Expert: Bob Anagnostou - 1/27/2007

Question
My son is playing basketball for the 1st time on a team with his the grade classmates.  He is the youngest on the team and shortest/skinny.  The other kids seem to shoot and get to the rim with no issue whereas my son struggles to get the shot to hit the rim or be on target.  I have attemped to help him and not sure if I am explaining/demonstrating in a way that makes it easy for him to understand.  Can you share some thoughts on how you'd approach someone new to the game who is struggling with his ability to make the basic of shots?  I have tried to show him how to use his legs to power up his shot and square himself to the basket and using his wrist for follow through but that seems to even make his shot less effective.  Thank you.

Answer
Dear friend,

Common problem for a young boy. Don't worry. The problem is that you try to get him to the way professional players shoot at once. Not good.

Let your son develop his own way on how to shoot. Don't push him from now. Great players used to do this, just to inform you. You know it's very hard for a kid to assimilate the proper technique and even more difficult to shoot from wide range. Most coaches focus on changing somebody's shooting technique at the age of 12.

What you should do know is introduce him to resistance band workouts and grip-finger strengthening. Enhancing of arms strength is of the utmost importance at this stage.

If you want to, don't hesitate to ask me anything else.

Yours,
Coach B.Anagnostou
Olympiacos Pireaus (HEBA, Euroleague)
basketball coaching stuff