Expert: Michael Muro - 5/4/2006

Question
Michael,

Once you were asked about teaching a player to shoot one handed.  In your answer you suggested that if it is a youngster, that perhpas you should continue to allow him to shoot two handedin order to "keep it fun".

My son just turn seven and continues to shoot two handed.  He is an excellent shot & practices everyday..no exaggeration  He gets a little frustrated when I practice one hand shooting with him.  I am moving very slowly with him on this and am trying to remian very positive, but I am afraid he is forming a very bad habit.  Any suggestions?

Answer
I would wait until season is over and then tell him that you are going to change his shot for the better when there are no games to be played. You can still make it fun even though there will be a lot of butting of heads in the process.

Let him know there are no big expectations and he will get it in time, but he has to believe that this is the best thing for his game. Does he have a favorite player? I know his favorite player isn't shooting with 2 hands. Point this out and tell him if he wants to be as good as whoever he will have to shoot like him, one handed.

Here is a site that breaks the shot down and i think has video to show how to shoot the ball properly.

http://www.coachesclipboard.net/SetShot.shtml

Good luck!