Basketball Instruction/3 point shot

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Expert: Mark Berrier - 3/16/2004


Question
I'm a 5" 6' Point guard. I'm 14 and I shoot well from inside the arc but outside I just can't shoot. I don't know whether I should lift weight to have more shot range. Do you think you can give me a few pointers or drills?

Answer
Hello Donald Cortez!

First off, you must have confidence in your shot no matter from where you shoot it. If you believe you cannot shoot it at three point range, then you've already failed. So get your mind right about shooting the three ball.

Secondly, you need to concentrate on wrist strength. You can do some curls or weights if you feel you need it. It cannot hurt lifting some weights.

Psychologically, you're forcing it because you feel too weak to get the ball to the hoop with confidence. If you are under duress, simply drive by the defender and be ready to shoot or dish it off. But make the defense pay for lagging off of you. Stay under control and remember that it's just a short distance from the hoop anyway. Square up to the basket and put some arc on the ball. With a backspin, you'll get a softer bounce. Practice getting squared up. If you can hit 2 outta 10 that's better than 90% of anyone else shooting threes.

I hope this has helped.

Mark Berrier

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Mark Berrier

Expertise

How to teach the following: How to-dribble, shoot, pick and roll, give and go, screen, break a press, beat a zone, how to defend a man-to-man, how to defend a zone, or how to defend a good shooter, defend a good rebounder, etc. Also, coaching techniques as dealing with attitudes, or scheduling practices, or drawing up plays, or dealing with foul trouble. I can talk extensively about foul shooting, or getting in position on the lane to rebound after a free throw, fast breaking after a free throw. I can reply to fast breaking, rules of the game, or any number of related ideas, etc.

Experience

I played Middle School, High School, Junior College. I coached HS my Senior year in college while Student Teaching. I coached three years in HS and now coach Little League as I own my own business. I also attended coaching clinics regularly at Duke, Wake Forest, and UNC-Chapel Hill.

Organizations
In the past I belonged to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.

Education/Credentials
I have a BA dgree in History from UNCGreensboro Class of '82

Awards and Honors
All Conference in HS and Lost in State Championship Game my Senior Year.

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