Expert: Bob Anagnostou - 1/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: i have ball handeling and a good vertical leap but i need the right way to shoot and relize my dream of playing basketball professionally im 17 and dont know the right way to shoot please tell me the right way to shoot

ANSWER: Dear friend,

Thanks for you question.
Bringing the ball so up, that goes about behind your head is generally wrong. This gives you power, but reduces the possibility of a successful shot. You should not bring it to your right as well. You will try to turn your body and legs slightly to the left to achieve shooting the ball from in front of your head. The correct place putting the ball is where it is when your elbow is at 90o degrees angle, your wrist the same as well and the ball does not touch your palm. You should hold this hand position from the time that you receive a pass and get the ball, but of course keeping it low and protecting it. I mean, the good shooter is always ready to make the shot, so you have to hold the right grip from the moment that you get the ball. Shooting is a job done by elbow, wrist and finger's movement. Try to have your hand full-extended at the end of the shot in a greater angle, like trying to reach the rim. As you will need more power to give a greater arc, you will get that from the right position and use of your feet. Having a stable way to start shooting and transmitting power to the shooting hand from your hand is og high value.

This is advice of high value. If you honour them, they will one day give you the honour of being a part of a pro team. This is one address that i highly recommend for some more info about making the perfect shot.
1)http://www.basketball-plays-and-tips.com/basketball-shooting.html (proper technique)
2)http://www.basketball-drills-and-plays.com/shooting-drills.html (shooting drills)

Hope i've helped you.

Sincerely Yours,
Coach B.Anagnostou
Olympiacos Pireaus B.C Coaching Staff
Euroleugue, HEBA

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: is there a chance i could play for your team and if yes how can i please i need to know

Answer
Dear friend,

Being a part of my team is somehow impossible since it's a Greek team. Our home is at Pireaus, Athens and being a part of is a really hard goal for a european player. Olympiacos is in the elite of European basketball and we choose our players with strict criteria.


Sincerely Yours,
Coach B.Anagnostou
Olympiacos Pireaus B.C Coaching Staff
Euroleugue, HEBA