So, you want to become a great shooter? If you want to discover what makes an elite shooter elite, then you’re in the right place. Here are some of the BEST KEPT SECRETS that I’ve discovered as a 10 year pro, that will separate you from being a good shooter to a GREAT shooter.

Repetition, Repetition, Repetition 

The best kept secret key to becoming a great shooter = REPETITION. If you want to shoot like a pro, you have to train like a pro, and that means getting the reps in. But not just any reps, QUALITY reps. Be purposeful and intentional with your shooting workout, making sure you are shooting game shots at game speed. Find time during the day to get your work in. Whether it’s getting in the gym early before school starts, staying late after practice, jumping an outdoor court in your neighborhood in the evenings – prioritize getting better every day. Try setting a goal for yourself to get a certain number of shots up every week, or if you really want to be elite, hold yourself to a making a certain number of shots every day. The more reps you get in, the more comfortable and natural you will feel within your shot. Repetition builds CONFIDENCE. If you are serious about wanting to be a great player (and a knock down shooter), you will find time to get your work in. Dreams don’t work unless you do! 

Find What Works For You

Repetition without the proper shooting fundamentals will be useless, so ensure that your shooting mechanics are correct before you waste your time getting reps in with improper form. Take advantage of the resources around you (respected coaches, trainers, alumni, etc.), making your technique is on the right trajectory and asking for help in fine tuning your shot. At the same time, stay true to what works for you. It’s true that almost all the best shooters share the same basic traditional fundamentals, but not all knock down shooters are going to have the exact same shot. Everyone has their own individual nuances, even the best shooters in the world. Don’t get me wrong, there are certainly many “wrong” ways to shoot a basketball, but the “right” way is not exactly a one-size-fits-all approach. Leave room for individual preference, while still taking in advice and pointers from the higher ups around you. To give you an example, most shooting coaches will tell you to focus on the target or the back or the rim as you shoot – but I actually watch the ball travel in the air after I’ve released it. I also rarely hold my follow through until the ball gets to the target. A shooting coach may tell you these things are “wrong”, but, they work well for me. Everyones shot is slightly different and sometimes you need to experiment to see where your comfort/accuracy level is. As long as your most important basics and fundamentals are intact, there can be space for slight variations. Aim to find a repeatable form that delivers as close to an identical result every time you shoot. Remember, what works for one person might not work for the next, so do what works for you! 

Consistency

Once you’re feeling good about your technique, it’s time to get consistent. If you want to be a great shooter, you must become a consistent shooter. Consistency comes from preparation. The more time you commit to quality repetition + repeatable shot mechanics, you will notice not only your confidence increase, but your shooting percentage as well. Most importantly, focus on practicing GAME LIKE SHOTS AT GAME SPEED. There is nothing wrong with spot up shooting, but make sure you are incorporating different types of shots and game like situations into your training. Different reads coming off screens, sliding to the corner for a baseline drift, transition 3s, off the dribble, sidesteps/step backs, the list goes on. By practicing game like shots at the same intensity, pace, and effort as a real game, once game time rolls around then everything will be second nature. Make sure you are aiming for EFFICIENCY.

Have A Short Memory 

The best shooters have the shortest memories. They are not worried about the last shot they missed, because they have already moved on to the next shot they know they are going to make. All great shooters have a NEXT SHOT MENTALITY. You make the shot, you move on – you miss the shot, you move on. The key is to not dwell on your misses. Move on quickly, refocus, and tell yourself you will knock down the next one. Give yourself positive reinforcement and trust the work that you have put in. Having this mindset will allow you to relax and shoot the ball comfortably and confidently. Which leads us to our last, and arguably, most important point. 

BE CONFIDENT

If you want to be a great shooter, confidence is an absolute must. Your mental self-talk is equally as important than the physical act of shooting itself. Confidence is a common denominator of every elite shooter. If you don’t believe your shot is going to go in, you most likely won’t see the ball going through the net. Or worse, you might even be too afraid to shoot in fear that you will miss. Remind yourself that even the best shooters in the world miss! In fact, they miss all the time, they’ve just removed the fear from it. A massive part of becoming an elite shooter is being brave and confident enough to step up take big shots. If you have put in the work, remind yourself that the bricks have been laid, and it’s your time to shine! Shooters shoot!

And that’s that. Becoming is a great shooter is really all about being comfortable in your shot, becoming consistent, feeling CONFIDENT, and most importantly repetition! Repeatable shot mechanics lead to quality reps, quality reps lead to confidence, and confidence leads to buckets! If you put in the work, it will show on the court. You can’t cheat the game! So believe in yourself, believe in your shot, and let it fly!