This L is Not for Losers

According to Bob Topp, Shot-Doctor.com camp
instructor and women's varsity head coach I met
recently, shooters have two simple tasks:

Shoot Straight and Judge Distance.

Yesterday we looked at what to do if your shots are
coming up wide left or wide right. Today Bob's going
to tell you what to do if your shot is long most of the
time.

The problem often involves too much bending of the
elbow, and he's not talking about sitting at a bar all
night long.

The secret is to have your arm at 90 degrees when
you have the ball in the lock and load position, often
called the shooting pocket, i.e. where you start lifting
the ball to the basket from.

It should make an 'L' and not go past vertical into a 'V'.
The ball should not hitch back toward your face or your
ear either as you raise it during the shot.

As always when you want to change your shot make
sure you start close to the basket and concentrate on
your form so you can build success momentum.Then
gradually move further out setting goals of 5 - 10
straight baskets before you move again. Don't rush.
Changing habits takes time.

Some coaches believe and teach you shoot long because
you jump too hard, but Bob disagrees. It's very, very
hard to jump too hard, and if you feel your upper body
form is good and you're still firing long, experiment with
your timing. Shoot at different points in your jump, early,
mid, late, etc. You'll find the timing and amount of
upward force that works for you.

Shoot For the Stars,

Dean - The Dean of Shooting Hoops

P.S. Everybody works out and trains, but do you know
how to develop better touch and feel in your hands and
fingers. It's essential for a shooter, and don't you want
to be the guy who has a reputation for having 'soft hands'.

Find out what a master keyboard player can teach you
about getting the most out of your hands today at:

http://www.deandelker.com/finger_fitness.html

Copyright, Delker Enterprises, Inc. 2006