Separating Shot Takers from Shot Makers in Basketball
This coaching article is written by TTU assistant coach Frank Davis and will talk about the difference between shot takers and shot makers in basketball.
This article was written by Tennessee Tech University assistant men's basketball coach Frank Davis. Coach Davis is in his second year with the program, but first year as an assistant coach (13-14). Davis was also a standout player at TTU, and is known as one of the best shooters in school history. He is just starting his college coaching career and has a bright future ahead of him.
The term “shooter” is something used quite often in today’s basketball world by several different people. Anyone is capable of shooting the basketball and if you take enough shots you are bound to eventually make a few.
Which brings me to my point that the elite shooters are easily separated in what they do. This article focuses on two specific areas that will train players to be more efficient and make defenses pay for giving them open opportunities.
The Importance of Footwork
As a player I was one of those kids that refused to think there was such a thing as a bad shot. I believe you need this sort of mind set to an extent, but statistically my numbers were not at a satisfactory level early in my career. It was not until I met Kevin Cantwell, former Georgia Tech basketball assistant and at the time a big part of Suwanee Sports Academy that I began to learn about shot selection and technique.
He had worked with some of the most elite shooters in the country, and I was fortunate to be able to work with him at a young age. He stressed the importance of footwork and giving yourself every opportunity to take shots with as little opposition as possible.
Being able to shoot the ball effectively with your inside pivot foot is something many kids are unable to do. It takes unnecessary time off your jump shot and is literally the difference between taking a contested or uncontested attempt.
I would focus on attacking the catch from all angles of the court without ever actually shooting the ball, just the repetition of squaring up to the basket and getting to the final stages of my jumper as quickly as possible. Attack the catch and elevate, attack the catch and elevate every day until it was a habit for me and was able to shoot using this form.
Recommended Shooting Drills to Work on This:
Value Your Hands
The second area I want to cover on shot makers are the hands. Shooting starts from the ground up with footwork and lower body control finished by the hands. My favorite shooting quote of all time comes from Former Tennessee Tech Head Coach Mike Sutton: “Shooters must have hungry hands!”
This meaning you needed to show a target and have them prepared to finish the job. Let them eat! This is another technique that provides a quicker release and higher efficiency rate.
Recommended Shooting Drills to Work on This:
Conclusion
Shooting is something I am very passionate about and I could continue this article for days about my experiences with other coaches such as Randy Dunn, Web Daniel, Seth Vining, Joe Dix, and Russ Willemsen who have contributed to my development.
I wanted to focus on the two areas that I feel are overlooked in today’s game. The development of footwork and preparation of the hands are just two of the many pieces in the art of shooting.
The phrases, “Attacking the Catch” and “Hungry Hands” can be used to remind kids about the technique that I have embraced. Coaches have the ability to use their own ideas and can call these actions anything they please.
Challenge your players to use these terms and repeat the desired action. Remember that repetition will yield results.
Follow Frank Davis on Twitter @TTU_FrankD