Get Instant Results With This Shooting Fundamental That Nobody Teaches

Nice article.

This is pretty much the exact method I teach my players. To help them keep a one motion shot, I tell them to imagine their legs driving their shooting elbow.

As they start to straighten their legs to jump, use that same momentum to drive their elbow up to the point where the ball starts when in the set position.

This all happens at the same time. When the knees are straight and the balls of the feet are pushing off the floor, the elbow is locking and the ball is being released at the same time.

I realize as kids get older, the launch will come when they''re further off the floor at times. But it seems to really help (especially with younger players) when I tell them to visualize their legs and shooting elbow working together. Or, "let your knees drive your elbow" as I tell them.

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Matthew Smick says: 6/10/2015 at 2:31:12 PM This article was interesting, as well as clearly articulated, and I love the breakdown of the different types of shooters. However, one overlooked aspect of Stephen Curry's shot, and all shooters is the role of the guide hand. On every shot Curry's takes, the fingertips of the guide hand rotate toward the rim as his right wrist flicks and releases the ball. Almost like a soccer player points their plant-foot at their target before they pass the ball, Curry and great shooters such as JR Smith make sure to point their fingertips of their guide hand at the middle of the rim as they release the ball. Herb McGee calls this "shooting through the guide hand." McGee actually even believes in pointing the thumb of the guide hand at the rim on the release (watch JR Smith). The guide hand also dictates the release point of a shot. For right handed shooters, I teach the release point to be at or around the right eye. If a right handed shooter is not consistent with their guide hand. Their release point ends up shifting more to the middle or their forehead or beyond which drastically alters their shot. I believe this to be one of the most undervalued and under taught aspects of shooting. Like     login   register

Good analysis, and I know Curry can shoot lights out, but we don't love his initial hand position on the ball (off to the side and then rotates wrist under the ball at the last second.)

We also don't think he holds follow thru long enough.

I am not trying to change his form (laughable isn't it) but we would rather our kids followed a simpler, and more consistent motion of his teammate Klay Thompson. Follow thru can clean up so many problems that we really want our kids to exaggerate it as Rick Penny does in his video. Curry and JR Smith often yank it back.

We much prefer to share Klay, Lorver, Reddick, James Jones as great examples. We know that Curry has everything perfect at release point, just that there are simpler, stricter paths to that situation.

Love the stuff on the dip. We try and get our players to dip their hips as the ball arrives rather than after the fact. We think the dipping motion of the ball is really tied to the need for the hips to dip for rhythm and drive.

Great topic, thanks for the depth.

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Joe Haefner says: 5/21/2015 at 7:22:31 AM Thanks for the notes, Chris. Dipping could certainly be linked to the player dropping the hips after the catch. Like     login   register

After reading this article I could not believe that Stephen Curry was NOT a dip shooter. I've seen many videos that shows he dips. Two still shots don't prove anything. By that logic, I can prove that Steph Curry shoots from his feet as long as I can find a still shot that shows him catching the ball at his feet.

Look at the video evidence. Steph Curry approximately 95% of the time dips the ball.

Watch this video and see for yourself: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L40SiPUD4sg

"Seeing is Believing"

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Joe Haefner says: 5/20/2015 at 10:04:03 AM The point of the article was 2 things: 1. To emphasize the importance of teaching the timing and coordination of extending the legs to jump as the ball reaches the Set Point. That way, players did not have a rushed shot motion AKA the Shawn Marion effect. 2. The second point was to introduce a more precise way to teach the dropping the ball which is called the Tuck. Never did I say that Stephen Curry didn't dip the ball. I actually said he drops the ball down to his hip in the article. However, Stephen uses the Tuck and the proper timing, rhythm, and coordination while extending his legs when the ball reaches the set point. Like     login   register

Joe, terrific article and ideas! Right on mechanically. There is not Magic bullet, not foolproof single method of shooting the rock. There are principles that most great shooters have in common. Still it's like snowflakes, no two shooters are exactly alike. Keep up the great work and thoughtful analysis.

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I studied Nordland and Penny and watched video of alot of ball dipping expert shooters then decided that one way to describe the commonly good rhythm was 'ball leads body down and ball leads the body up'. Think about it and watch the really great shooters. While Penny's 'tuck to set' are only the 'up' part, i believe the getting to tuck is the same as the ball dip 'down' part for others.

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Rick Penny says: 6/21/2015 at 4:21:34 PM Bruce, I first heard Joe Haefner equate the Tuck to the Dip and thought that was a great observation. The Tuck is to One Motion what the Dip is to other techniques. Both serve as a transition into the shooting motion providing rhythm and power. Like     login   register

great article!!!

i think a good follow-up to this article on shooting would be the importance of positioning of the feet.... SC30 has "the turn" to make sure his hips, shoulder, elbow are aligned with the rim.

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Rhythm is the key. Non-dippers can get mechanical, so there has to be a consistent way to teach non-dippers not to get into their set position and hesitate, which results in them standing up before the shot. Dippers often don't get to the set position and just shoot straight from the dip. The key is not so much the tuck, but the trigger -- as soon as the ball hits your shot pocket or set position, that's your trigger to shoot. Wait too long, then mechanical and you stand up on your shot thus losing power. Start too early, you never get in your proper set position. To do this, proper movement of the shooting side forearm to get the ball into a set position is key. Then once the forearm delivers the ball to the set position, the shot should immediately begin.

A couple of issues to consider with the Tuck:

1. What happens when the ball is on the shooters non-dominant side (ex: dribbling left handed for a right handed shooter)? It would be inefficient then to pick the ball up, rotate across your body to the tuck position, then up to the set position.

2. If you bring the ball into your body as you suggest in the tuck position, this will naturally push the shooting elbow out. You have to be careful to get the shooter back in proper set position.

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Adam Pickering says: 6/9/2015 at 1:54:18 PM When dribbling with non-dominant hand, we teach to "pound-dribble" (just a harder than normal dribble) to set the defence off their feet as this usually makes the D back off, also this brings the ball up that little bit faster. Then when the basketball gets to aprox. waist height, really rip the ball left to right into the shot pocket (tuck) then shoot. Like     login   register

Rick Penny says: 6/21/2015 at 4:36:21 PM Brian, Chapters 8, 9, & 10 of the One Motion Shooting Video explain and demonstrate how to utilize the Tuck no matter which pivot foot is used. Whether from a pass or off the dribble it's a seamless process and very efficient in movement. In fact, I've found for right handed shooters that it's easier and quicker to get the shot off going to the non-dominant or left side. Also, when using and teaching the Tuck, I haven't experienced problems with the shooting elbow being pushed out. If it does venture out, then it's being done incorrectly. Like     login   register

Not certain this question relates to the argument "to dip or not to dip". My son is 12 and is showing signs of being an outstanding shooter. rhythm, timing, ect.... however being a right handed shooter his elbow sticks out while moving through the shooting process. most videos that I've watched mention keeping the arm in line with hips, shoulders,ect... when asked to tuck the arm he responds with an "unnatural feeling" should i be concerned or just ride it out with hopes of correction as he develops?

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mikemc says: 6/9/2015 at 11:26:14 AM I would only be concerned if at the time the ball is being released the elbow is not under the ball. More precisely the little finger would be in line with the inside of the shooting elbow at the time of release. Like     login   register

Rick Penny says: 6/21/2015 at 4:45:19 PM Mike, Without having seen your son shoot, I can only speculate as to what your describing. Perhaps his elbow sticks out due to the way he holds the ball or his shot line is toward the middle of his body. If it "feels" uncomfortable for him to Tuck his elbow, then I'd say let him keep doing what is working. The Tuck is supposed to feel natural in that the upper arm hangs without any undue force toward the body. To me, the biggest factor for you son is if the ball is going in more times than not. If so, he must have very good rhythm so be careful not to throw that out of whack. Like     login   register

This is a great article. Really makes sense too. I would love to see a video too.

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Great article. Very young players have trouble with timing and rhythm and thus missing the power wave. Also incorporating the tuck into the shooting start action sets the wrist back more thus ensuring it is under the ball nicely for good arc.
Would be great to have a video of the teaching steps.

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Rick Penny says: 6/21/2015 at 4:51:38 PM Phillip, Great point about the Tuck causing the wrist to be set early. This leads to greater efficiency and a quicker release. Like     login   register

Matthew,

I completely agree with your point about the fingers of the guide hand rotating and pointing towards the basket.

Regarding the release point, you teach it takes place at or around eye level. Could you explain that further as it seems to me the release point is much higher...I don''t want to misinterpret something you''ve said.

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Mr. Joe, I would like request your help or assistance with my shot. My main problem is arc, too much arc. It takes more power to shoot from father out. Also I''ve trying to get rhythm and timing with my upper and lower body. I''ve been confused because there''s a sample shot analysis that includes Stephen Curry on jump shot genie. In this shot analysis, Coach Mac says that having the knees still bent as the arms bring the ball causes a struggle between the arms and legs. He then states that Steph is having his legs straighten out as he''s bringing up the ball.

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Please respond ASAP it''s important

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I like to use a drill similar to this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLQk6pdQhIA

However, my purpose is slightly different from the instructor in the video. I use this drill to work on bringing the ball up prior to jumping to extend the legs.

I like to do 10 reps without shooting. Then I''ll do a final rep that includes a jump and shot.

I''ll do this 5 times.

Do this every day for your warm up routine.

I found that even though you''re stepping into your shot, it helps if you like to Tuck on your hop too.

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In the diagram of Steph Curry, it says that he doesn't release at the apex of his shot. It says that he release on the way up. My question is where should you release the ball... At the eye level, or where? Please answer back since it's the middle of basketball season

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Rick says: 11/23/2015 at 1:20:00 PM Brock, I teach and believe the ball should be released on the way up right before reaching the apex of the jump. The wrist snap or release occurs exactly when the elbow fully extends. At the release, the arm should be approximately at a 45 degree angle to help provide sufficient arc. Rick Penny One Motion Basketball www.onemotionbasketball.com Like     login   register

does stephen curry put the ball in the shot pocket when he shoots

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When Curry is about to shoot the basketball does he put it in his shot pocket

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Joe Haefner says: 1/21/2016 at 8:41:58 AM Technically, I would say he does not "put" the ball in his "shot pocket". I would say he "transitions" through his shot pocket. Like   1 reply   login   register Christian says: 3/7/2016 at 4:56:24 PM I have a few questions about release timing with the legs. Like     login   register

The travel to have the best shot was long. When I first got my teaching lesson in the middle of 60''s, it was first division player with effective beautiful shot from Finland who came to show the teen age youngster what should I do.
He said: put the ball away and show me how you jump up.
So I did. "What did you do, how did you do it", he said. "I just jumped" was my answer. "How did you use your legs, how did you use your arms?" was he next guestion. So I showed it again.
"You jumped from the balance, you bob and bow at he same time and use your hands up to reach and have maybe some power, beautiful, but relax at the same time more", was his analyze or my jumping.
He continued: "Now do the same thing with the ball in your hand, take the shooting hand on top of the ball the other hand slightly under the ball. Let the ball go before you are on the top of your jump. Hands up but shoot only with your shooting hand. AND relax your upper body, your wrist and your fingers. Wave to the ball with a good spin."
Only that one time and moment he gave me that lesson. Of course as young boy I forgot most part of it. They only came back to me when sending emails with Tom Nordland some 10 years ago and looking his DVD''s. Swish is alway in my mind and mostly in my ears when I am looking and hearing my own player shooting.
Sorry to say that I was listening too much of American coaches, about the "wide legs", "index fingers", "elbow position", ball over your head, "look at the ring" etc .
I did forget in my playing carreer, how easy the fundamentals of basketball are.
To me shooting, push passing and also fundamental dribbling are the same hand motion. Relaxed wrist, ball on fingers, relaxed upper body, good balance, good abs and back muscels.

Let it fly baby, do not force the BB and it will give you Swish ="Nothing but net"

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Rick Penny says: 2/13/2016 at 12:18:09 PM Jukka, Your description of the shooting motion was very poetic and spot on. Well done! Rick Penny Shooting Coach www.onemotionbasketball.com Like     login   register

I'm left handed and I'm trying to break my shot down like James harden. What are some things I do to my shot to shoot like James harden

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This is also a great post for teaching youth players where the problem is that they've been shooting at too tall baskets or from too far out ('cause hitting a 3 pointer is so cool!) and using a "dip" to add extra power to their shot and it ends up being one motion, but from the hip, often causing them to fly forward (body following the motion). Obviously, this becomes problematic if you have a defender standing right in front of you - not to mention the accuracy issues.
I've been struggling at how to communicate this change and loved these series of videos breaking down tuck, set, and release. A big part of it is actually a subtle weight shift from the slightly forward leaning "tuck" to the more upright position of set and release. It's like the difference between a box jump rather than a standing broad jump. Then, your motion is going up through release instead of forward toward the hoop. Thanks for all your great tips!

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Rick Penny says: 2/13/2016 at 12:37:51 PM Colleen, Shooting 3's is definitely the "cool" thing to do these days. With One Motion, the "dip" isn't necessary as it slows the shooting process down. Initial power comes from the legs or knees going down and up quickly (Quick Hop). As this happens, the ball rises creating excellent timing. No doubt the "dip" provides extra power, but it also causes the leg action (down & up) to be slower. Since the ball usually starts at or below waist level, it has farther to travel up the Shot Line towards the Release Point when compared to One Motion. Timing with this method naturally causes the leg action to be slower in order to give the ball time to rise. Proper timing creates power and rhythm resulting in a shooting motion that feels effortless. You made an great observation regarding the subtle weight shift from leaning slightly forward at Tuck to becoming more upright at SET on into the Release. Rick Penny Shooting Coach www.onemotionbasketball.com Like     login   register

That will be cool if create a video of the shooting progressions that you guys used to teach the Tuck, Set, and the proper timing of the shot motion.

it seems very smooth and effective, shooting progression I've ever seen

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Hello, was hoping to get in touch with Rick here for a quick question. I was browsing through shooting workouts and was wondering if you have anything a little bit more advanced? I make 80% of my wide open 2s so shot consistency is something I feel I have worked very hard at and succeeded in. I currently run through a shooting progression almost identical to Ray Allen (and have for at least 10 years). I am a D1 player with NBA hopes and am looking for some next level workouts to sharpen my skills. Thanks in advance!

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Joe Haefner says: 3/5/2016 at 11:53:05 AM AJ, where are you located? I might know a trainer in you area to help you. One of my good friend Don Kelbick taught me that the NBA guys don't do workouts much different than a high school player. He's trained a few dozen NBA players. The only thing is that they do the little things better. Create an objective and find exercises that help you accomplish that. Do you know your strengths and weaknesses? Can you make your strengths even better? What is something you could add to complement your strengths? That way, if they take away your strength, you have a counter. Here are some other resources: https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/fundamentals/block-offseason-workouts.html https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/fundamentals/offseason-workout.html https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/players/7-tips-offseason-workouts.html https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/blog/index.php/basketball-shooting-workouts-and-practice-tips/ https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/coaching/big-rocks-first.html https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/blog/index.php/nba-players-dont-work-hard/ https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/blog/index.php/raja-bell-summer-workouts/ https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/pr/acworkouts.html Like     login   register

Rick Penny says: 3/7/2016 at 11:50:31 AM AJ, As usual, Joe has provided great advice and excellent resources for individual workouts. I couldn't add anything to what he said, but would offer the following advice: 1. When shooting, strive to improve your focus/concentration when locating your target, e.g., front of the rim, back, middle, etc. Greater concentration on the target will improve your results dramatically, especially when guarded closely by a defender. Too many times shooters pay attention to the defender and lose focus on the target. I'm talking intense focus like that of a laser beam. Noting distracts you as your locked in! 2. Be sure to relax through the shooting process when being defended and don't rush things...be quick & smooth. 3. Expect to make every shot. 4. Quickly move on to the next shot after missing...never spend one second thinking about it. The NEXT shot is the most important shot in basketball! 5. You can be the best workout warrior, but never get the results you desire in games. Be sure to calm your mind on offense, focus like a laser on the target, and develop that quick & smooth release. Before shooting, you should feel the adrenaline start to flow in anticipation of the pass coming your way. It's got to be a feeling of "I want the ball". Successful shooting in games is more of a "mental state" than one of mechanics. If you've neglected that phase, do some mental imagery by picturing yourself in games having success. Rehearse ahead of time and the actual process will be that much easier. Good luck! Rick Penny www.onemotionbasketball.com Like     login   register

Joe,

Yes, I would very much like to have you to create a video of the shooting progressions that you used to teach the Tuck, Set, and the proper timing of the shot motion.

Please make it in a dvd format - I much prefer dvds. Also is there any place I can order a dvd of Rick Perry's One Motion video?

Ray

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Jeff says: 3/6/2017 at 9:34:56 AM Thanks for the feedback. You can order the Rick Penny video here: https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/store/shopexd.asp?id=136 Like     login   register

Hello coaches. I have a question about the Tuck. Is it possible to do it easily with a two piece shot? I do have pretty good mechanics (thank you guys for that free e-book!) but the Tuck looks like it is more in the realm of a one piece shot.

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Rick Penny says: 7/4/2017 at 4:32:27 PM N, The Tuck is best for one-piece shots. Because of timing issues, it doesn't work that well with two-piece shots Rick Penny www.onemotionbasketball.com Like     login   register

Thank you for a nice article.

I believe the dip is relevant, due to 2 factors: timing and rhythm.
Without the dip, the jumper lacks both, based on my experience and observation.

Also I like the shooting elbow to be in front of the wrist at the set point, not directly under the ball. This reinforces the jumper to be an actual "shot", rather than a push.

Just my humble opinion, thank you for all the great tips!

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Rick Penny says: 7/16/2017 at 7:48:22 PM Richie N in SoCal, Looks like we have shooting philosophies that are polar opposites. :) I agree, the dip does provide timing & rhythm. It's the trademark of two-piece shots and a vital ingredient for that technique. I disagree with your assessment that, without the dip, the jump shot lacks both. Just the opposite is my observation based on 14 yrs. of teaching shooting and using the One Motion technique my entire life. Melissa Dixon, former Iowa Hawkeye, is the career leader in 3-point shots made. Great timing and rhythm! Elle Ruffridge, recent grad of Pocahontas HS in Iowa, is the State All-Time leader in points (2,879) and 3-pointers made (452/1003 = 45.1%). Outstanding timing/rhythm! Both have One Motion (one-piece) shots with deep range and neither dips. Check out YouTube to see them in action. Rick Penny www.onemotionbasketball.com Like     login   register

I have a player who catches and shoots or dribble pull ups with good accuracy, but when he shoots free throws he almost doesn’t seem strong enough and his nice stroke goes out the window. He tucks on catch and shoot, but in free throws starts with set, no tuck. Does the article above apply to free throws?

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Jeff Haefner says: 7/18/2021 at 7:59:04 AM Does he bend knees and then uncoil legs and arms at same time to capture energy up toward the hoop? Finish on the toes? It is most likely and energy leak issue. Tinker to find a repeatable free throw technique that provides enough power and is as similar to jump shot technique as possible. Like     login   register