Your analysis is right on, however, Curry's quick release is also the result of a one-piece shot. This means that once he starts his shooting motion from his shot pocket he doesn't briefly hesitate after he pulls the ball up to his release point. Instead, he uses one continuous motion. Many male basketball players do this to time their release with the top of their jump. Curry sacrifices elevation for a quicker release and added strength.
Most high school girls, incidentally, use a one-pice shot rather than the conventional two-piece shot frequently used by their male counterparts.

Great Observation, Larry.

As you mentioned, many male players have that two-piece shot emulating their idols like MJ and Kobe. The thing is that most basketball players should NOT try to emulate their shots, because they are athletic freaks. This hurts most players who are uncapable of shooting over their opponents.

This extra motion allows the defensive player to close out and disrupt the shot.

Most players should try to emulate a quick, efficient shot like Stephen Curry.

Stephen was probably forced to do this, because he was a later bloomer and was always smaller than his opponents. He couldn't succeed trying to shoot over his taller opponents. Instead, he developed his quick shot motion that has been so effective.

Joe Haefner
www.breakthroughbasketball.com

Can you give any tips on how to change from a two shot to a one shot?

Hi Francis,

You can look at shooting fundamentals at this link: http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/fundamentals/shooting.html

Shoot really close to the basket. Put the ball up as if you''re going to shoot the ball and take your guide hand 1 inch off of the ball. And shoot hundreds and hundreds really close to the basket. This will force you to shoot with one hand.

As you get more comfortable, move further away from the basket.

before receiving a pass a player must be aware of the situation,it is not always advisable to make a player go into a shooting position once he/she catches the ball. there are situations where a touch pass has to be executed.............i wish i could explain this further.

Chris,

Absolutely. A player must be aware of the surroundings. But a player could still make a touch pass while getting ready to shoot.

If you do NOT prepare yourself to shoot, then your players will miss opportunities to score and will lose that attack mentality.

Let''s also note that very few players have the basketball IQ & talent to consistently do touch passes. So to teach your players to do this would result with more turnovers.

If it something that you want executed, it also something that needs to be practiced and very few coaches (especially youth coaches) would want to spend their time on that.

A quick shot also opens up many more opportunities. Let me explain.... defender knows you have a quick shot, so he rushes out to defend your shot. Sometimes, a defender will over-commit which will allow the offensive player to penetrate. And penetration leads to many open shots.

If the defender can not close out on time, you just attempted a high-percentage shot (We''re not telling you to take bad shots).

Maybe that happens again, but another defensive player leaves his man help the defender, because he knows if he doesn''t help, you just nailed another shot. This opens up another one of your teammates.

Just by having one player with a quick shot is accurate, it opens up so many scoring opportunities for the team.

Joe Haefner
www.breakthroughbasketball.com

Francis,
Follow Joe's suggestion and then when your players are shooting from farther out tell them to release the ball earlier. Instead of bringing the ball to a point just above the forehead, begin the release at the shoulders. This will enable a quicker release and provide more strength since you are shooting at the midpoint of the jump when your momentum is at its peak. One caveat - a lower release allows more opportunity for the shot to be blocked.
With regard to Chris' comment you can assume a flexed, triple threat position where you can quickly decide whether to catch the pass and shoot or make a quick touch pass to an open man.
Larry

im a shorter shooting guard and i was wondering how do i get my shot to look more like his because right now my shot is very slow

COOL!!

Joe,

My friends and family members say I shoot just like Stephen Curry, but my shot is slower and I do not jump off the ground enough. What I would like to know is how to make my shot quicker and how to jump higher into my shot so I can shoot over defenders? Also, I bend my knees before and in motion around screens to my shot. The only time I jump higher is off a screen.

George,

First of all, if you have to shoot over a defender, it's usually not a good shot. You should take open shots.

If you want to improve your jumping, first refine your jumping mechanics. Then, use the proper exercises to strengthen your legs. I would contact a certified trainer to figure out what you should do. So many kids get life-long injuries by approaching this the wrong way.

Joe,

I really want to recreate Stephen Curry''''s shot. I don''''t have a great two- peice shot, but i realize that when i shoot some what like Stephen, i get most of my shots off, but i don''''t have his form, could you help give me any tips.

Ry

What is the difference between a one-piece shot and a two-piece shot? I've never heard of either of these.

A two-piece shot stops at your set point. A one-piece shoots in one fluid motion through your set point.

One-piece shot ... think Stephen Curry.

Two-piece shot.... think Kobe Bryant.

Hey Joe, much like stephen curry i am way shorter than all my opponents weighing in at 115 lbs. and 5"6 at age 15. Coincidentally i've been attempting to mimic his shot, but i've been told many, many times not to mimic other peoples shots. but because i am built like curry, i thought i would continue doing it anyways. I've been fortunate this summer to have a lot of time on my hands so i've put in atleast 2 hours of nonstop practice a day, i really wish to one day play college hoops but i know i will have to develop curry's shot even more. I have some of it down, but, do u think u could explain step by step what he does in extreme detail, so i can visualise it in my head? i hope this isn't asking too much, but i really love basketball and would appreciate ur time and advice. thanks!

We already wrote what you need to do step by step (in extreme detail) in our shooting guide:
http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/pr/btshooting.html

The guide is not just about Curry's shot but there is a section about developing a quick shot. The guide will tell you exactly how to build your shot. Then there is no question about what you need to do. It's all in there. As your following the guide, just keep Curry's quick shot in your mind. In the guide we suggest that you frequently watch videos of great shooters because the form starts to get ingrained in your mind. You can just search for Curry on youtube for that. Good luck.

Ok, thanks so much Jeff!

Hey there Joe,

I just have a few questions about form, 1st off, is it ok that my shooting elbow is more of an upside down 7 than a 90 degree angle? And, should i shoot past my guide hand at my set point? or should have my guide hand, guide the ball all the way through to the follow through? I'm sorry, this is very hard to explain, and also do u have any tips or exercises that can help me from keeping a tense wrist, and having a more floppy and loose wrist, because when ever i try to"reach into the cookie jar" on my shot, my wrist gets all tense. Thanks u guys!

Hey guys! here's a vid of Stephen Curry that should allow you to understand what Joe is saying a lil better: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_FVY--UVcY

okay im 5'6 and ive been watching stephen currys videos over and over again and i still cant get my shot as quick as his... could you give me some simple workouts that can make my shot as fast as his.... and i was wonder if you could let me no if he shoots fingertips on the ball or with his palm on it?

Joe Haefner i have a question, i can do the one piece piece shot but the problem is that the shot is to strong and it is always long. and i cant control the direction it goes from left to right?

Hi,
How do i shoot. my elbow doesn't extend fully.

Seth, here is a shooting technique article that should be helpful: http://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/fundamentals/shooting-technique.html

Joe, I have one question how do you shoot off the dribble quicker

Hey joe,

Im slightly confused about the difference between the shot pocket and the set point. Am i supposed to bend me knees as i bring the ball to the shot pocket and then go straight up from the shot pocket to the finish 'through the set point' (by the set point i mean just before you straighten the elbow)? If so i cant seem to coordinate my body to be moving up as move the ball up from the shot pocket, i only seem to be able to dip into my knees until i reach the set point and then go up. Any advise? Thanks

if you do a one shot then you gotta make sure you don't get stripped as you go up.

Joe, I know you say not to imitate another players form, but I've been studing and practicing Stephen's shot for so long (3 months) I forgot my own. Though his shot works for me, my form is identical, but my release is a second slower. Also one thing for everyone who is trying to copy this godly shot. You should try keeping your feet square this is something stephen does not do and you should do it on your own.

How about Ray Allen's shot? I think its a good fluid shot with a quick release.

joe how do i shoot off the dribble quicker so taller defenders dont block me

Jason, get long and low on the dribble. And do thousands of repetitions to make your shot more quicker off the dribble. If the defender comes too high, don't shoot, pass the ball.

My shot is very inconsistent. I shoot the lights out some days and some days I can only hit the backboard, how can i get a consistent accurate shot?

thanks men

Hey matt,

if you look at some youtube videos of ray allen, you'll see he has a two piece shot meaning he shots at the top of his jump instead of a continous motion like Curry's.

umm.. wrong. you should definitly emulate jordan's shot because its absolutely and totally sound and perfect.

the mechanics are dead on.

so whoever says dont try to shoot perfect like jordan is a moron.


i emulate jordan. im obviously not as good but i practice the mechanics and my shot is sweet.

Hey Mr. Haefner, I'm 16 and I am 5'10 and I am a good shooter. I use the two-piece release as you could predict, because of watching NBA players, and I have good form. I work for a quick release normally without much vertical jump involved. Is it more than possible to have a two-piece release with a quick release, rather than a good vertical jump, to get shots over tricky defenders? Or is that only accomplishable with a one-piece like Steph Curry's? I can get shots over common defenders, but sometimes, with more avid defenders, I find getting my off-the-dribble shot a little difficult.

VP, my advice would be to try to create smooth transition and make less of a 2-piece shot. So when you bring the ball up, don't pause as long. Try to have it become one fluid motion.

And if you actually break down Stephen Curry's shot frame by frame like my brother Jeff did, you'll notice that he actually has a 2-piece shot, but it's so smooth and quick that in real-speed it looks like a 1-piece shot and that's why we call it a 1-piece shot.

My theory is that the more time you spend in the air before shooting, the more time your defender has to make up ground and defend your shot. So if I'm 5'10 which I am, I'm not worried about my vertical on my jump. I'm trying to jump and shoot as quickly as possible.

And also, you probably don't want to try to shoot over people. There has been studies on NBA teams that show even when NBA players are contested on their shots, their shooting percentage drops by 30% to 40%. So my advice to you would be to take open shots.

Just a quick comment. I have been watching Curry's shot extensively, and I think he gets it off so quick, because he doesn't bring it back as far as many other players.
My question is, I can't really see him using a "shot pocket." Maybe it's just so fast I can't see it. Many NBA players don't seem to use a shot pocket either.
Why is this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiN3yaeEdHs (Curry shooting)

Thank you! I appreciate any help you can give!

I have studied Curry''s using low motion video. He does have a shot pocket but it''s so fast you can''t see it. If you watch frame by frame you can see that he brings the ball to the same place on every shot, then brings it up, and goes into his shot. This adds power to his shot and gives him a rhythm. It takes him .5 seconds to get his shot off so it''s very fast. But if you watch in slow motion he always brings the ball to the same shot pock point (loads the ball in the same place), then brings it up to the release point and let''s it fly.

Ryan -

Remember, you are talking about some of the best players / shooters in the world. They have taken thousands of shots developing their style and muscle memory.

I think that they do things that are comfortable for them... might now work for the next guy, but for them and guys like Curry, they are automatic.

Are you asking if you should develop your shot that way? Look at Joe's advice just above your question.... he is spot on. The quicker the release, the harder you will be to defend.

Thank you! Very helpful.
One more question for Joe. Does Curry necessarily bring the ball to a locked set point, or does he just bring it through the point in essentially one motion?

It's essentially all one motion, although the ball slows down and does stop for a few milliseconds at certain points during the release. Bottom line is that he brings the ball to his pelvis area, brings it up, and goes into his release VERY fast. He also starts jumping and uncoiling his body as he brings the ball up. The ball travels the same spot and way (starting at his pelvis) every time. That gives him consistency. You can learn from Curry but each player is different and has to figure out what is comfortable and natural for them.

Sorry to ask so many questions, but I practice my shot almost every day, and have been working on it for a while. I watch videos on youtube and stuff, but I just can't to seem to get it consistent. Tonight at my game, my shot was very good in warmups, ok during the game, and then very bad after. Do you have any ideas? Just so you know, I'm 5'9 and play PG.
Thank you.

Ryan -

You are talking about consistency... and that comes from repetitions developing muscle memory. Do more form shooting before you start shooting at a basket... that will help a lot.

PERFECT practice makes perfect.... so when you are practicing your shot, do it at game speed after you have warmed up and done some form shooting.

Trying to be a psychologist here (since I cant see your shot or games) I would say that warm ups are easier since no one is covering you... get into game situations and things happen faster (that's why you have to practice at game speed) This could account for your shooting % going down a little bit.... maybe losing a little focus too? If you are having a little problem during games, get yourself to the free throw line where you can practice your stroke and concentrate on your form.

Shooting has to become second nature so you can do it without worrying about defenders. What are your shooting %s? Free throws - 2 pointer and 3 pointers? Relax when you are playing, don't over think the game or your shot... like I said, you can correct form at the free throw line, you don't have that luxury during the game. Good shooters shoot the ball, they don't worry about making shots, they BELIEVE in themselves - you don't think that Michael Jordan ever worried about missing do you?

As for your shooting getting worse AFTER the game, that could come from relaxing a little bit, losing focus and not as motivated? Now, RELAX a little bit and have some FUN playing the game.

@Ryan the following is a youtube link to the way Stephen Curry shoots, its called the swish method. It's been around for a long time now. Developed by Tom Nordland it's characterized by having 0% power in wrist and upper body (to reduce variables) and all power coming from a quick jump (aka upforce). No power from the wrist equals a wrist flop and requires a pushing motion. Thats what gives the ball a nice flat curve. Also make sure all shots are practiced at game speed. So, in conclusion check out his entire channel and see what you think. This is the exact motion used by Steph Curry and in part by Steve Nash and they have been leaders in the NBA in shooting percentages and freethrow shooting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9s_ukMz0e0&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

I have noticed that Steph uses his palm when he shoots and so do many other NBA players. I thought that you weren't suppose to use your palm but finger pads?

Great points on getting a quicker release. It would appear that Steph's shot pocket is below his waist (see 1:37 and 4:00 marks in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMu8DkDDCYc&feature=related ). Actually, I would call this dipping the ball (violation of #4 above). Imagine how quick a shooter Steph would be if he worked on moving his shot pocket up just below his shoulder. I believe he could shave another 400 milliseconds off his release. A good drill to work on this is the catch high/shoot high drill (receive pass at shoulders and exercise not dipping the ball, but going right up into the shot release).

Also, another point to add for a quicker release off the dribble would be to shorten your 1-2 step (cut them in half)..what PGCBasketball refers to as the 'boom 1-2'..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gErWZnR0ELI

Finally, check out Steph's excellent shot fake at the 6:36 mark. No need to bring the ball way above your head on a shot fake (to make it look more like a shot). Just a quick upward ball movement stopping at the chin or eye and a simultaneous drop of the hips will get a closing defender in the air.

Best regards,
Rick Allison
LoneStar Basketball Academy
http://lonestarbasketball.com
twitter: @C2E

Rick -

You make some good points, he is a youg player (24 years old) and has 3 years of experience... he is doing pretty well and still learning his craft..

2012 - 2013 PPG 18.0 APG 4.7 RPG 5.3
Career 17.5 5.8 4.1

Thanks for the great points, Rick.

No dipping would certainly make his shot quicker. My only question is does the dip actually make some shooters better. Ray Allen dips the ball as well.

Since rhythm is such a crucial ingredient to successful shooting, I wonder if that dips provides certain rhythm that helps player shoot a higher percentage.

I certainly don't know.

I couldn't agree more on the shot fake, Rick. We actually teach our kids to "Think shot, shot, shot" as mentioned in #7.

As a result, you aggressively get your feet into proper shooting position, the ball instantly goes to your shot pocket, and your eyes get on the rim. You shoot it if you're open and if it's a high-percentage shot for you. If the shot is taken away, immediately go to a counter move.

In a team setting, we will also teach them game situations in which you may not want to shoot even if they make a high percentage of the shots.

We don't even tell them to "fake" the shot. Just by getting to this position and looking you're preparing to shoot the ball is all the fake that you need to get the defenders flying at you. It has even worked great for our players who can't shoot worth a lick from the perimeter.

To me, this is the ultimate shot fake.

You shoot it or you don't.

I have to give credit to Don Kelbick on most of the "shot, shot, shot" philosophy.

I can see how that would work on a lot of teams, Joe. Thinking shot, shot, shot is a great 'triple threat' concept.

Regarding the dip and rhythm, I believe there is some validity to that, but at the sacrifice of introducing additional excessive motion to the shot (and the negative aspects that come with it in terms of time delay, ball stripping exposure, and additional potential for ball path deviations before release.

I think dipping for rhythm is really just a comfortable habit that can be replaced with a new habit (raising the shot pocket). With some deliberate practice, I believe this new habit can become just as comfortable as dipping and even increase shooting percentages. I've had some success working with a few guys to change this habit, but it takes practice and self-motivation.

I know a lot of good shooter's dip the ball, but I can't help believing that they could be even better shooters if they continued to refine their mechanics.

Thanks for all you and Jeff do to educate young players and coaches.

Rick

Curry likes to catch the ball moving slightly forward with his knee on his pivot side bent. Same thing when he picks up his dribble - moving slightly forward and that pivot side knee already bent. He has to stay low to do these things. He then likes to pivot into his shot. That's fundamental.

I think the trick that allows him to shoot quickly is the ball position at the time he plants his non-pivot foot on the floor. As he is preparing to set his non-pivot foot on the floor to begin his jump, he is already swinging the ball up from where he caught it or from where he picked up his dribble. He gets a head start on that. He plants his non-pivot foot on the floor and begins his jump when the center of the ball is already up at chin level.

Many players plant their non-pivot foot on the floor to begin their jump when the ball is around their mid section. By getting a head start on that, Curry gets his shooting hand under the ball earlier so he can stroke it earlier, while he is rising up off the floor at a faster speed. That allows him to shoot quicker and get his legs into his shot.

how does my form look?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcXBTCrbCsg

Brian -

Your form looks pretty good to me... a good solid follow through........ but you know what the best part is?

THE RESULTS! You have a nice soft touch...

Keep working on your game. What level do you play at? How long have you been playing?

Greatest Shooters in the history of the game all turn, dip, and Sway!