Chris Johnson and NBA Veteran Dorell Wright Reveal The Keys to Being a Great 3 Point Shooter.

Summary

In this engaging basketball conversation, a former NBA sharpshooter reflects on his experience competing in a Three-Point Contest during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. He shares the unexpected physical and mental challenges of the event—adrenaline, fatigue, and pressure—despite "just shooting." The discussion expands into a deeper breakdown of shooting mechanics, rhythm, and preparation, comparing set shooters and jump shooters while emphasizing individualized technique. The speakers debate palm versus fingertip shooting, ball-watching versus rim focus, and targeting strategies, ultimately highlighting that elite shooting has no single formula—consistency, repetition, and personal comfort define greatness.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker initially expected to participate in a dunk contest but ended up leading the league in three-point shooting, earning an invite to the Three-Point Contest instead.
• 😀 The Three-Point Contest took place in LA, which made it special for the speaker as he is from there and had previously said he would only attend All-Star Weekend if participating.
• 😀 The excitement and adrenaline of the event made the contest physically demanding, with the speaker describing how his legs felt like he played a full game by the end of it.
• 😀 The speaker's strategy in the contest was to focus on his strengths—corner shots and the left wing—and avoid getting discouraged by missed shots.
• 😀 Despite starting strong, the speaker was ultimately eliminated when Paul Pierce made his final shot, knocking him out of the competition.
• 😀 The speaker acknowledged his teammate James Jones, who went on to win the contest, and humorously noted that he was rooting for him since they were both from the same area.
• 😀 The discussion shifted to the mechanics of three-point shooting, with the speaker emphasizing the importance of rhythm and the ability to smoothly catch and release the ball.
• 😀 When coaching young players, the speaker teaches them to follow the ball with their eyes to understand the flow and feel of the shot before they start focusing on the target.
• 😀 The speaker and others in the conversation discussed the difference between shooters who use their fingertips versus those who use their palms to shoot, noting that both techniques can be effective.
• 😀 Finally, the speaker shared his personal preference when shooting: he aims for the front rim to ensure the ball has a chance to make it over the rim, highlighting his soft touch when shooting.

Q & A

What was the athlete's initial expectation when entering the league, and how did that change?

The athlete initially expected to participate in a dunk contest, as they had a strong athletic background. However, after leading the league in three-point shooting one year, they got the call to participate in the three-point contest instead.

How did the athlete feel about competing in the three-point contest in Los Angeles?

The athlete was excited because the contest took place in Los Angeles, which was their hometown. It added a personal element to the experience, making it even more special.

What was the mental and physical challenge of participating in the contest?

The athlete described the anticipation and adrenaline as physically demanding, feeling like playing a full 48-minute game. They also experienced fatigue, cottonmouth, and leg exhaustion from the pressure of the contest.

What was the athlete's strategy going into the three-point contest?

The athlete's strategy was to start strong by hitting the first few shots, particularly from their favorite spots—the corners and left wing. They focused on making sure not to dwell on misses and to maintain confidence throughout the contest.

How did the athlete react to their performance, especially after missing several shots?

Despite missing some shots, the athlete remained focused on getting to the second round. Their mindset was that as long as they reached the second round, they could still win, but ultimately their teammate James Jones won the contest.

What is the key difference between set shooters and jump shooters in a three-point contest?

The key difference lies in the rhythm and how quickly a shooter can get to their shooting pocket. Set shooters tend to have a smoother, quicker release, while jump shooters may rely more on leg power, but both need to be consistent in their shot mechanics.

Why is hand placement important when shooting three-pointers?

Hand placement ensures the ball comes off the fingertips cleanly and consistently. Proper hand positioning helps maintain control and accuracy, making it vital for shooters to develop a reliable release point.

Does it matter if a shooter uses their fingertips or palm to shoot the ball?

It doesn't matter whether a shooter uses their fingertips or palm, as long as they maintain a consistent shot. Shooters like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson use their palms, while others, like the athlete being interviewed, prefer using their fingertips. The key is consistency in the shot mechanics.

How does a shooter's eye focus affect their performance during a three-point contest?

Eye focus plays a significant role in shooting. Some shooters focus on the ball, while others focus on the rim or net. The athlete prefers focusing on the rim or net, but when teaching younger players, they recommend starting with focusing on the ball to develop a consistent shooting motion.

What is the debate around focusing on the front rim, back rim, or net when shooting a three-pointer?

The debate is about which part of the basket should be the focal point for shooters. Some shooters focus on the front rim, others on the back rim, and some on the net. The athlete prefers focusing on the front rim to ensure the ball gets over the rim, while others may prefer the net as a clearer target.