feet from the backboard (or 3-pt. distance).