Scoring Mentality

What is the appropiate mentality for a scorer when preparing for a game and when he first receives the ball?

Jordan,

As a coach I never wanted to put any pressure on my shooters.... they knew that I had a great deal of confidence in them (or they wouldn't be shooting as much as I allowed them to shoot)

As a player, I think you need to go into games thinking that you will never miss a shot (even though you will) Have confidence in your abilities as a player and shooter.... don't worry if you miss.... even M J missed a "few" :-)

Try to catch the ball shot ready... IF you are in a position to shoot, meaning a shot where you can be successful, in your range and a spot on the floor where you are comfortable.... then shoot the ball.... some say that you should think Pass first... thinking about the triple threat... that was not my philosophy.... IF you're a shooter, you should be thinking shot first.... JMO This worked for my better shooters, others might have a different opinion.

I hope this answers your question, if not, get back to us. Is this for you or????

This is for me, I always thought that the great scorers had a different mentality than other players, allowing them to dominate.

I understand.... think about all the great shooters/scorers..... they think they are unstoppable.... Jordon, Kobe, D Rose, Larry Bird, Magic - just to mention a few.

They are the best ... they work the hardest, always working on their shooting and an intense desire to win, they hated losing.

I talked to Doug Collins when he was the head coach of the Bulls with Michael... I asked him what it was like to coach him... he told me that he as royal pain in the........ why? Because they could never run anything on the floor if he was on defense and when he sat him down he would sneak back in... I could only wish to coach a player like that.

What level do you play at?

I'm a sophomore in high school, and I played varsity this past year, and Im making the transition from defering to my teammates each and ever game, to becoming more aggressive and dominant scorer.

Jordan,
You can be proud of the fact that you were on the Varsity last year as a sophomore... the coach must think a lot of you.

I wouldn't worry too much about deferring to the upper classmen this year... that's pretty much how it should have gone unless you are AUTOMATIC...
I had some great sophomores play on some of my varsity teams but they weren't the first option... relax and work on your shot... yes, become more aggressive - on both ends of the floor.... be a shut down defender and step up your game offensively.
You might even talk to your coach and ask him what his expectations of you are.... its nice to know your role. My players never had to ask me what their roles were, they knew from our practices.... but since you want to step up your game, see what he is thinking.

I talked to him during and after the season, and one of my strengths was my versatility as a player. On offense I had a great post up game when I played Guard, but I could handle the ball and penetrate when they put a big on me. On defense I was quick enough to gaurd the 2, but could probably guard the 5.

My role was always take what the defense gives and know I'm understanding that and working attacking and reacting to different situations I can encounter in games.

You are a pretty versatile player..... coaches like guys like you...someone where we can create a mismatch and when you have to cover a big you can handle it.

Yes, take what they give you, play to your strengths and work on your weaknesses.... Sounds like you will be a big part of the team next year.

Try to be a leader too.... did you watch the Bulls last night... they played like an inspired high school team... diving on the floor, offensive rebounding and playing defense like there was no tomorrow.

I did catch the game, you saw things that you couldn't teach, hustle, determination, and emotion on the court. Even Derrick Rose was showing emotion!!

They sure were excited .... the Pros get that way a lot don't they? I wasn't too crazy to see our players get overly emotional.... kind of like, play like you've been there before?

Hustle and determination.... some of the things that coaches love to see.

How would you describe your good points? And things you need to work on?

Strengths:
Love for the Game
Basketball Iq
Size for the guard position, and still growing
creating plays
unselfishness
hustle
Instant spark for the team
ball handling(could get better)
Floater

weaknesses
I force plays (not reading the defense)
I get tunnel vision sometimes when attacking the rim
Shooting (no threes on varsity)
Above average athleticism

I like your strengths... how tall are you right now? How quick are you? Good first step? How about from the free throw line?

You're young, keep working on your ball handling... that alone can get you out of a lot of trouble along with being able to read the defense..... thats a very important part of the game. Read the D and take what they give you. Be ready to give it up IF its not there. Remember, IF You do this a few things will happen.... 1- your teammates will love you... 2- it will open up the game for yourself if you start kicking it out or dumping it off to a post player. 3- they will get easy shots.

They don't allow you to shoot threes on the Varsity???? OR you're not good at that part of your game yet? Explain what you mean by tunnel vision.... ( meaning you are only looking to score and don't see the open man? A dump to a post player or kicking it out to a wing shooter?)

I'm 6 foot and half with shoes most would say six two at the age of 15. I may not that be fast but I'm quick enough to get anyone on my hip. I was probably in the high 80's low 90's in the beginning of the season, but later I took a weight class and didn't shoot more shots to compensate it messed with my accuracy, so I probably finished the season in the high 70's.

When I penetrated, I was telling myself to either to look to score or pass quickly, without reading the defense. If I scored I would look to score and everytime I penetrated, I would go in seeking contact to score, while missing an open player in the corner or wing.

With threes I had the green light to shoot it but my accuracy wasn't there. But I have been working with the Swish method by Tom Nordland and my shot has been more automatic.

I should have said that I am extremely motivated. After the last game of the season (I was the high scorer of my team with 8, defensive battle). I knew I had to work be the dominant, leader for my team. And the next very day I started an off season regimen. A few weeks afterward, this confidence came to me, and I felt that no one can guard me, that I can go off at any time.

I'm 6 foot and half with shoes most would say six two at the age of 15. I may not that be fast but I'm quick enough to get anyone on my hip. I was probably in the high 80's low 90's in the beginning of the season, but later I took a weight class and didn't shoot more shots to compensate it messed with my accuracy, so I probably finished the season in the high 70's.

When I penetrated, I was telling myself to either to look to score or pass quickly, without reading the defense. If I scored I would look to score and everytime I penetrated, I would go in seeking contact to score, while missing an open player in the corner or wing.

With threes I had the green light to shoot it but my accuracy wasn't there. But I have been working with the Swish method by Tom Nordland and my shot has been more automatic.

I should have said that I am extremely motivated. After the last game of the season (I was the high scorer of my team with 8, defensive battle). I knew I had to work be the dominant, leader for my team. And the next very day I started an off season regimen. A few weeks afterward, this confidence came to me, and I felt that no one can guard me, that I can go off at any time.

Oh and I did shoot threes and I just didn't hit any

You're a big kid... and still growing... nice size for a guard. They say that after you lift you should shoot right away... you might try that this year..... 70s is still a pretty good % for a 15 year old.

Don't beat youself up over last year... that was a big learning experience for you.
Relax and have some fun when you play... and let the game/play come to you.... don't make decisions prior to the situation. Go to school on how the D plays you and then that should help you to make decisions later on in the game.

I had an extremely quick point guard that I had to convince him to kick the ball out to the wing a few times so that kid couldn't help out on you... opening up the lane to the basket... ask your coach for help in the game, ask him what he is seeing IF you find yourself in that position again.

Once you start giving up the ball to the wing or a post player, your shot will come a lot easier. Work on your mid range jumper too.... I had a simple rule for my players... don't take shots that you cant make in practice... so my advice to you is this... IF you want to shoot threes, you need to work on that part of your game so you can make about 35 - 40 % in practice. Keep working on your game and things will ge better. Let us know how you are progressing.

Is their any way I can contact you, (email address etc.)

Sorry but our policy is to not share emails on the forum. This protects the coaches and players from getting their emails scrapped by spammers and also protects everyone's privacy. Thanks!

Just keep asking your questions and we will try and help you..... hope things are getting better for you.