The Art of Shooting Lesson #3 (Corner 3)

Summary

In this Week 3 episode of the Art of Shooting series, the coach breaks down essential techniques for shooting from the corner. Key points include staying low with bent knees, keeping on your toes for power, and focusing on an exaggerated follow-through, inspired by pros like Klay Thompson. The coach emphasizes mental confidence and warns against common mistakes, such as not tracking the ball or having flat feet. With these tips, athletes can improve their corner shooting by focusing on body positioning, form, and mental clarity, ultimately leading to better performance on the court.

Takeaways

• 😀 Always stay low when moving to the corner for a shot; this prepares your body for a quick, balanced release.
• 😀 Top shooters like Damian Lillard, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Steph Curry bend their knees when heading to the corner to get into shooting position.
• 😀 Never stand upright when approaching the corner—being low helps you avoid having your shot blocked by taller defenders.
• 😀 Always hold your follow-through after taking a corner shot to ensure accuracy and proper form.
• 😀 Over-exaggerating your follow-through, as seen with Klay Thompson, can help maintain consistency in your shot.
• 😀 Don’t second guess your shot when catching the ball in the corner—treat it like any other jump shot and shoot with confidence.
• 😀 Stay mentally locked in and shoot from the corner as if it’s a regular jump shot to avoid hesitation.
• 😀 Always keep your eyes on the ball when running to the corner to ensure you're in position to catch and shoot quickly.
• 😀 Avoid having your heels flat on the ground when you reach the corner; this will hinder your ability to shoot quickly and powerfully.
• 😀 Stay on the balls of your feet (your toes) to maintain shooting power and readiness, instead of having your weight on your heels.
• 😀 To maximize your shot's arc and power from the corner, ensure you are bent down and ready to shoot from an athletic position.

Q & A

Why is it important to stay low when shooting from the corner?

Staying low when shooting from the corner helps you prepare your body to shoot more efficiently. Elite shooters like Damian Lillard, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry always bend their knees and lower their bodies, which allows them to be in a more stable and ready position to shoot, reducing the chance of their shots being blocked.

What does bending your knees do when shooting from the corner?

Bending your knees when shooting from the corner ensures that your body is in the correct posture for a quick and powerful shot. It also makes you more agile, improving your ability to get your shot off before taller defenders can block it.

How important is the follow-through when shooting from the corner?

The follow-through is crucial for maintaining consistency and accuracy. Holding your follow-through helps ensure that the shot has the right arc and direction. Even though some shooters might vary in their follow-through, exaggerating it as Klay Thompson does can improve shot precision.

What mental approach should players adopt when shooting from the corner?

Players should treat corner shots the same way they approach any other jump shot. It's important not to overthink the situation. By staying mentally locked in and confident, you can shoot from the corner just as effectively as from any other part of the court.

What is a common mistake players make when running to the corner?

A common mistake is not keeping an eye on the ball while running to the corner. Players should always know where the ball is coming from to ensure they’re ready to catch and shoot without hesitation.

Why is it important to stay on your toes when shooting from the corner?

Staying on your toes gives you better balance, mobility, and power for your shot. If your heels are flat, you lose the ability to generate the power needed to get the ball off quickly, especially when a defender is closing in.

What can happen if players shoot with their heels flat on the ground?

If players shoot with their heels flat on the ground, they will have less explosive power in their shot. This makes it more difficult to get the shot off quickly, and it can also negatively affect shot accuracy and arc.

What should players focus on when they catch the ball in the corner?

When catching the ball in the corner, players should immediately focus on staying low, being on their toes, and preparing to shoot without hesitation. This preparation allows them to quickly transition from catching the ball to taking the shot.

What role does the body posture play in the shooting form?

Your body posture directly impacts your ability to shoot with power and accuracy. When shooting from the corner, bending your knees and staying low ensures proper alignment and muscle engagement, helping generate the right shot arc and stability.

What other skills are important to improve shooting from the corner?

In addition to proper footwork and body posture, players should work on mental focus, hand-eye coordination, and practicing consistent shot mechanics. Drills that simulate game situations, such as moving quickly into the corner and shooting, are essential for improving shooting performance.