Expert: Bob Anagnostou - 10/16/2006

Question
do i just bring the ball like above my head alitte ahead of my head?  Also should i change this now because i have a tryout on november 2nd?
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Followup To

Question -
I am 13 years old 5'7", and my shooting technique is wrong i think.  I bring the ball up almost behind my head like at the end of the top.  I am right handed so i put the ball to the right.  Is this wrong?  I have the strength to bring it up.  when shooting are u supposed to bring the ball up to your head inthe front or back?  And also are u supposed to bring the ball up first then jump, or do both at the same time? Thanks

Answer -
Dear Luke,
Thanks for you question

Look, I think you have a problem, that is not really a problem. I mean that it is easy to deal with as long as you start using the right technique from now on and you don't care about missed shots in the first weeks. Cause you will have missed shots like every player that i have been training and faced shooting problems.

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
Yours, Coach B.Anagnostou

Answer
Dear Luke,

The right technique is having the ball up and slighly in front of your head(not above your head). Using the right technique will be something that will be positive in your tryout, so get to the courts and shoot with the new technique. DO NOT GET DISAPPOINTED. Rome was not built in a day. Dimitris Diamadidis(Panathinaikos) and Vasilis Spanoulis(Houston Rockets), (some of the best shooters in Greece team), did not get this shooting ability in a month or two. But after years of hard training and detication to their coaches. I know that cause it happens to know them personally.

And some advice on your tryout. Don't be nervous. The day before your tryout drink a lot of water (at least 12 cups-3 lt) and sleep well. Eat a big meal with carbohydrates and protein (like boiled rice with chicken) 4 to 5 hours before your tryout. Remember to drink a lot of water with some drips of lemon juice to be hydrated, cause you will not be able to drink during the tryout unless your coach tells so. Do not sit or ask for resting and water. You should be fit enough to enter the tryout. Adding brewers yiest to your diet is something that dramatically improves stamina and strength cause it contains complex B vitamins like nothing else. I know it stinks to death, but try consuming it mixed with some juice without breathing for some secs.Now, make sure you show respect to coach and you don't show off with a non-team spirit. If you have a bad moment, do not react badly or get mad with yourself. Look on to the next moment.

Hope you honour this
Yours,
Coach B.Anagnostou



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