Andrew Pace
Basketball is a dynamic and fast-paced sport with a unique vocabulary that can be challenging for newcomers to understand. One of the essential skills in basketball is shooting, and there are different techniques and strategies that players use to improve their accuracy. One such strategy is choosing where to focus their gaze when shooting, which can vary from player to player. Some players focus on the back of the rim, while others prefer the middle or front. The key is to find a comfortable spot to focus on and stick to it, allowing players to shoot instinctually without overthinking their technique. This choice of focus point is known as their looks. In addition to shooting, looks can also refer to the deceptive actions players use to misdirect defenders, such as dribbling moves like the crossover, or faking a shot attempt to create space. Scouts and recruiters also have their own set of criteria when evaluating players, including athleticism, shooting form, and intangibles like court awareness.
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What You'll Learn
Where to look when shooting
When shooting a basketball, there are several schools of thought on where to focus your gaze. Some players advocate for looking at the hoop or basket as a whole, while others suggest focusing on specific targets within the hoop, such as the rim hooks or the backboard. Ultimately, the choice of where to look when shooting may come down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable and effective for the individual player.
One popular technique is to focus on the rim hooks, which are the hooks that attach the net to the rim. This technique is famously used by NBA star Stephen Curry, who aims his eyes at the two or three rim hooks that are facing him and thinks about dropping the ball just over the front of the rim. This method helps improve accuracy and makes it harder for defenders to interfere with your shot. Practising this technique can be as simple as spending 15 minutes walking around the court, familiarising yourself with the rim hooks from different angles and distances, and quickly locating them with your eyes.
Another approach is to focus on the backboard, specifically the square behind the net or a particular spot where you want the ball to hit. This technique may be useful for layups or bank shots, where the ball is bounced off the backboard and into the basket. However, it may not be as effective for shots that involve putting spin on the ball.
Some players also suggest that your focus may depend on your shooting tendencies. For example, if you tend to miss long, you may want to focus on the front rim hook, whereas if you tend to miss short, the back rim hook may be a better target.
Additionally, it's important to remember that shooting is not just about where you look but also about your mechanics, follow-through, hand placement, and other aspects of your shooting form. Practising consistently and developing muscle memory will help you improve your shooting skills and become more comfortable with your chosen technique.
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What scouts look for in college basketball recruits
College basketball recruiting is a complex process that involves identifying players who can excel on and off the court. Scouts and coaches play a crucial role in this process, and they consider various factors when evaluating potential recruits. Here are some key aspects that college basketball scouts look for in recruits:
Technical Skills and Fundamentals
Coaches seek student-athletes who have mastered the fundamentals of basketball. This includes dribbling, shooting, ball-handling, and understanding defensive strategies. Scouts also assess a player's ability to use both their dominant and non-dominant hands effectively, as this adds versatility to their game.
Basketball IQ and Decision-Making
Scouts look for players with a high basketball IQ who can process information in real time during a game. This includes making quick decisions, understanding defensive schemes, and recognizing offensive opportunities. A player's ability to read the game and make split-second decisions can set them apart.
Versatility and Shooting Potential
With the increasing emphasis on long-range shooting and floor spacing in modern basketball, scouts value players with versatile skill sets. While shooting percentages in high school may not be the sole determining factor, scouts look for recruits with solid shooting mechanics and the potential to develop into consistent shooting threats.
Work Ethic and Coachability
Beyond athletic abilities, scouts consider a player's work ethic, coachability, and attitude. Coaches look for recruits who are willing to learn, adapt to feedback, and fit into the team's culture and playing style. A positive attitude, dedication to improvement, and the ability to take constructive criticism are all highly valued traits.
Academic Excellence
College coaches often consider a recruit's academic performance and GPA. They seek student-athletes who excel in the classroom, as it demonstrates responsibility, discipline, and a higher likelihood of a smooth transition into the academic demands of college life. Strong academic performance can also increase the chances of admission to the university.
Scouting Process and Evaluation
Scouts utilize various methods to evaluate potential recruits. They attend high school games, AAU tournaments, showcases, and summer live periods to observe players in person. Additionally, they rely on highlight videos, online profiles, and third-party services to identify talent early. Building relationships through communication and campus visits also plays a crucial role in the scouting and recruitment process.
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How to perform a layup
A layup is considered the easiest shot in basketball as it is taken very close to the basket, making it a sure way to score points. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform a layup:
Step 1: Footwork
The first step towards the basket should be taken with the "outside" foot, which is the foot closest to the sideline. For right-handed layups, this is the right foot, and for left-handed layups, it is the left foot. This first step should be long, helping you gain distance and control.
Step 2: Dribbling
As you approach the basket, dribble the ball continuously with one hand at a time. The dribble is necessary to take steps while possessing the ball. Give the ball one last hard dribble just outside of your "outside" foot.
Step 3: Jumping
Jump off your "inside" foot (the foot closest to the middle of the court). This will be the left foot for a right-handed layup and the right foot for a left-handed layup. As you jump, bring the ball out of the dribble and position it close to your chest.
Step 4: Shooting
Shoot with your dominant hand as you lift your opposite leg. You can either lay the ball softly into the basket or bank it off the backboard. The layup can be performed with or without the use of the backboard.
Practice
The key to mastering the layup is to practice until your muscles remember the movement. Include layups as part of your basketball practice, working on your footwork, speed, and jumping power. Practice different variations of the layup, such as the finger roll or the power layup, to improve your skills and confidence.
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The Euro step
To perform the Euro step effectively, players must master each step through repetition and practice. The first step, also known as the “gather step”, involves picking up the basketball with the left foot on the floor, preferably when close to the defender and the basket. This is followed by taking the first step with the right foot, moving towards the baseline side of the defender. The key to success is to sweep the basketball across the body and quickly take the second step in the opposite direction, preferably with the left foot.
While the Euro step has been used in the NBA for over two decades, it gained popularity in the early 2000s and continues to evolve in recent seasons. It is important to note that the Euro step operates on the edge of a traveling violation, and proper execution is crucial to avoid penalties. The move is a creative way for players to utilize the allowed two steps toward the basket to complete a layup or dunk.
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Alley-oop
In basketball, an alley-oop is an offensive play that combines elements of teamwork, pinpoint passing, timing, and finishing. It involves one player passing the ball near the basket to a teammate who leaps, catches the ball in mid-air, and dunks it or lays it in the basket before touching the ground. The pass is typically high and arcing, and the player receiving the pass must have good leaping ability to reach the ball and execute the dunk or lay-in.
The term "alley-oop" is derived from the French phrase "allez hop!", which was a common cry of circus acrobats before leaping. While the term was first popularized in the United States in 1932 through a comic strip, it made its way into sports in the 1950s when it was used to describe a high arcing pass in American football. In basketball, the alley-oop gained prominence in the 1970s, with players like David Thompson, Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, and Greg Kelser showcasing its potential.
The alley-oop is a highly dynamic and exciting play in basketball, often used as a quick-strike weapon by teams. It requires precise timing, coordination, and athleticism from the players involved. The passer must deliver the ball accurately and with the right trajectory, while the receiver must time their leap, catch the ball cleanly, and finish the play with a dunk or lay-in.
Some notable examples of the alley-oop in basketball history include North Carolina State's 1983 championship game-winning shot against Houston, and the Idaho team's use of the alley-oop as a key part of their offense in 1982. In recent years, the alley-oop has become a more common and planned play in basketball, with teams incorporating it into their offensive strategies.
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Frequently asked questions
Some common basketball terms include:
- Field goal: describes both two- and three-point shots, excluding free throws.
- Full-court press: when a team plays defence for the entire length of the court.
- Alley-oop: a high pass near the rim of the basket that another player dunks or tips in.
- Turnover: when possession of the ball moves from one team to another.
Basketball moves are individual actions used by players to pass defenders and score. Some examples include:
- Dribbling: bouncing the ball continuously with one hand at a time without holding the ball.
- Crossover: changing the ball from one hand to the other using a single dribble, often used to change direction.
- Euro step: taking a step in one direction, bumping into the defender, then quickly taking a second step in the other direction.
- Layup: a two-point attempt made by leaping and releasing the ball with one hand, then using the same hand to tip the ball over the rim.
NBA scouts look for a combination of tangible and intangible qualities in college basketball recruits. Tangible qualities include athleticism, wingspan, strength, and shooting form. Intangible qualities refer to instincts and court awareness.
When shooting a basketball, it's important to focus on a specific spot on the rim that you are comfortable with. This could be the front, middle, or back of the rim. You should also pay attention to shot mechanics, squaring up properly, and maintaining balance during the shot attempt.
