JJ Redick and Duncan Robinson Breakdown The Art Creating Shots For Spot-Up Shooter

Summary

In this insightful conversation, the speakers delve into the art of shooting in basketball, discussing the evolution of defensive strategies against skilled shooters. They explore the importance of creativity in shot creation, the impact of physicality in playoff games, and the mental fortitude required to maintain consistency during shooting slumps. The dialogue highlights the persistence needed to hunt for quality shots and the significance of habits in developing shooting skills, emphasizing the balance between effort and overcompensation.

Takeaways

• 🏀 The importance of creativity in shot creation: Players labeled as 'spot up shooters' need to develop skills to create their own shots as defenders adapt to their shooting prowess.
• 🔍 Evolution of defensive strategies: The speaker notes an increase in physicality, particularly in the playoffs, with defenders getting more aggressive in disrupting shots and handoffs.
• 💡 Persistence in shot attempts: Despite defenses shutting down initial shot opportunities, the speaker emphasizes the need to keep trying different tactics to get open and take quality shots.
• 🚀 The advantage of height and release point: Tall players with a higher release point can still get their shots off even when tightly defended, which is a significant advantage.
• 🎯 Second action as a harder defense to guard: The speaker discusses the effectiveness of the 'second action' in creating more challenging shots for defenders to contest.
• 🤔 The mental challenge of shooting slumps: The speaker shares personal experiences with shooting slumps and the mental fortitude required to maintain consistency despite poor performance.
• 🧘‍♂️ Consistency through routine: The importance of treating shooting as a habit, performing the same routine daily, whether after a good or bad game, to maintain consistency.
• 🚫 Avoiding overcompensation: The speaker advises against taking extra shots during a slump as it can disrupt the established routine and habits that should be the focus for improvement.
• 📉 Accepting the natural fluctuation of performance: Recognizing that performance will naturally vary and that both great and poor games are part of the process.
• 🤝 Teamwork in creating opportunities: The script mentions the collaborative efforts between players, like passing the ball back and forth, to create open shot opportunities.
• 🔄 The inevitability of defensive mistakes: The belief that continuous action and movement will eventually lead to a defensive error, providing an opportunity for a shot.

Q & A

How has the defensive coverage against the player evolved over time?

Defensive coverage has become more physical, especially during playoffs. Defenders now get more into the player's body, particularly when coming off handoffs, trying to blow up screens, and using strength to disrupt the player.

What is 'top locking' in basketball, and how has it been used against the player?

'Top locking' is a defensive strategy where the defender positions themselves above the player, preventing them from coming off screens easily. The player noticed less top locking this year compared to the playoffs and the bubble.

What strategies does the player use to create shots despite tight defensive coverage?

The player uses creativity and persistence to generate shots. This includes using second actions like cutting down and coming back to the ball or executing 'throw and go' actions to exploit defensive mistakes and get open shots.

What is a 'throw and go' action, and why is it effective?

'Throw and go' is when the player passes the ball, cuts, and then receives another handoff. It exploits the defender's position, making it difficult for them to recover and contest the shot effectively.

How does the player maintain consistency in their shooting routine?

The player treats their shooting craft as a habit, doing the same routine every day regardless of game outcomes. This consistency helps balance out performance over time without overcompensating for poor games.

What is the player's perspective on shooting slumps?

The player acknowledges that slumps are frustrating, especially when everything feels the same except the result. They emphasize maintaining mental fortitude and sticking to consistent routines to eventually break out of slumps.

How did the player handle a major shooting slump they experienced?

During a significant slump in January last year, the player focused on maintaining their routine and not getting caught up in the results. They emphasized consistency and not overcompensating by changing their practice habits.

What is the importance of persistence in shooting according to the player?

Persistence is crucial as it involves continuing to seek out shots even if the initial action is shut down. By keeping the defense engaged and running through multiple actions, the player increases their chances of finding open shots.

How does the player view extra shooting practice after a bad game?

The player believes that additional shooting practice after a bad game suggests that their regular routine isn't sufficient. They prefer to trust their established habits and routines to ensure consistency in their shooting performance.

What comparison does the player make to emphasize the importance of consistent practice routines?

The player compares shooting to a pendulum, where good and bad shooting nights balance out. They argue that just as one wouldn't take extra shots after an excellent performance, one shouldn't feel the need to do so after a poor one, trusting instead in their consistent practice.