10 Tips When You Are Coaching and Teaching Basketball Shooting

Tip #1 - USE THE WORD "ADJUSTMENTS" INSTEAD OF "CHANGES".

When working with players and developing proper shooting technique, use the word "adjustments" instead of "change". Nobody wants to change!

Tip #2 - CUT OUT PICTURES TO USE AS TEACHING AIDS.

Many times, visual aids of famous players are EXTREMELY memorable for young kids. You'd be surprised how they might remember everything about Michael Jordan's form, but nothing about the lecture you just gave before practice.

Keep an eye out for good pictures in the paper or magazines. If you find a great picture of an NBA player showing great form, cut it out and post it in the locker room. Show your players what they are doing right.

Tip #3 - GIVE THEM A FOLDER FOR A SUMMER WORKOUT.

Take the time to put together a folder for your players' summer workout. Not only does this show your players that you are serious. But it makes it much easier for them to remember what to do. It also shows them that you care about their personal development.

Tip #4 - COACHING IS NOTHING OTHER THAN SALES.

80% of coaching is sales. You need to convince your players that your way is the right way so they will be motivated to perform for you.

Don't forget to explain the "reason why" you are doing things. This is a simple yet powerful sales technique.

Tip #5 - OFFER SHOOTING CAMPS IN THE OFF SEASON.

Want to get your players in the gym? Then have a couple of shooting camps. You could even bring in some outside coaches to generate a little excitement.

In fact, you might even be able to recruit our own Don Kelbick to run a shooting camp for you.

Tip #6 - DON'T LET YOUR PLAYERS THROW "NEIGHBORHOOD PASSES".

As our friend and shooting guru Dave Hopla says, "Don't throw neighborhood passes!!"

What's a neighborhood pass?

Well, it's a pass that's in the neighborhood. It didn't hit your teammates in the shooting pocket, but it's in the neighborhood!!

Good passers will improve your teams shooting percentage.

Tip #7 - FILM YOUR PLAYERS.

One of the best ways to improve your players' arc, mechanics, and stroke is to film them.

Most players have never seen their shot and they'll be amazed when they do. The camera is a powerful tool.

Tip #8 - DON'T CHANGE SOMEONE'S SHOT IF IT'S WORKING.

If you have a player that shoots lights out... DON'T MESS WITH IT!

Too many coaches try to over-coach and change shots that don't need changing. Don't fall into this trap.

Tip #9 - SUB PLAYERS AFTER DOING SOMETHING GOOD.

Want to lower anxiety and improve confidence?

During games, try to sub players out after they have done something GOOD. This will lessen the anxiety many players feel if they are pulled out soon after missing a shot or making a blunder of some kind. If they are taking good shots but nothing is falling, reassure them that you expect them to continue shooting. Communication from you, the person in charge, will go a long way toward keeping them from a tailspin.

Tip #10 - ALWAYS ADJUST MECHANICS AWAY FROM THE BASKET.

Never make adjustments to a player's shooting form and send them to a basket. They will consistently miss, get discouraged, and quickly revert back to their old habits.

Instead, get hundreds of reps AWAY from the basketball. Have them shoot to a partner, to a line on the floor, or against the wall.


To learn more about improving your shot, we recommend...

Breakthrough Basketball Shooting - Drills, Workouts, & Guide

Baden 28.5" Shooting Basketball

Baden Heavy Training Basketball - 29.5'

Baden 35" Oversized Training Basketball

Rapid Fire - II - Basketball Rebounding/Return Device




Comments

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Mike Duignan says:
7/6/2010 at 9:16:43 AM

That was great advice! Clear and concise... I think "players" should also read this article... They would benefit greatly from the coaches perspective... Thanks...

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Clarissa says:
9/9/2012 at 1:41:54 PM

I am a player and just reading this helps me a lot, thanks for this advise

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Robb says:
7/10/2013 at 12:08:06 AM

My U13 girls team was driving me crazy with shooting so I went YouTube and found some Ray Allen videos. Took my iPad to the next practice and made them watch it pointing out key points. Made a big impact.

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Ben says:
3/6/2014 at 10:32:46 PM

Solid advice. Although, I strongly disagree with:

"Tip #10 - ALWAYS ADJUST MECHANICS AWAY FROM THE BASKET.

Never make adjustments to a player's shooting form and send them to a basket. They will consistently miss, get discouraged, and quickly revert back to their old habits."

I coach middle school ball and constantly make adjustments while their shooting and it seems to work fine. Their shot form improves, their rotation improves, the arc of their shot improves and overall results improve.

Just my take.


Thanks for yours.

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connor wescombe says:
3/13/2014 at 10:51:20 PM

this didnt help me at all it is stupid and terriable. none of these things stated here helps you at all. you are a joke

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Ken Sartini says:
3/14/2014 at 10:09:46 AM

Connor -

Take a look at the boy in this video.... Gavin worked on his shot for 3 years to get to this point. Becoming a great shooter takes a lot of time and PATIENCE. So, be patient with yourself.... keep working on your shot starting with your FORM.

Good luck


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfTxHGOQdEc


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