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Shooting: The One Thing You Can’t Afford to Get Wrong
By Bevo•
Shooting: The One Thing You Can’t Afford to Get Wrong
By Bevo •
If your players can’t shoot, nothing else matters. You can run the best plays in the world, but if the ball doesn’t go in the basket, you’re in trouble. That’s why shooting technique is one of the first things I focus on with every team I coach.
The good news? Great shooting is not complicated. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, LeBron James — the best shooters in the world all share the same basic fundamentals. And those fundamentals are simple enough for any coach to teach, at any level.
I believe it comes down to Three Key Things
After 30+ years of coaching and developing shooters — including players who went on to play in the NBA — I’ve found that consistent shooting comes down to three key elements: the finger release for direction, the dip for power and rhythm, and the turn for balance.
Get those three things right, and your players will shoot straighter, more consistently, and with more confidence. Get them wrong, and you’ll spend the whole season wondering why the ball won’t drop.
The Mistake Most New Coaches Make
Most new coaches try to fix everything at once. They see a player with a wonky shot and start changing five things at the same time. The player gets confused, loses confidence, and shoots worse than before.
The best approach? Start simple. Focus on one element at a time. Start close to the basket where players can work on technique without worrying about power. And be patient — good shooting takes time to develop.
The Full Shooting Guide
I’ve created a complete shooting guide for coaches that breaks down all three key elements in detail, with step-by-step instructions, a ready-made 20-minute practice routine with four drills, and a checklist of exactly what to watch for when your players shoot.
It’s written in simple language that any coach can follow — whether you’re running your first practice or looking to sharpen up your teaching. You’ll find it in Bevo’s Centre of Excellence.
Remember — every great shooter started with the basics. Your job is to teach those basics well. Focus on technique first, distance second. A player with great form close to the basket will eventually become a great shooter from anywhere on the court.
— Bevo