Here is a set of shooting highlights from “Practical Modern Basketball” by John Wooden (1999):
- every individual will be practicing the types of shots that he is likely to get in games.
- it seems foolish to spend a great amount of time… to develop a type of shot a player will rarely use.
- knowing when not to shoot is as important as knowing when to shoot.
- a player should always shoot with his ‘strong’ hand if possible.
- psychological factors that may affect shooting: lack of confidence, nervousness, loss of self-control, hurrying, lack of determination, fear, carelessness, lack of concentration…
- physiological factors that may affect shooting: condition, improper warmup, injuries, lack of sleep, staleness, vision, poor hands, lack of practice, lack of ability
- basketball is a mental game and this fact is more apparent in shooting than in any fundamental.
- work for quick wrist and finger action for the release of the ball.
- use the board on almost every under-the-basket shot.
- any time that a player has to strain… from an outside shot, the distance is too great.
- a high percentage of the shooting drills practice should be on… the jump shot.
- too much emphasis on the height of the jump… maintain good ball control and coordinated rhythm.
- free throws… player should be able to close his eyes… and go through the movement easily.
- get the ball at the back of the circle before you move up to the foul line.
- do not permit anything to disturb your concentration.
- keep daily free-throw records for each individual.
- take no wild, chance, or hope shots.
- shoot with confidence-in case of doubt, don’t shoot.
- practice for perfection from the spots where you get the most shots.
- practice as much as possible under game conditions.
- work to develop quickness with accuracy.
- practice close in shots first, then gradually increase distance in proportion to accuracy.