Amanda Knapp
The old adage 'practice makes perfect' is often touted as the key to success in basketball, with the number of shots taken being a common metric for success. However, this article aims to debunk this myth by sharing the author's experience of how taking 51,600 shots over 120 days did not improve their shooting ability. Instead, their shooting percentage decreased over time, highlighting that the quality of practice and deliberate improvement are more important than the quantity of shots taken. This article will discuss the common pitfalls of basketball shooting workouts and provide insights into how players can effectively improve their shooting technique.
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What You'll Learn
The importance of deliberate practice and continuous improvement
Taking 51,600 shots is an impressive feat and demonstrates a strong work ethic. However, the article "How taking 51600 shots made me a worse basketball shooter" highlights an important lesson: the value of deliberate practice and continuous improvement. The author's shooting percentage declined over 120 days, indicating a need for a different approach.
Deliberate practice entails more than just putting in the hours; it requires a thoughtful and analytical approach. It involves setting specific goals, identifying areas for improvement, and making adjustments to technique. In basketball, this might mean mastering the mechanics of shooting, such as foot alignment, elbow position, and guide-hand placement. It also means varying your practice, so you don't perform the same shot twice in a row within a drill, which academics call "variable practice." This type of practice may appear messier at first, but it leads to more permanent learning and better game performance in the long run.
Continuous improvement is about constantly challenging yourself to get better. This could mean setting a goal of improving your shooting percentage by a certain amount and not leaving the court until you achieve it. It's about pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, whether that's by increasing the number of shots, the distance, or the complexity of your drills.
By combining deliberate practice with a mindset of continuous improvement, basketball players can avoid common pitfalls, such as performing the same repetitive drills that don't translate to game performance. Instead, they can develop their skills more effectively and efficiently, becoming better shooters and all-around players.
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The myth of shooting 420 shots per day
Shooting a high volume of shots is a common practice in basketball, with the belief that it will lead to improved performance. However, the idea that shooting 420 shots per day will automatically translate to better shooting form is a myth. This misconception is addressed in an article titled "How taking 51,600 shots made me a worse basketball shooter," where the author shares their experience of participating in the 50,000 Shot Club, a shooting program that promises improved shooting skills and mental toughness.
The author's shooting percentage decreased from 66.1% to 63.8% over 120 days, indicating a decline in performance despite the high volume of practice. This contradicts the common belief that shooting a large number of shots inherently leads to improvement. The key takeaway is that it's not just about the quantity of shots but the quality and deliberate practice that matters. Simply shooting a high number of shots without addressing bio-mechanical flaws or making corrections will not lead to significant progress.
To become a better shooter, it's crucial to continuously analyze and improve your shot. This involves setting specific goals, such as aiming for a shooting percentage 4% higher than your current skill level, and focusing on correcting errors rather than solely relying on the number of shots taken. Adding variability to your practices and workouts is also important, as it helps improve performance in the long run, even if it appears messier in the short term.
While shooting a high volume of shots can be beneficial, it should be combined with smart repetitions and deliberate practice. This means practicing game shots from game spots at game speed, as recommended by coaches and players. It's also important to master the mechanics of the shot, as flaws in technique can be challenging to correct once they become ingrained habits. By combining a high volume of shots with deliberate practice, error correction, and attention to technique, players can strive to become better shooters.
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The mechanics of the basketball shot
Mastering the mechanics of the basketball shot is the first step to becoming a great shooter. This involves learning the fundamentals of shooting a basketball, which is usually taught by coaches. Having a good shooting technique makes it easier to improve and flaws in technique are hard to correct once they become ingrained habits. Coaches can help players perfect their technique, but players must also put in the work outside of coaching sessions to improve their shooting. This includes putting up enough shots every day, week, month, and year.
To master the mechanics of the basketball shot, players need to track their shots and practice the shots they take in games. They should also shoot at game speed, as simply shooting 420 shots per day will not improve shooting form. Instead, players should focus on improving their shooting percentage by correcting any bio-mechanical flaws. This can be done by setting a goal of improving their current shooting percentage by 4% and staying on the court until they achieve that goal.
Another important aspect of mastering the mechanics of the basketball shot is adding variability to practices and workouts. This means that instead of shooting the same shot twice in a row within a drill, players should vary the sequence of shots. While this may appear messier and lead to more errors in the short term, it will result in more permanent learning and better game performance in the long run.
Some common mistakes that players should avoid include unnecessary jerky movements, such as twisting the body, fading backward, or moving to the left or right. These movements can cause inconsistency in shooting. Players should also ensure that their feet are aligned correctly and that their guide hand is not brought down too early, as this can cause the body to twist while shooting.
Overall, mastering the mechanics of the basketball shot requires a strong foundation taught by coaches and consistent practice and repetition by the player. By focusing on proper technique and making smart repetitions, players can improve their shooting abilities and become great shooters.
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The problem with constant practice
The idea that constant, repetitive practice improves performance is a common misconception in basketball. The notion that shooting 420 shots per day will improve your shooting form is a myth. While it is important to put in the time and effort to become a better player, simply increasing the number of shots you take is not enough. The quality of your practice and the deliberate correction of errors are more crucial factors in improving your shooting ability.
The key to effective practice is variability. Performing the same task or movement repeatedly under the same conditions, known as "constant practice," may be beneficial for beginners learning a new skill. However, for more advanced players, adding variability to practices and workouts is essential. This means changing one aspect of the execution from one repetition to another, such as taking different shots in each repetition or varying the sequence of shots. While this approach may appear messier and lead to more errors in the short term, researchers argue that it results in more permanent learning and improved game performance over time.
To become a better shooter, you must continuously analyze and improve your shot. Focus on correcting biomechanical flaws and making adjustments to your technique. Setting specific goals for each practice session, such as aiming for a shooting percentage 4% higher than your previous performance, can help you stay motivated and track your progress. Additionally, it is important to practice at game speed, as this will better simulate actual game conditions and help you translate your improved shooting form into successful in-game performance.
Another aspect to consider is the role of the coach and the player in improving shooting ability. Coaches are responsible for helping players master the fundamentals and mechanics of shooting. They provide guidance and feedback to correct flaws and refine technique. However, once the players have learned the basics, it becomes their responsibility to put in the work and commit to continuous improvement. This includes practicing smart repetitions, tracking their progress, and making necessary adjustments to their shooting form.
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The need for smart repetitions
While taking a high volume of shots can be beneficial for basketball players, it is crucial to emphasise the need for smart repetitions. Simply taking a large number of shots, such as 420 shots per day, may not always lead to significant improvement. Instead, players should focus on deliberate practice and continuous improvement. This involves analysing and refining their shooting technique, addressing any biomechanical flaws, and setting specific goals for each training session.
Smart repetitions refer to the quality and intentionality of the practice. It is not enough to go through the motions of shooting; players must be mindful of their technique, making adjustments, and seeking ways to enhance their performance. This deliberate approach ensures that players are actively engaged in their skill development, rather than merely going through the motions.
One way to incorporate smart repetitions is to vary the shots within a drill. Instead of shooting the same shot repeatedly, players can introduce variability by changing one aspect of the execution with each repetition. For example, they can shoot from different spots on the floor or vary their distance from the hoop. This variable practice, as academics refer to it, may lead to more permanent learning and better game performance in the long run. It prepares players for the dynamic nature of actual games, where they must adapt to different situations and angles.
Additionally, players should strive to practice at game speed. Shooting workouts should mimic the pace and intensity of a real game as closely as possible. This helps players translate their skills effectively during competitions. It is also essential to master the mechanics of shooting, as flaws in technique can be challenging to correct once they become ingrained habits. Coaches play a vital role in helping players perfect their shooting form, but ultimately, it is the player's responsibility to put in the work and repetitions necessary to become a great shooter.
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Frequently asked questions
The 50k Shot Club consisted of shooting 20 shots from 7 different spots, on both sides of the floor, plus 150 free throws. That's 280 spot shots and 150 free throws, for 120 days, totalling 50,000 shots.
Variable practice is where the same tasks are repeated but with one aspect of the execution changed from one repetition to another. For example, you don't shoot the same shot twice in a row within a drill. This may lead to more permanent learning and better game performance over time.
One common mistake is that players do the same type of shot repeatedly for the entire workout. This type of constant practice is only appropriate for beginners. Players should add variability to their workouts and drills.
