How To Increase Your Shooting Accuracy Instantly: Basketball Shooting Form Part 1

Summary

Coach Collin Castellaw from Shot Mechanics Basketball shares key shooting tips to instantly improve shooting accuracy. The video focuses on optimizing lower body mechanics, including foot tilt, power generation from the balls of the feet, and allowing the feet to move forward during the jump to enhance shot arc. These simple adjustments can help players generate more power, control, and accuracy, while also improving range. The video concludes with a drill to practice these mechanics and an opportunity to win a free copy of Coach Castellaw's new shooting program, *Custom Shot Design*.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on individual shooting mechanics rather than cookie-cutter approaches. Everyone's body is different, so tailor your technique to suit your unique style.
• 😀 The foundation of your shooting technique begins with your lower body, particularly your feet and their positioning.
• 😀 Tilting your feet slightly to the side (left for right-handed players, right for left-handed players) alleviates shoulder tension and enhances shooting mechanics.
• 😀 A slight foot tilt helps in reducing tension in the shoulders, allowing for more fluid and accurate shots by keeping your elbow aligned with the hoop.
• 😀 Power generation is key to a stronger shot, and keeping your heels off the ground, particularly on the balls of your feet, helps create a natural springboard effect for better momentum.
• 😀 Keeping your heels up during the shot helps transfer energy from your body into the basketball, improving both shot power and distance.
• 😀 Maintaining balance and flexibility in your legs by not planting your heels helps in shooting with better range and precision.
• 😀 Traditional shooting advice often focuses on a fixed landing spot, but many top shooters, like Steph Curry, allow their feet to come forward during the jump, optimizing the arc and power of the shot.
• 😀 A higher arc on the shot, often created by letting your feet move forward, increases the likelihood of making a basket by providing a better angle for the ball to enter the hoop.
• 😀 Incorporating a balance drill—balancing on your non-dominant foot and catching the ball—helps solidify the proper foundation and footwork for a more consistent shot.
• 😀 The next step after refining your shooting mechanics is to take a shot mechanics assessment to measure improvement and track progress, ensuring continued growth in shooting accuracy.

Q & A

What is the main goal of the video?

The main goal of the video is to teach viewers how to instantly increase their shooting accuracy by improving their shooting mechanics.

How does the coach view the idea of a 'cookie cutter' approach to shooting?

The coach criticizes the 'cookie cutter' approach, explaining that not every player has the same body or shooting style. He advocates for personalized adjustments to improve each player's shooting technique.

What does 'foundation' refer to in the context of shooting?

In the context of shooting, 'foundation' refers to the player's lower body and feet positioning, which are crucial for generating power and stability in the shot.

Why is tilting the feet important for shooting mechanics?

Tilting the feet slightly to the left (for right-handed shooters) or to the right (for left-handed shooters) alleviates tension in the upper body and shoulders, allowing for smoother arm movement and better shot alignment.

What role does power generation play in shooting?

Power generation is essential for shooting because it helps transfer energy from the lower body to the ball. Keeping the heels off the ground and using the balls of the feet helps create a springboard effect, increasing shot power and range.

How does keeping the heels off the ground affect shooting?

Keeping the heels off the ground allows for better spring-like motion from the legs, enabling a smoother transfer of energy into the ball, which increases shooting range and accuracy.

Why do traditional shooting coaches emphasize jumping and landing in the same spot?

Traditional coaches believe that jumping and landing in the same spot helps maintain consistency and stability in the shooting form, but the coach in the video argues that this may not work for every player.

What is the 'sweet feet' concept?

The 'sweet feet' concept involves letting the feet move slightly forward during the jump shot. This helps optimize the shooting arc and power, increasing the likelihood of making the shot by enhancing the shot's trajectory.

How does arc affect shooting accuracy?

A higher arc increases the probability of making a shot, as it gives the ball a larger target area and reduces the chances of hitting the rim or backboard. A flat or low release can significantly decrease shooting accuracy.

What is the purpose of the one-foot balance drill?

The one-foot balance drill helps players practice setting their foundation in an unstable position. By balancing on one foot and shooting, players develop the ability to quickly establish proper lower body positioning, which translates into better shot mechanics.

How can players test and track their improvement after applying these techniques?

Players can track their improvement by taking the Shot Mechanics shooting assessment, which allows them to test their shooting mechanics and compare their results. They can also access additional resources like the 'Custom Shot Design' program to refine their technique further.