Get Your Groove On!

Shooting a basketball, just like any other sport skill, requires that you develop a groove. A groove is another term for motor program. When you perform a skill over and over a certain way the brain develops a smooth pathway that becomes the default pattern. Great shooters in basketball know this and practice shooting the correct way all the time.

I feel on of the best ways to develop a groove for a young shooter is to start short and work your way out. This sounds like common sense but rarely do we see players do this. The might take a couple token close shots and immediately get out to the long range.

Here is a plan that works:

1. Pick out 7 short shots (5-10 feet) and shoot 5-10 shots from each of those spots. Shoot these shots from a stand still. Here are the 7 spots we use with our young girls program.
-right low block
-left low block
-middle of the lane in front of the hoop
-right short wing
-left short wing
-right short corner
-left short corner

2. Next, back up to a good mid range jumper, and work off either stepping into a catch and shoot or spinning the ball to yourself and shoot. In either case make sure you step in low and in rhythm. Shoot 5-10 shots from each spot.

3. Finally, all shots are taken from a dribble move. The move can be a penetration and pull up, a jump back shot, or a one hard dribble separation dribble and shot. 5-10 from each spot.

If you develop a routine like this it will groove your shot. BUT, you must shot properly. However that is for you- you must be consistent each and every time. On another post I will talk about what I think is the proper shot- you might be surprised!

Play Hard,

Lee

PS: If you are looking to invest in your game with a resource on offensive moves check out www.BasketballSpeed2.com. This is not a fancy dribbling trick type of video. It is a nuts and bolts skill product that will make you a better player at any level.