Shooting Footwork in Basketball

Introduction

• The phrase "you shoot with your hands but you score with your feet" highlights the importance of footwork in shooting.
• Understanding shooting footwork is essential for players, coaches, and trainers to maximize potential.

Basic Footwork Concepts

• Catch and Shoot Footwork:
  • Dominant hand affects footwork; right-handed players use left-to-right step, and vice versa for left-handed players.
  • Options:
    • Step into shot: Plant non-dominant foot on the catch, step with dominant foot.
    • Slide into shot: Slide with the ball's flight, then step non-dominant to dominant.
    • Plant foot technique: Plant non-dominant foot, step with dominant on catch.
• Consistency and Speed:
  • Consistent footwork is key to becoming a great shooter.
  • Example: De'Aaron Fox's jump shots show identical footwork consistency.

Shooting on the Move

• Maintain awareness of position relative to the basket.
• Straight to the Rim:
  • Use the same footwork as catch and shoot; start with non-dominant foot.
  • Creates balance and consistency.
• Moving Left or Right:
  • Use "one-two step" for lateral movement.
  • Inside foot (nearer to basket) and outside foot (furthest from basket) dictate steps for balance.
• Half Turn vs. Full Turn:
  • Half turn: Easier, with shooting shoulder already facing the basket.
  • Full turn: Harder, requires turning shooting shoulder to the basket.
  • Most players shoot moving to non-dominant side for ease.

Shooting Off the Dribble

• Footwork remains consistent even when dribbling.
• Inside and Outside Foot:
  • Moving to the right: Inside (left), Outside (right).
  • Moving to the left: Inside (right), Outside (left).
• One Bounce Pull-up:
  • Footwork: Three steps (right, left, right).
  • Foundation for shooting off the dribble.

The Hop Footwork

• Description: Landing on both feet instead of a one-two step.
• Challenges:
  • Difficulty in maintaining balance.
  • Squaring up shoulders mid-shot.
• Situational Use:
  • Beneficial when moving away from the basket.
  • More common when coming off screens.
  • Should be a secondary option, not primary.

Key Takeaways

1. Start with catch and shoot footwork.
2. Focus on inside-outside footwork when on the move.
3. Begin pull-ups off the bounce with one dribble.
4. Work on these techniques at game speed for instinctive footwork.

Thanks for joining the session. See you next time in the film room.