Five Tool Player – Kobe Bryant

Five tools of a great basketball player:

1. Shoot - Off the dribble, the post, three point range.
2. Pass – Correct pass at the right time, give it to a teammate in a position where they can make a play.
3. Dribble – Handle the basketball, go left, go right, create the shot.
4. Defend – Guard multiple positions.
5. Intangibles – Know the time, read the situations, rise to the occasion, make the right play to win the game.

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)

Why Bad Shooting Days Happen to Good Shooters

I always try to match a video to the basketball drill, routine, or aspect of the game. For certain things, there is no adequate video. In Why Bad Shooting Days Happen to Good Shooters article Brian McCormick explains that bad shooting often has to do with poor body balance, not necessarily the shooting form itself.

Many missed shots occurred because players shot with poor balance.They rushed their shot or they worried too much about the defense and leaned backward or they never got to a zero-point before jumping for the shot when catching on the move.

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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.

Ray Allen Teaches Shooting

Ray Allen, one of the best shooters in the history of the game teaches proper shooting technique and offers some simple shooting drills. Certain things are important to keep in mind at all times:

1. You want to take your shot the same way every time. It doesn’t matter whether you have open space or a sever footer in your way. You should get a lift and shoot the same way for consistency.
2. Plus 1 minus 2 drill explained.
3. Coming off the screen drill – curl and shoot, slide and shoot. This simulates real game situation.
4. If the shot feels uncomfortable or you release is not smooth, go to the free throw line and practice your shot. This will improve both game situation shooting and free throw percentage.