Jodie Meeks, a Lesson in Shooting

What makes Jodie Meeks’ efficient shooting?

• Perfect form
• Perfect footwork
• Impeccable shot preparation
• Ten toes pointed to the rim
• Square with the target with his shoulders
• Straight up and down (lands in the same spot that he took off)

Spin Move by Paul Pierce

If you want to learn a particular move, watch the best. Here’s a spin move by Paul Pierce from Game 6 agains the Pistons during Playoffs 2008. This may be Paul’s signature move, or one of two-three moves that he relies upon late in the games. Pay attention to his body balance and footwork, but also the finish. Also, notice how, in the middle of his spin, Pierce suddenly raises the ball to avoid being stripped or blocked.

Steve Nash On the Art of Passing

Steve’s guidelines for different types of passes and what is important to become a great passer:

• Chest pass: Always be on balance and put a back spin on the ball.
• Bounce pass: Ball needs to go half way and a third of the way to the teammate.
• Alley oop: Right timing and throw it in the air so that it comes down soft.
• No-look pass: Behind the back pass just to create an angle. With behind the back pass you get the same efficiency as with chest pass without the need to spin around.
• In one-on-one situations you need to be a scoring threat – that opens up space to your teammates.
• The most important weapon is to be able to pass with the left hand and with the right hand.

Lenny Wilkins Teaches Lay-Ups

Things to pay attention to:

• Is the arm fully stretched?
• Is you angle good? Are you too deep under the basket?
• Does the ball touch the board high? The ball shouldn’t touch the board at the bottom!

Sam Cassell Teaches Mid-Range Shooting

Sam Cassell is smallish guard who could shoot any time from around the paint when he was on the top of his game. He explains in this video what mid-range is, how to create space.

1. Sam points out that space is created the same way against small defenders and big guys. It is even easier against the big guys because they can’t move that quickly.
2. The easiest way to create space is when defender is backing up. No defender can jump to block the shot while backing up.
3. Posting up as a point guard. Sam explains how to establish a solid base, turn around and shoot.
4. Terrell Brandon and Jeff Hornacek are good examples of guards who had excellent mid-range game.
5. Sam also talks about when to start the move at the end of the game. He likes waiting until there’s 5 seconds on the clock, then basically does the same move which he explained several times.