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Questions on Shooting
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Author:  samswish21 [ 02 Jun 2020, 06:45 ]
Post subject:  Questions on Shooting

Hey, Mr. Haefner. My name is Sam Cahill , and I'm doing a research project for my ninth grade biology class on the effectiveness of different shooting styles and which variables are the most important during the attempt of a jumpshot, or more specifically, a three-point shot.

Although every basketball player has their own shooting form, some players work on their shot and perfect it much more than others. In your opinion, if I was to learn how to shoot a basketball over again, which variable of shooting is more important--the angle of your elbow or the quickness at which you release the ball from your set point to release?

To clarify: Some players, like Kobe Bryant, prefer to raise the ball above their head before shooting, which I found in my research encourages a higher shot arc and mathematically speaking a better chance of the ball going in. Even with defense all over him, Kobe never really changed his shot and brought the ball all the way up before letting it fly, which defenders could usually close out on but rarely block.

On the other hand, players like Klay Thompson elect to release their ball at their forehead, and in Klay's case he needs just under 0.8 seconds to release the ball. While not having a very low release, Klay's arm motion still gets his shot off incredibly fast and the defense, even draped on him, is almost always too slow to react. As a result, he gets the shot off quickly and is deadly on late close outs, making him particularly difficult to contain when he's feeling it from deep.

Objectively speaking, Klay is a more accurate shooter than Kobe was, but Kobe was notorious for taking and hitting relatively impossible shots off the dribble with a hand right in his face at a high percentage, which I have to conclude is due to his extremely high release angle. Does either one of these variables take precedence over the other? Should the ideal shooter prioritize speed, arm angle, or something else before any other mechanics while trying to perfect his jumpshot? Or does it not matter at all, and is just a matter of what feels good to you?

As a general basketball expert and coach, I'd really appreciate if you could comment on my questions--it would make a huge difference on my project. If not, thanks anyway.

Hope to hear from you soon,
Sam

Author:  JeffHaefner [ 02 Jun 2020, 10:42 ]
Post subject:  Re: Questions on Shooting

Sam,

There is a lot to unpack here.

As you eluded to, there are lots of variations when it comes to shooting technique. And there are pros and cons to those various techniques. I'm not sure there is a perfect technique for all players. However, if I had to pick one I'd pick a quick, efficient, and accurate one motion type of shot like Steph Curry, Steve Nash, Diana Turasi, and other guards that made a living by having a really elite skill set.

Players like Kobe, Jordan, Lebron, Larry Bird, Reggie Miller, etc.... they are all amazing scorers. They had 2-piece shots where they would raise the ball up to a high set point, pause, and then shoot over defenders. I think anyone would be happy to be able to score like those guys. But lets' face it. How many players (male or female) have their size and athleticism? It is very rare!!! They could rise up and shoot over players. They could make a living in the midrange game, low post, or high post.

So for the normal human.... with somewhat average height and athleticism (male or female)... is usually better off using a one motion type of shot like Steph Curry or Stave Nash.

I think that is the simplest way for me to answer your question. Since there are a lot of factors that could be unpacked and discussed in many pages of writing.

With that said, if you have other questions... let us know.

Author:  samswish21 [ 02 Jun 2020, 10:55 ]
Post subject:  Re: Questions on Shooting

Mr. Haefner,

This is awesome, thank you so much! An opinion from an expert always helps, and this one especially does in light of my project for the final exam. Thanks a ton for your input.

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