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Dick Baumgartner's Basketball Shooting CampWhere Great Shooters Are Made Not Born. |
Camp Information:
- Basketball Instructional & Training DVDs & Videotapes
- 3 point shooting
- Best free throw
- Low post moves & shots
- Dribbling
- Individual boy's workout
- Individual girl's workout
- Shooting off pass
- Pull-up jump shooting
- Moves and shots
Basketball Tip of the Month
May 2008: Position of Support Arm,
Hand, Wrist, and Thumb
Position of Balance or Support Arm, Hand, and Thumb Before Lifting
Basketball and Thrusting It To the Basket, I wrote on support parts before
without any pictures. This article will be on the most common support grip
with the support hand on the side of the ball.
Slight Differences
There are slight differences that are acceptable. Your guideline for acceptance
as a coach or player should be when the support hand does not affect the shooting
stroke of the shooting arm. For example if the balance thumb comes forward
some and does not affect the shooting stroke this is acceptable. Often when
the support parts get into the shot a player will not have a "pure stroke".
A "pure stroke" is necessary for straight shooting.
| Support Thumb, Elbow, Wrist |
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| Picture two shows both hands correctly positioned in the
shooting pocket. Remember, players can have shooting pocket
positioned differently. |
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This Summer in our camps we are going to emphasize why it is so important for players to use their support arm and hand correctly. We will use great drills and techniques so the players attending camp will easily develop proper use of the support hand, elbow, wrist, and thumb. We want all players to leave camp with a "pure stroke" and using the support parts correctly is one of the essentials to reach that goal.
Photographer, Katie Wise |
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April 2008: Basketball Footwork For
Shooting On-The-Move
Inside Foot Down First Going Right Or Left
When on-the-move shooting, in most situations you will go towards the basket,
across the middle, or up from the baseline. From all of these positions the
footwork should be the same. The inside foot is put
down first with the outside foot brought around to square the player to the
basket. In diagram one it shows coming up, going to the middle and
most of the illustrations show going towards the basket.
Pivot On The Inside Foot
All great shooters have great footwork. You will need to practice pivoting
on your inside foot and bringing your outside foot around to square to the
basket correctly.
Great Shooters On-The-Move
Great players when shooting on-the-move use the technique of inside foot down
first going both ways. All you have to do is check the great shooters on TV
and you will see they use the inside foot down first method most of the time
with an occasional jump stop.
Teaching Shooting At Our Shooting Camps
We show, teach, and drill on shooting footwork at our shooting camps. Players
learn shooting footwork which is essential for great shooting. Footwork is
often neglected, but not at our camps. We teach on-the-move shooting footwork
as well as spot-up shooting footwork.
Players Planning On Attending Camp This Summer
This will be a great summer to attend our shooting camps. Coach Baumgartner
gives a lot of lessons during the Winter and Spring Months. With this experience
and the camp experience he continually works on techniques, drills, and word
usage. This Summer he will add a couple of new drills and techniques that
players will really like. Coach Baumgartner`s distance techniques are very
good and he has added another one that is terrific. This summer he will easily
show and drill players on how to have great range. We will do an even better
job of teaching players to attack and break down their defensive player. Coaches
want players who can shoot and break down the defense and THIS IS ONE OF OUR
SPECIALITIES. Plan on attending our 2008 shooting camps for a great experience.
Coach Baumgartner
March 2008: Releasing Basketball In
The Shot Line
| Shot Line and Form |
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Basketball Shooting Camp At the Dick Baumgartner`s Shooting Camps we work on correct shooting arm alignment and shooting pocket so a player in a natural way releases the ball in the shot line. |
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Click here
for information on boys shooting camps
Click here
for information on girls shooting camps
February 2008: Angle Of Shooting Arm
When Releasing The Basketball
Angle Of Shooting Arm It is recommended that once an older player is shooting well and has
"grooved his or her shot" that they not try to change the
arc on their shot. Of course, the extremely flat arc will need to be
corrected. |
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Basketball Shooting Camps
The techniques and drills we use at our basketball shooting camps automatically
help players to develop a correct arc on their shot. We also have great drills
and techniques to correct players who have an extremely flat arc on their
shot.
Plan on enrolling this summer in the number one attended basketball shooting
camp in the U.S.. We definitely can help you with your shooting and other
offensive skills to make you a complete scorer. Coach Baumgartner
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January 2008: Spread of Index finger
and Thumb of Shooting Hand
Shooting Pads and Spread of Index Finger and Thumb of Shooting Hand
It is very important to touch the correct shooting pads and it is also very
important to spread the index finger and thumb of the shooting hand correctly.
Not spreading the index finger and thumb correctly when placing the shooting
hand on the basketball is a very common mistake.
Correct Spread Of Index Finger and Thumb of Shooting
Hand
Picture 1 shows the correct spread of the index
finger and thumb of the shooting hand. As you can see the player is showing
a comfortable spread of the index finger, thumb, and other fingers of the
shooting hand. With this grip a player`s distance will not be affected, and
he or she will have good control of the basketball.
Incorrect Spread Of Index Finger
and Thumb
Index Finger and Thumb Too Close Together
Picture 2 shows the index finger and thumb being
too close together. This too close placement causes a player to lose distance
and control. This also causes the shooting hand to turn when releasing the
ball. This is a common mistake and is easily corrected.
Incorrect Spread Of Index Finger and Thumb
Index Finger and Thumb Too Far Apart
Picture 3 shows the index finger and thumb too far
apart. This mistake causes a hard shot from too much tension in shooting hand
which is caused by the overspread. Players who spread the index finger and
thumb correctly have a much better touch. An overspread is a bad mistake and
it is also a common mistake.
Coach Baumgartner and his professionally trained shooting
instructors easily correct gripping the basketball mistakes when they are
working with players on a one-on-one basis. The shooting instructors are on
duty morning, noon, and night. This makes it possible for the Dick Baumgartner
shooting camps to provide the best and the most one-on-one instruction in
the country.
November and December 2007: Alignment
Of Shooting Arm
Alignment Of Shooting Arm Is The Same
Alignment of the shooting arm is one part of shooting that is the same for
all players. There are some parts of shooting a basketball that can be different
and also correct. For example, there are different ways of gripping a basketball
that are correct.
At an early age a lot of young players lift the ball to the neck or chin before
thrusting the ball to the basket. This is a correct technique and it is illustrated
in picture 1.
It is also correct to lift the ball higher before thrusting the ball to the
basket. This is illustrated in picture 2. But with
these different lifts before thrusting the ball to the basket the alignment
of the arm should be the same.
Slight Slant To Shooting Arm
There should be a slight slant to the shooting arm before thrusting the ball
to the basket. This is the most natural way to align the shooting arm and
hand. When the player is squared to the basket the shooting arm should not
be straight up and down and aligned with the shoulder. This incorrect alignment
is shown in picture 3.
Essential For Straight Shooting
If a player is going to shoot straight, he or she must have correct alignment
of the shooting arm and hand before thrusting the ball to the basket.
Other Incorrect Alignment Procedures
Picture 4 shows the shooting arm too far in front
and straight up and down. This is a very tight and stiff alignment of the
shooting arm.
Picture 5 shows the shooting elbow aligned too far
out.
The reason for the delay of the November Tip was the late arrival
of the pictures. Coach Baumgartner
October 2007: Footwork For On The Move
Shooting
Correct footwork used when shooting a basketball is a very controversial
topic. There are so many ways that shooting instructors teach shooting
footwork. After evaluating thousands of players shots and observing many of
the great shooters, I believe it is wise to follow one basic technique for
on the move shooting.
1. When shooting on the move have both feet parallel and basically pointed
ahead. Feet should be under the body and spread hip width or shoulder width
apart. If shooting foot is slightly ahead that is all right. I would practice
having your feet even and pointed ahead. If you have a little slippage when
on the move that is all right.
On the move shooting is different than stationary shooting. When on the move
if feet are turned before leaving the floor, a principle of motion comes into
play. With feet turned a player`s body will twist in the air when he or she
comes up off the floor. This makes it very difficult for the player to keep
the ball in the "shot line".
If a player is going to be a great all around shooter, he or she must have
correct footwork when shooting on the move.
When checking out some great shooters they have had different stationary footwork,
but not on the move. Their footwork on the move was as recommended. When the
player squared to the basket, his or her feet were parallel and basically
pointed straight ahead. They were under the body and shoulder or hip width
apart. Again, with this footwork technique they stayed in the shot line all
the way through the shot.
Remember, as a player you will want to make sure you practice on the
move shooting correctly. When a shooter goes against a principle of motion,
it rarely turns out. You want to check out what the great players are doing.
September 2007: Techniques For Support Hand, Elbow, And Wrist
Developing correct techniques for the support arm and hand are much more important than most coaches and players realize. It probably is the most neglected area in teaching shooting.
Correct Techniques Are Very Important
The following are techniques recommended for players who put their support hand on the side of the ball before lifting it. When working on these support techniques start with the ball in the shooting pocket.
Side Grip For Support Hand
1. Hand On Side Of Ball
2. Wrist In and Bent
3. Elbow Slightly Out
Correct support arm and hand techniques are necessary for a player to become a great shooter.
August 2007: Starting Shot With Hand Behind
the Ball With Wrist and Hand Bent a Lot is Incorrect
Shooting Hand Behind Ball With Wrist and Hand Bent a Lot
With the player`s hand positioned behind the ball with the hand and wrist
over-bent, a player is more apt to lift the ball and have the shooting hand
too far under the basketball or the fingers are dipped
down some before thrusting it to the basket.
This is starting the shot with the shooting hand and wrist already in a "cocked
position" before lifting and thrusting the ball to the basket. With the
hand and wrist already in a "cocked position" before lifting the
basketball it is a more stiff finger-wrist action and is not natural.
Less Control and Distance
Players starting their shots with this technique usually lift the ball to
where the hand and fingers end up too far under the ball
or the fingers are dropped some. When the hand and fingers
are too far under or the fingers are dropped down some a player will have
less distance and control.
Why Some Shooting Instructors Use This Teaching Technique
This basketball shooting technique is used by some instructors because it
helps them to more easily align the shooting arm before the
player thrusts the ball to the basket.
With this incorrect teaching method it is easy to form the shooting arm, but
it usually leads to one of the worst mistakes in shooting
which again is getting the shooting hand too far under the
ball or dipping the fingers down before thrusting the ball
to the basket.
Slight Bent Wrist or Flat Wrist are Both Correct
There are more correct and natural ways to align the shooting arm and still
position the hand and wrist correctly before thrusting the ball to the basket.
Starting the shot with a flat or slight bent wrist helps a player in a natural
way to have the correct hand and wrist position after the player has
lifted the ball and thrusted it to the basket.
Players Who Practice A lot and Use the Incorrect
Bent Wrist Technique
Most players who practice a lot and who use the incorrect bent wrist technique
usually do not lift the ball and have their hand and wrist positioned correctly
before thrusting the ball to the basket
We correct this procedure at our basketball shooting camps, but it is a difficult
correction. It is especially difficult to correct with players who
have ground in this technique with a lot of practice. Again, having hand too
far under the ball or dipped fingers before thrusting ball to basket really
hurts range and control.
When doing player`s shots at our basketball shooting camps, I ask the players
making this mistake if they have been taught hand behind ball with hand and
wrist heavily bent. In ninety percent of the cases the answer is yes.
I would like to remind the readers of this monthly column that the shooting
fundamentals and techniques described are what the great shooters are doing
or not doing. What I recommend can be checked out by observing the great college
and professional basketball players on Television. Coach Baumgartner
July 2007: Locking Shooting Elbow When Releasing
the Basketball is Incorrect
Locking Shooting Elbow
This is one of the worst techniques used in teaching shooting. Some instructors
use this technique. If a player literally follows this technique he or she
will have less control and they will also have a hard shot which will hit
the target hard.
Angle of the Shooting Arm On Release
Instructors using this technique of "locking the elbow on release"
use this technique to get players to have their shooting arm at the correct
angle when releasing the basketball. It is good to have the shooting arm at
the correct angle when releasing the basketball. But it is not good to achieve
this through a locked elbow shooting technique.
With the correct angle of the shooting arm, the player is more apt to have
correct or adequate arc to his or her shot. There are better techniques a
player can practice to get the correct angle of the shooting arm "without
locking the shooting elbow". Again, if a player "locks"
the shooting elbow he or she will shoot a hard shot.
At the Dick Baumgartner Shooting Camps we use more natural
techniques which develop the correct angle of the shooting arm on release
so the players will have correct arc on their shot. With our techniques the
players would use only the natural movements of the body. We do not use a
"locking of the elbow technique" which is not a natural movement
and must be corrected if the player is going to shoot well.
At our camps we teach and correct through our drilling and one-on-one individual
shooting instruction. We believe at our shooting camps we use the best drills,
word usage, and techniques to teach shooting and other offensive skills. We
feel no camp in Europe or U.S. in four days can match what we do in 4 days
at our camps. We do a great job of drilling and evaluating players in the
four days and also provide 9 games and several contests. Our teaching skills
have been developed through my 52 years of coaching (20 years coaching teams
and 32 years of basketball shooting camps). In that time I have evaluated
over 48,000 player`s shots on a one-on-one basis.
Check the Locked Elbow Technique On Your Own
Just stand without the basketball and simulate shooting the basketball and
lock the elbow when you are following through. You will be able to feel the
unnatural motion. The angle of release is fine, but the locking of the elbow
causes a hard and less controlled action.
With the Basketball Shooting camps coming up I will put in a short tip-of-the-month for June and July.
June 2007: Hooking the Defensive Player With the Drop Step
from the Low Post Position is Incorrect
This hooking technique is taught a lot but none of the good players in High
School, College, or the Pros do this move because, in general, it is a slow
move and at times it throws a player off balance.
Body Position Is Really Important From the Low Post Position
Don`t overspread your feet and squat too low. This is a common mistake. This
body position ties the lower part of the body down and a player moves too
slowly from this position. If you check the good post players in college and
pros, you will see that they don`t over squat or spread their feet too far
apart.
Hooking a Defensive Player With the Drop Step
This is a slow move and at times the over extending of the leg to hook the
defensive player causes the player to be off balance. The hooking of the defensive
player sounds good, but it is one of the worst low post techniques taught.
None of the good post players use this technique.
Just have your low post player start with a good body position without over-squating
or over-spreading his or her feet. From this position the player should make
a quick drop step without over-extending his or her leg so he or she will
be balanced. These are natural techniques and this is the way the body should
be trained. Remember, quick and balanced will beat slow and off balance every
time.
The techniques and tips that I give on this website are how the very good
and great players in high school, college, pros. execute their offensive fundamentals.
Again, I am doing a short tip this month, but if you want more information
on low post techniques, you can check out on this website the video or dvd
on Low
Post Moves and Shots.
May 2007: Bringing the Ball into the
Shooting Pocket
Shooting
Pocket.
Bringing the basketball into the shooting
pocket is very important in shooting the basketball consistently well. When
a player starts the shot from the shooting pocket he or she
will be starting the shot in the shot line and time
the shot better.
Location of Shooting Pocket
Technically when the ball is in the Shot Line it
is located a little right of center for right handers and a little left of
center for left handers
When a right handed player brings the ball to the center of the body he or
she in an unconscious way is usually a little right of center which again
is the shot line for right hander.
Level of Shooting Pocket
Players have different shooting pocket levels. Some players start
at the stomach level before lifting the ball, some at mid-stomach, and some
at the upper-stomach or chest level. Find the level that fits best the timing
of your shot.
When to Bring Basketball to the Shooting Pocket
If you are stepping into the shot with 1-2 footwork you should bring
the ball into the pocket as the knees are bending and lift the ball as the
legs are extending or you are coming up. Continue with the
shot and follow through.
Don`t Intentionally Dip or Drop Basketball When Bringing Ball Into the Shooting
Pocket
This is a bad mistake and will hurt a player`s consistency a lot.
Just bring the ball in, over, down, or up when bringing the basketball into
the shooting pocket, but don`t intentionally dip the ball.
Basketball Shooting Camps
With the drills, word usage, techniques and one-on-one instruction
used at our basketball shooting camps, we do a great job developing a player`s
shooting pocket and other shooting mechanics. We do this through very simple
and easy to understand drills and techniques. Our drilling is followed up
with very good one-on-one individual instruction by Dick Baumgartner and his
highly trained shooting staff.
April 2007: Gripping a Basketball
Correctly
The illustrations of correctly gripping the basketball are
showing the basic areas that the good and great players touch.
Player`s grips will vary some when using these basic grips.
Don`t try to be too exact when gripping the basketball. Just spread your fingers
and thumb in a comfortable way and put your hand on the ball. Remember, don`t
have thumb and index finger too close or too far apart. Both are bad mistakes.
Shooting Pads
Which shooting pads to use in gripping the basketball is probably one of the
most controversial topics in shooting. The slight pressure or tension being
applied with the pads is what is meant by gripping with the shooting pads.
The information given in this article is based on an indept study on grip
in addition to working with over 48,000 players individually on their shooting.
Three Basic Grips
There are three basic grips which are correct. The pictures show the general
areas that the good and very
good players grip the basketball.
Remember, when you use a correct grip you get better control and distance
Correct and Most Used Grip
Most Used Grip
With this grip the player touches the finger pads and the pads below the fingers.
The upper thumb pad is used but not the lower thumb pad or the side pad. This
grip is also good to use around the basket area.
With this grip a player can adjust the ball in his or her fingers easily.
2. Correct and Second Most Used Grip
Second Most Used Grip
This grip is similar to the grip illustrated in picture one except with this
grip the player also touches the deep thumb pad. Players using this grip vary
in the amount of pressure that is applied with the deep thumb pad.
3. Correct and Third Most Used Grip
Third Most Used Grip
This grip could be called the all pad grip. Of the three correct grips this
would be the most controversial. After working with thousands and thousands
of player`s shots, I have found that some very good outside shooters use this
grip. Players using this grip usually like it because they feel they get better
range when touching all of the shooting pads. This is not a good grip for
around the basket. It is harder to make adjustments with the hands when all
the pads are on the ball.
Key Guideline to Follow When Gripping the Basketball
The one pad that is essential for proper grip is the pad under the middle
and index fingers. When a player touches this pad so many good things
happen in a natural way. When a player touches this pad he or she is forced
in a natural way to put the finger pads and the pads under the fingers on
the ball. Again, this helps control and distance.
Touching this pad under the middle and index fingers also helps for
proper release. Don`t be too exact on placing the shooting hand,
so that this pad touches the ball. Just put your hand on the ball in a natural
way and touch this general area below the index and middle fingers. Again,
just make it easy by spreading your fingers and thumb in a comfortable way
before putting your shooting hand on the ball.
Basketball Shooting Camp for Players and Coaches
Players who attend our shooting camps will learn the
very best techniques to develop their shooting and other offensive skills.
We believe we are the number one attended shooting camp in the U.S. because
of the results we get through our teaching methods.
Coaches who sign up to work our camps will be exposed to the best drills,
techniques, word usage, and one-on-one instruction available.
March 2007: Gripping A Basketball
Techniques
Because there
is a lot of information on how to grip a basketball before shooting it, Coach
Baumgartner will give this information in two parts. The first part will be
covered in the March Tip and the second part will be covered in the April
Tip.
In this articule, finger-tip grip will be covered first and then putting the
palm on the basketball will be covered second.
Shooting Pads
Which shooting pads to use in gripping a basketball is probably one of the
most controversial topics in shooting. Which pads are used in holding the
ball determines the difference in grips.
1. Incorrect Finger-Tip Grip for Shooting Hand
Finger-Tip Grip for Shooting
Hand Incorrect
By just touching the shooting pads on the ends of the fingers a player gets
less power and in turn less
distance. A player also has less control
when using less pads and in turn poorer accuracy when
shooting from the outside.
Coach Baumgartner knows through his experience of doing thousands
and thousands of players shots that he can improve distance and accuracy through
teaching a player to grip the ball properly.
Some shooting authorities have advocated gripping the basketball with just
the shooting pads at the end of the fingers. The finger-tip grip is illustrated
in picture 1. and is not recommended. It
is incorrect and limits a player on what he can do with his or her outside
shooting.
Tests show that more than just the finger-tips must touch the ball during
proper gripping. As the ball is released, it comes off the finger pads at
the ends of the fingers which is correct. But, as it is held, the basketball
should be gripped with more shooting pads than just the finger-tip pads.
Any grip which controls the basketball successfully touches at least the finger
pads and part of the pads below the fingers. If a player tries the finger-tip
method, he or she will find that the farther toward the end of the fingers
he or she holds the ball the less power they will generate with the fingers
to propel the ball to the basket.
2. Palm of the Shooting Hand
Palm of the Shooting Hand
Shooting authorities do agree that the palm of the hand should not be used.
But what is meant by the palm is seldom explained. Illustration 2 shows the
palm.
There are some grip gadgets on the market which keep the palm off the basketball.
The main problem is that some of the gadgets also keep the player`s shooting
pads below his fingers off the ball. Most of these devices teach a player
an incorrect gripping procedure.
Actually a device is not needed to keep the palm off the basketball. Even
if all pads of the shooting hand are placed on the ball, it is still impossible
to put the palm on the ball. The hand is constructed in a way that when it
is spread properly to grip the basketball, it cups and prevents the palm from
touching the ball.
Again, all a player has to do to keep the palm of the shooting hand off the
ball is to spread the fingers and thumb properly.
The information that Coach Baumgartner has provided is based on observing
and working individually with over 48,000 players on their shooting. He found
that most of the good and very good shooters
did not use the finger-tip grip. The ones that did had very limited range.
Second Part of Articule On Gripping a Basketball
The second part will be describing and showing the correct ways to grip a
basketball with your shooting hand. This will be the April Tip of the Month.
Basketball Shooting Camps
"At the Dick Baumgartner shooting camps we teach what the very good and
great players are doing. We believe our techniques, drills, word usage, and
one-on-one instructions is the best. In the last 32 years we have had over
65,000 players attend our camps. In that time we have had the opportunity
to work with and help so many players of different ages and abilities."
--Coach Baumgartner
February 2007: Intentionally Dipping
the Basketball Before Lifting and Shooting the Basketball
When bringing the ball into the shooting pocket it is a very bad mistake to
intentionally dip or push the ball down before lifting the basketball to chin-face-forehead
or slightly above forehead.
Players who do this at times get on-a-roll and hit several shots in-a-row.
But it has been my experience after doing thousands and thousands of player`s
shots that players who do this dipping of the ball before lifting it are very
inconsistent.
CAUSES RUSHING OF THE SHOT
When a player brings the ball into the shooting pocket and then dips the basketball
he or she then has a longer lift to the face or forehead, etc, and must rush
the lifting and the thrusting of the ball to get the legs into the shot.
DIPPING THE BALL AFFECTS TIMING AND A PLAYER`S SHOOTING BASE
The worst thing that happens when players intentionally dip or drop the ball
when bringing it into the shooting pocket is that the dip affects the timing
and doesn`t allow the player to establish a good shooting base. The
shooting base is the position of the elbow just after the ball is lifted or
just before the ball is thrusted to the basket. After the ball is lifted the
elbow must be in this position for at least a split second or there is no
base for accurate shooting. The dipping of the ball doesn`t allow
the elbow to be positioned for a long enough time before thrusting it to the
basket. Remember, good shooters have a shooting base even though it is only
for a split second.
RECEIVING PASS FROM FRONT
When receiving pass from the front a player should just give with the hands
and bring the ball back to the shooting pocket. Then lift ball and thrust
it to the basket. Don`t bring it back into the shooting pocket and intentionally
dip ball.
THERE ARE TWO PARTS TO SHOOTING THE BASKETBALL
When shooting a basketball there are two parts after bringing ball to the
shooting pocket. The two parts are lifting and thrusting the ball to the basket.
Most shooting is done with a no conscious pause between the lifting
and the thrusting of the ball to the basket. If a player maintains
his or her rhythm all the way through the shot they will automatically have
the correct pause.
PLAYERS WHO COME OFF THE FLOOR FAIRLY HIGH BEFORE SHOOTING
Some shooters who come off the floor fairly high can pause
longer (more hang time) before thrusting the ball to basket. Remember, most
shooters don`t come up high before shooting the basketball so they should
not pause for a long time before thrusting the ball to the basket.
ONE PIECE SHOOTING FOLLOWED LITERALLY IS INCORRECT
One piece shooting is incorrect because if this technique is followed
literally the player will have no base before thrusting ball
to the basket.
Shooting a basketball is not one piece, it is two parts, lifting and thrusting
the ball with a split second pause inbetween the lifting of the ball and the
thrusting it to the basket. When a player maintains their rhythm all
the way through the shot it looks like what some call one piece shooting but
it is two parts. It is two part with no conscious pause. Again, the
no conscious pause is a slight pause which is the shooting base of
a player which is needed for accuracy.
DON`T THINK ABOUT MECHANICAL PARTS WHEN SHOOTING A BASKETBALL
We definitely don`t want players thinking about mechanical parts of shooting.
If they do this they will not shoot the ball well. Thinking about parts of
the shot is one of the worst mistakes made in learning to shoot well. Our
drills and techniques at camp put the players into the correct mechanics of
shooting in a natural way.
With our experience and understanding of what actually
happens in shooting a basketball correctly, we have been able to develop great
techniques, word usage. drills and great one-on-one instruction which will
teach players in a natural way to become great shooters.
LONG PAUSE BEFORE THRUSTING THE BALL TO THE BASKETBALL IS ALSO INCORRECT
FOR MOST SHOOTERS
Only some shooters who come off the floor fairly high can pause more before
thrusting the ball to the basket. Again, these players have more hang time.
Most shooters, however, will follow the shooting procedure where they
maintain their rhythm all the way through the shot. Following this
procedure the player`s pause between the lifting and thrusting of the ball
will only be for a split second.
GREAT RESULTS AT OUR BASKETBALL SHOOTING CAMPS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS
After being connected with basketball coaching,and basketball shooting camps
for the last 52 years our camps can provide the best shooting techniques available.
We have been the number one attended shooting camp for the last 32 years.
We understand through our many years of experience what the great American
and European players who shoot well are doing. The techniques they do in a
natural way are what we teach at our boys and girls shooting camps.
Our drills, word usage, techniques, and drilling are so good they will automatically
put your players, sons, or daughters, into the correct shooting mechanics
if followed correctly.
CORRECT WAY TO BRING BALL TO SHOOTING POCKET
When the ball is passed and it is even with or higher or lower than the player`s
shooting pocket he or she should just bring the ball into the shooting pocket
and lift it and thrust it to the basket. Again, the player should not intentionally
dip of push the ball down before lifting it and thrusting it to the basket.
Intentionally dipping or developing the habit of dipping is incorrect and
very detrimental to good shooting.
We teach in a natural and correct way of bringing the
ball into the shooting pocket which is one very important part of shooting.
For example, learning to shoot well off the pass is very important. How to
receive the ball from the front. side, and other positions and then bring
it into the shooting pocket while coordinating it with other parts of the
body so the shot is timed well is critical in shooting consistently well.
We do a great job at our shooting camps teaching shooting fundamentals.
Coach Baumgartner
January 2007: What It Takes To Become
A Great Point Guard
OFFENSIVE FUDNDAMENTALS----SKILLS WHICH NEED TO BE DEVELOPED TO A
VERY HIGH DEGREE OF EFFICIENCY
1. Passing
2. Dribbling ( Learn to keep dribble alive when necessary )
3. Great Floor Vision ( sees whole floor real well and always looking )
4. Shooting ( outside, pull-up, driving and finishing )
5. Penetrating ( penetrate and pass is a valuable skill )
6. Strong With The Ball ( very good head and body position )
7. Floor Judgement ( few errors )
8. Leadership ( wants to take responsiblity of leading team )
9. Mental Toughness ( developing your skills wIll automatically help your
confidence and in turn will also help in this area )
10. Unselfishness ( team is first )
11. Reading defenses ( basic reads )
12. Driving techniques off stationary position ( Beginning step with ball
)
13. Penetrating off dribble ( Moves off dribble to penetrate )
14. Controlling the defense ( You are not a point guard if you can`t control
defense).
15. Attacking skills
WORK ON BECOMING THE BEST YOU CAN BE IN EACH OF THESE AREAS
As your skills get better, you will become more able to lead a team. Remember,
skills are something that with proper instruction and hard work you can learn.
Of the above qualities that make a great point quard, ten of them are skills.
Work on becoming the best you can be in each of the qualities and skills mentioned
above. Develop an attitude that you want and can lead the team. Also develop
good floor judgement by realizing in your play what works and what doesn`t
work. As you develop well in the above areas your mental toughness and confidence
will also develop because you are becoming one of the best.
At the Dick Baumgartner Basketball Shooting Camps we
drill and lecture on the skills mentioned above. We also give one on-one instruction
on shooting. We give drills at camp which are great for developing point guard
skills. (example: great dribbling drills, attack drills, vision drills, etc.
)
Players who attend our camps develop into complete scorers. Our shooting camps
develop these skills through lectures, and great drilling, and one-on-one
instruction.
THERE ARE NO SHORT CUTS TO " BEING THE BEST YOU CAN BE".
IT WILL TAKE HARD WORK AND CORRECT PRACTICE
COACH DICK BAUMGARTNER
December 2006: Common Mistakes Made In Executing the Pull-up Jumper
Common Mistakes:
1. Over-cupping the ball too much when dribbling (cupping and turning hand over too much when dribbling)
2. Long dribble (too far away from body)
3. Too high or too low of a dribble
4. Too wide of a dribble (out to side too far)
5. Too long of a stride
6. Incorrect footwork
Coach Baumgartner
Coach Baumgartner did an indept study on pulling-up and shooting off the dribble. In this study, he found out the above techniques will prevent you from being able to pull up and shoot at anytime and anywhere on the floor. The above mistakes are the reason why some of the very good basketball players don`t have a pull-up jump shot.
Pull-up jump shooting techniques are probably one of the least understood areas in shooting. We cover and drill the correct techniques at our shooting camps. The five best pull-up jump shooters in NBA execute the pull-up jumper like we teach it. Remember, the very best players executing the pull-up jumper correctly can pull-up at anytime and anywhere on the floor.
You can also learn about the correct techniques and drills for pull-up jump shooting by ordering the video or DVD on pull-jump shooting from this website.
Basketball Shooting Camps
At the Dick Baumgartner basketball shooting camps the pull-up jump shot techniques are covered very well. Players are also put into the very best drills which do a great job of teaching younger and older players how to pull up and shoot. The drills, individual instruction, and techniques given at camp are the best and definitely will help you.
Besides the pull-up jumper, the camp does a very good job of teaching the 3 pt. shot, shooting off the pass in general and the free throw. The camp also covers other offensive fundamentals such as passing, driving, finishing well etc.
Plan on attending the number one attended shooting camp in the U.S. With our 32 years of experience, we can definitely help you with your shooting and other offensive techniques.
Videos and DVDs
Coach Baumgartner has a great video and dvd out on pull-up jump shooting. It has the most complete and up-to-date information on the pull-up jump shot. The drills and tecniques are simple to execute and if practiced correctly will automatically make it possible for you to pull-up at anytime and anywhere on the floor.
November 2006: Head Level - Look Up With Eyes
Keeping the head level with eyes looking straight out or up plus body position are two of the most important aspects in teaching a fundamental well. Head and body position are very important in shooting a basketball, dribbling, and passing etc..
Head Up
Head up is a term used by many coaches. Steve Nash`s dad started saying to
him at a very early age to"keep his head up". He has followed this technique
as a young player all the way through his professional career.
Head Level - Look Up With Your Eyes
Coach Baumgartner has had a similar saying which he has used in teaching shooting
for the last 45 years. "Head level - look up with your eyes" helps to balance
a player as well as helping a player to sight the target.
Head level helps a player to execute body mechanics better. It also helps
balance a player all the way through the shot. Of course, the eyes up helps
the player see the target better.
Rudder of the Body
The head is the rudder of the body so a player doesn`t want
his or her head forward or backward after lifting the ball to a position before
thrusting it to the basket.
Before Lifting the Ball
If a player has a correct head and body position before lifting the ball he
or she is more apt to have a correct position of head and body after the ball
is lifted.
Head Back
If the head is back after lifting the ball, the shoulders are more apt to
be locked to some degree. This will affect power and in turn distance. It
will also affect the arc of the shot.
Head Forward
If the head is forward after lifting the ball, a player doesn`t get full power from the body and the arc is also flat.
Teaching Fundamentals
To teach fundamentals well a coach must not only understand the breakdown of the fundamental, but he or she must also understand the importance of head and body postion. Head and body position affect balance, mechanics of shot, arc, and power, etc.
Coaches and Players
Head level - look up with the eyes is a great technique to use when teaching players to shoot a basketball
October 2006: Sighting Target When Shooting The Basketball
There are three basic times when players sight the target and shoot the basketball.
- When shooting a free throw
- When shooting on-the-move
- When spot-up shooting
Sighting Target When Shooting A Free Throw
Since a player has more time to sight the target when shooting a free throw he or she can pick out a more specific point. The best free throw shooters use the following sight points when shooting a free throw.
- Over-the-rim
- Down the Middle
- Back of the rim
- Whole basket, etc.
Again, a player has more time when shooting a free throw
to pick out a specific sight point.
Free throw shooters should find the sight point that works best for them.
Once a player has found his or her sight point that is what he or she should
concentrate on when shooting a free throw.
By concentrating on the sight point you are more apt in a natural way to coordinate
body parts towards the target.
Sighting Target When Shooting On-The-Move And Spot-up
Shooting
Most of the great outside shooters sight the whole basket when shooting on-the-move
or spotting-up. A player has less time when shooting on-the-move to pick out
a specific sight point like in free throw shooting. Again, the great and very
good shooters that I have checked out pick up the whole basket when shooting
on-the-move or spot-up to shoot.
Keep Head Level and Look Up With Eyes
Another technique to practice is keeping the head level and looking up with
the eyes to sight target. This technique should be used when shooting a free
throw or on-the-move shooting and spot-up shooting.
It is important to sight the target in all shooting situations. But it is especially important when shooting 3 point shots. By sighting the target a player has much better depth perception which is important in all shooting situations and especially in 3 pt. shooting. Most "air balls" are the result of not sighting the target. Remember, to become a great all around shooter you must sight the target. If you develop the above sighting the target techniques you will be headed in the right direction to becoming a great shooter.
August 2006: Tip on Foot Position
Position of Feet when Shooting a Basketball
With an incorrect foot position a player`s shot can be affected even more when on the move. Foot position affects alignment to basket, balance, and power to shoot the basketball.
Position of Feet
When shooting a basketball the player`s feet should be basically underneath him or her. This allows the power generated for shooting to be used in the most efficient way.
- The player`s feet should be shoulder or hip width apart.
- The feet should be basically pointed ahead or have a slight turn. This varies some with the very good shooters.
- The shooting foot (right foot for right handers and left foot for left handers) should be even or slightly ahead.
- Shooting foot positioned too far in front. Some coaches teach that the heel of the shooting foot should be in line with the toes of the opposite foot. This foot positioning takes away some of the power in shooting. This foot positioning is also more apt to cause a players`s shooting arm to go more flat on release. This causes a flat shot with little arc. If you observe the vary good shooters you will see they do not use this foot positioning.
- Another incorrect foot positioning is where the shooting foot is out too far with both feet turned too the left for right hand shooters. Of course with this foot positioning the body is also turned. With this procedure the player`s body will turn in the air when the player pulls up to shoot. This spinning and turning motion is caused by the beginning foot position.
WHAT IS CORRECT
A good guideline to follow is to basically have the feet under
the player with the shooting foot even or slightly ahead. The spread of the
feet should be hip or shoulder width. If you see slight variations from these
techniques and the shooter is shooting well, I would not mess with the player`s
shot.
At our basketball shooting camps we spend a lot of time with footwork. I have
been involved in teaching shooting for the last 51 years and each year it
becomes more important. All the great shooters and scorers have great footwork.
The information given above is based on 20 years of coaching teams and 31
years of drilling players at our basketball shooting camps, It is also based
on working with over 48,000 player`s shots on a one-on-one basis.
Start watching the very good shooters on television and check out their footwork.
What we teach at our shooting camps is what the very good players are doing.
July 2006: Footwork for Pull-up Jump Shooting
Best Footwork Method for The Pull-up Jump Shot
Coach Baumgartner probably has spent more time and study than anyone on basketball shooting footwork. He first published a footwork article in the Scholastic Coach in the early 70`s. The method shown then is still the best over-all footwork method used when shooting on-the move. The footwork method is the 1-2 stop where you put inside foot down first going both ways.
Coach Baumgartner`s last study on footwork was done a couple of years ago (2004) when he did an in-depth study on pull-up jump shooting. At this time he went through all of the footwork methods used by players when shooting on-the-move. With his past background and a thorough understanding of all the differences in footwork he was able to sort through all the variables. You will find what he recommends is what the very good and great pull-up jump shooters use.
Three Main Footwork Methods- 1-2 stop with inside foot going down first going both ways.
- 1-2 stop with same foot going down first going both ways. (For right handers this would be putting the left foot down first going both ways. Opposite for left handers) Another way to explain this would be the right hander puts his inside foot down first going right and his outside foot down first going left.
- Jump stop with both feet going down at the same time is another footwork procedure.
1-2 Stop With the Inside Foot Down First Going Both Ways
With this footwork method you can get into the shot from any angle to the
basket. This is not the case with the jump stop. From tough angles the jump
stop is more difficult to get squared to the basket. It is also slower to
get into a shot from those difficult angles. Players who have mastered the
1-2 stop with inside foot down first going both ways can pull-up at any time
when the defensive player makes a mistake. Check out the great pull-up jump
shooters on T.V and you will see that they will be using the method Coach
Baumgartner recommends. This 1-2 method is very explosive and again it is
easy to execute from any position on the floor. As a player, once you have
mastered this footwork method and have also developed quickness in your footwork
you will be able to pull-up at any time.
Jump Stop
Some coaches believe that the very good pull-up jump shooters are using a
jump stop to pull -up and shoot. If you watch closely you will see this is
not the case. There are some decent pull-up jump shooters using the jump stop,
but no great or very good ones. As I said they are limited because usually
they have to be facing the basket to pull-up and shoot.
1-2 Stop With The Same Foot Going Down First Going Both
Ways (right hander, left foot)
Some coaches teach this method because they think it is quicker when a right
hander is going left. This method when going left for a right hander is not
as explosive. It also doesn`t fit into the scheme of things where a player
through practicing this method will automatically learn to pull up at anytime
Players using this footwork method rarely become over-all great pull-up jump
shooters. In the past I have seen where coaches have changed very good pull-up
jump shooter to this 1-2 method. After they were changed they no longer pulled
up well. Remember, after correctly practicing the other 1-2
method where the inside foot is put down first going both way , a player will
start to automatically pull-up well. Of course it takes practice to become
a real good pull-up jump shooter.
What Do The Great Pull-Up Jump Shooters Use?
They use the 1-2 stop with the inside foot going down first
going both ways the majority of the time. They also use a jump stop occasionally
when the foot positon dictates a jump stop.
Again, a player will find if he or she practices correctly with the footwork
recommended they will automatically be able to pull-up at anytime.
We do a great job of teaching the pull-up jump shot at our
basketball shooting camps.
You can order the video or DVD: "Great Drills and Techniques to Develop the
Pull-Up Jump Shot" off this website. I believe you will find that the information
given on the pull-up jumper is easy to understand and put into practice. If
you follow and practice the drills given you will be able to automatically
pull up at any time. You will find that this video or DVD covers all the techniques
and drills to make you a great pull-up jump shooter. It shows and explains
the different footwork procedures explained in this article.
June 2006: Another Tip on Touch
Locking the Elbow on Release
If this technique is followed literally, it will make the release hard and the player will also have less control. This technique of locking the elbow on release creates a good angle of the arm on release, but definitely is a very poor tecnique for touch and control. There are also better drills and techniques for developing a correct angle of the shooting arm on release. Drills that won`t affect touch and control.
When players literally follow the locked elbow technique they will bang the ball off the target. It is a very poor technique to be used in teaching shooting in general.
In Coach Baumgartner`s shooting lessons in the last 40 years he has had to unlock a lot of locked elbows. In this time he has done over 48,000 players shots. Locked elbow shooters use the arm too much to get the ball to the basket and not enougth fingers and wrist. When the ball is released correctly there is a slight break in the elbow.
Shaq`s Free ThrowOne of Shaq`s free throw instructors uses the technique of locking the elbow on release. Of course, we all know Shaq`s free throw shooting of around 47% isn`t very good. The shooting instructors who have worked with him haven`t been able to get him into the correct shooting mechanics or they have given him incorrect shooting techniques. The locking of the elbow would be just one of the incorrect shooting techniques he has gone through.
Through the years he has made about every mistake you can make in shooting a free throw and he still is making a lot of mistakes. They have credited his poor shooting to his wrist-hand structure, size of hand, etc.. Until someone puts him in the correct mechanics of shooting and then sets up a few simple drills which make him execute, timing, etc. correctly he will continue to shoot poorly . Of course, locking the elbow on release wasn`t a shooting technique that was going to help his release and soft touch.
Coaches when watching the shooter from the shooting hand side, his or her elbow should have a very slight break when releasing the basketball.
Remember, this technique of locking the elbow is not only very poor for free throw shooting, but also for shooting in general. For the untrained eye the form of the shooting arm looks great when using this technique, but the ball bangs hard off the target. Also remember, coaches using this technique will have some success because some players will not literally follow locking the elbow.
A general rule to follow in teaching shooting is to not over exaggerate any one part of the shot unless your are over compensating for a bad mistake. When you over exaggerate a part, the muscles don`t work well together.
At our shooting camps with our drills, techniques, word usage, and one-on-one instruction we can easily help a player with his or her touch.
May 2006: Developing Touch In Shooting
There are 7 parts that I consider important in developing very good touch. The tip of the month for May is about one of those parts which helps develop great touch.
Over-Spreading Of Index Finger And Thumb, And Other Fingers Of Shooting Hand
Over-spread of index finger and thumb and fingers on shooting hand is one of the most common causes of a hard shot. While you are sitting there, over-spread your index finger and thumb and other fingers on shooting hand. Feel the tightness in your shooting hand. This is one of the common causes of poor touch and hardness in shooting.
Two of the greatest basketball players ever had different grips. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar of UCLA gripped properly without an over-spread. He had a very good touch and shot a very soft shot.
Wilt Chamberlain, the number one scorer ever in professional basketball had an over-spread of index finger and thumb. Most of his shots were dunks. Both great players did an over-spread when dunking, but Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in a natural way gripped differently when shooting a basketball. Wilt Chamberland did an over-spread in dunking and also in shooting. This is why he didn`t shoot an ouside shot well from any distance.
Added Tip On Grip For Players Who Practice Dunking
Remember, if you are practicing dunking make sure the dunking grip doesn`t get carried over into your outside shooting. When not dunking and shooting from the outside you should have a comfortable spread of the index finger and thumb, and other fingers. Have a comfortable spread for one of the essentials in great touch.
It is also incorrect to have the thumb and index finger and the fingers on the shooting hand too close together. With too close together the player will have a weak grip and not have good control of the basketball.
Proper touch and other important parts of shooting are easily taught through the drills, techniques and word usage we use at our camps.
For a shooting instructor to teach proper touch he or she must first understand what causes good or bad touch. Then to be able to easily teach soft touch, they must construct drills, techniques and word usage that make it very simple and easy for players to learn. We use very simple teaching methods at our camps.
Coach Baumgartner in the future will cover other correct and incorrect procedures which affect touch.
April 2006: Shot Fake
It is best to have a short quick shot fake. When you fake don`t raise the
basketball too high (over head) because when you bring
the ball down from a high position it is usually still in a high position
before you put the ball on the floor. A high shot fake is slower and the ball
is positioned too high for driving. From a high shot fake the player will
travel more and it is slower
because the ball is farther from the floor than when using a short shot fake.
Again, the high shot fake is slower and the player is more apt to travel when
ball is put on floor.
Remember, players who start their drive move with the ball
positioned at the upper stomach or chest level travel a lot. From this position
it is difficult to time putting the ball on the floor at the correct time
with the step.
With a short quick shot fake you are less apt to travel
and it is much quicker. Check out the shot fake of the very good players who
put the ball on the floor. You will find most of them will have a very short
or medium shot fake.
Techniques For Teaching Or Learning The Shot Fake
- Short quick fake
- Hold head still while lifting ball
- Stay down while lifting ball with arms ( just lift arms )
- Your can practice by yourself by using the ball toss out drill. Just toss ball out and step into shot and execute the ball fake. You can put it on the floor or shoot.
- You can also have someone toss you the ball and then have them step towards you and play dummy defense where they go for the fake.
Have some defensive players ( 2 or 3 ) on the low block and some offensive players ( 2 or 3 ) back of 3pt line. The defensive player throws the ball to the player behind the 3pt line and then rushes toward that player and defenses the player behind the 3 pt line. The player behind the 3pt line shoots or uses shot fake. Players rotate lines. The timing of this drill is set-up by the defensive player starting on the low block and the offensive player positioned behind the 3pt line. This drill works well with 4 players to a basket.
Word Usage
The below terms are good teaching words to get your players to do the shot fake correctly. Tell your players:
- Quick - Short Fake
- Hold Head Still
- Stay Down
- Don't Move Head