Basketball Shooting - Shooting with a Quick Release - by Dr. Hal Wissel

From the Coach’s Clipboard Basketball Playbook
"Helping coaches coach better..."

By permission from Coach Wissel @ BasketballWorld.com.
From former NBA coach Hal Wissel (see bio below).

Using the Jump Stop

Most shots in a game are open shots. When open, the jump stop enables you to catch and shoot in one motion, thereby fostering a quicker release than the step and shoot, which is a two motion shot. It is also easier to adjust to bad passes.

When using the jump stop, make certain your body is facing the basket with your hands and feet ready. Your hands are above your shoulders and your knees slightly flexed before you receive the pass. Jump behind the ball and catch the ball with your body and shooting hand facing the front of the rim.

Your knees should lower just before the catch and extend upward on the catch in a quick rhythmical down-and-up motion. On bad passes, jump behind the ball, rather than reaching for the ball. Rhythm and range come from the down and up motion of your legs, rather than lowering the ball or stepping into the shot.

Down and Up Motion

Keeping the ball high fosters a quick release and also provides less chance for error. Stepping into your shot may help your range, but your shot becomes a two-count shot. Using the down-and-up method allows you to shoot in one motion or one count. When shooting off the catch the down comes just before the catch and the shot goes up as your legs go up providing for a quicker release.

Using the One-Two Stop

Use the one-two stop when closely guarded and the pass is made away from the defender to your outside hand. Land on your inside foot and pivot into your defender and then use a jab step keeping the ball high in a triple threat position.

Coach Wissel has a wealth of NBA experience as an Assistant Coach with the Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies and New Jersey Nets. Hal was also Director of Player Personnel with the Nets and Advance Scout with the Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks. As a head college coach, Wissel compiled over 300 victories. Hal coached Florida Southern College to the 1981 Division II NCAA Championship. Coach Wissel is well known for his ability to develop players.

Hal founded Basketball World, featuring camps, clinics, books, and DVDs. Coach Wissel’s SHOOT IT BETTER Mini Camps are conducted worldwide for players ranging from NBA to youth level. Wissel has a doctorate in physical education and has authored two books:

• Basketball: Steps to Success has been translated into three languages.
  
• Becoming a Basketball Player has been made into five excellent shooting DVD's.
  

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Edited from: Wissel, Hal. (2004). Basketball: Steps to Success. Second edition. Human Kinetics, Champaigh, IL.
Wissel, Hal. (2005). Basketball Shooting: Confidence, Rhythm and Mechanics. Basketball World, Suffield, CT.
Wissel, Hal. (2005). Basketball Shooting: Off the Pass, Off the Dribble and In the Post. Basketball World, Suffield, CT.
Hal Wissel's FIVE shooting DVD's - available at: www.basketballworld.com

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