Expert: Mark Berrier - 2/13/2004

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hi! I have an amazing shot. I can shoot from all over the court. 99% of the time it will get directly in the direction that i want- namely, the basket. But my problem is, that Many of my shots bounce of the small spot in between the backboard and the basket. Y'know that spot that holds the basket a little bit away from the backboard? So amny amazing shots hit that! How can I get my shots not to go that inch farther than I want it to go? Thanx-Sharpshot
Answer -
Hey Sharpshot!

I wouldn't worry about it. That 1% won't affect your unbelievable scoring average. Maybe just work on your passing instead.

Mark Berrier
-you misunderstood. I didn't say it went in the basket. 70% of the time it goes in. The other 29% it hits that spot. that really bothers me. You thought i meant i score 99% of the time. I really meant that i would have that scoring average but it is only 70% of the time because i almost always hit that spot when i miss. Thanx-Sharpshot

Answer
Oh, OK.

Well, just work on the backspin. That's the spin generated when you release the ball off your fingertips. When the ball actually doesn't go in and bounces around behind the cylinder, it generally has a tendency to bounce in the bucket since it caroms off the glass, then the rim, and then in the bucket. It has a spinning motion from your fingertips.

A great drill is to just lie on your back and hold the ball in one hand. Then vertically spin it up and catch it again in the same hand. No second hand. Just the fingertips and the ball. Get the spinning rotation off your fingers. Keep the ball off your palm and spin it vertically. Over and over. You'll get the gist of what I'm talking about. It will also get your elbow vertical.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

Mark Berrier