When coaches discuss shooting, variability is considered a mistake. There is a biomechanics-biased view of shooting: There is one optimal skill execution, and any variation from this optimal technique is error. [continue reading…]
Game slippage in shooting percentages
High intensity exercise to promote motor skill retention
The offseason is the time to improve one’s shooting or to modify one’s technique. Should one decide to change his or her technique, an interesting study from Copenhagen found that engaging in exercise that raised one’s heart rate immediately after practicing a motor task improves long-term retention of the skill, which is apparent one week after the practice (Roig et al., 2012). The benefits were found when the study’s participants raised their heart rates to 80-90% of their maximal heart rates, but the duration of the exercise was unimportant (Roig et al., 2012).
Based on this study, shoot first and condition, scrimmage, or play pickup games second during the offseason in order to retain the improvements.
Why can’t tall players shoot as well as shorter players?
Game shots from game spots at game speeds
“Game shots from game spots at game speeds” is a popular mantra for coaches and players. As the video above illustrates, it is not restricted solely to basketball. [continue reading…]
Olympic weightlifting to improve coordination for shooting
Should we use professional players as models when teaching players to shoot?
This morning, I saw a picture of Carmelo Anthony getting ready to shoot, and the ball touched the palm of his hand. The headline read, “Shooting myth; keep the ball out of your palm.” I immediately had two questions: (1) Should we teach young players to model their shots after professional players? and (2) Is Anthony the model that we should follow? [continue reading…]
Re-thinking practice design for shooting drills
The difficulty in designing game-like shooting drills
The Magic 3 in a Row Shooting Drill (by Basketball HQ via Hoop Dirt) is a good shooting drill similar to others that I have used during my coaching and training. However, it is not a game-like drill. [continue reading…]