More Basketball Shooting
Lead-Up Drills
By: Dr. Hal Wissel
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 shoot¬ing 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.
[read the entire article Mental Practice by Viewing a DVD of Your Own Perfect Shot]
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.
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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.
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Learn Even More From Coach Wissel with the following DVD's!
Basketball Shooting: Confidence, Rhythm and Mechanics
This DVD is an inside look at one of Coach Hal Wissel’s Shoot It Better Mini Camps. This is a must-have DVD for any player who wants to become a more confident shooter and for any coach who wants to improve his or her ability to coach shooters.
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Basketball Shooting: Off the Pass, Off the Dribble and In the Post
This DVD compliments the instruction offered in Hal Wissel’s first DVD, Basketball Shooting: Confidence, Rhythm and Mechanics. Coach Wissel teaches shooting off the catch from inside-out, strong-side and weak-side passes. Players will learn how to cut off screens and to shoot with a quick release.
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