May 2013: Learning To Time Your 3 Pt. Shooting Correctly

Knee Action
If you have too fast knee action when you bring the ball into the shooting pocket you will be an inconsistent 3 pt. shooter. Players like the quick knee action because they shoot quickly and they get some distance from the quick knee action. Again, the main trouble with this procedure is that they will be very inconsistent in their shooting. Their timing will go off very easily.

This quick knee action is similar to using a quick jump stop for 3 pt. shooting. In the last 35 years of working with thousands of shooters, the jump stoppers and the too quick knee benders have been very inconsistent in their shooting.

3 Pt. Shooting
The three main ways of shooting the 3 pt. shot are through the 1-2 step, shooting foot back method, and the stationary position. From these methods make sure that you bring the ball into the shooting pocket with the correct amount of knee bend. Too little of a knee bend, or too much is incorrect. Make sure that you maintain your beginning rhythm all the way through the shot.

Timing
Timing your shot correctly is probably the most important part of shooting to make you a great three point shooter. Bringing the ball into the pocket at the correct speed and with enough knee bend is a big part of getting your timing down.

Basketball Camps
At our basketball camps we will give you the techniques and drills to make sure you know how to bring the ball into your shooting pocket correctly. We also cover the other techniques and drills that will help you become a great 3 pt shooter. -- Coach Baumgartner

April 2013: Getting Yourself Ready To Shoot The Three Point Shot

Ready Position
One of the biggest mistakes players make in practicing three point shooting is not doing a good job of getting into a correct ready position to receive the ball. This is also a common mistake made by coaches when they don`t set up drills which work on and train players to be correctly ready to receive the ball.

I have through the years seen so many players who are very good 3 pt. shooters not shoot the three point shot consistently well. They didn`t put their shot together well because of poor body position going into the shot.

Four Ways To Shoot Three Point Shots
We distinguish the difference in three point shooting by the footwork used. The 1-2 Stop and Shooting Foot Back are the two ways most used in high school, The professionals mostly use the Stationary Position with the down-up movement. In college they mainly use the 1-2 Step and the Stationary method like the Pros. Occasionally at all levels you see the jump stop, but it is not recommended.

Body Position
The correct ready position is where the body is erect or only with a vary slight body lean. I prefer where the body is erect. Players should have a very slight break in the knees with the hands positioned at your pocket level. Be squared to the basket. You can have the upper body turned some towards the passer. Keep the head level. After receiving the ball make sure that you sight the target.

It is slower when you open up your body and footwork to the passer and it is not recommended.

Footwork
Use the same footwork on both sides. For example if you are using the 1-2 stop footwork procedure for a right hander, you would use a left foot, then right foot procedure on both sides.

For on-the-move shooting you should use the footwork method of putting the inside foot down first going both ways.

Practice Drills
You should drill some where you are in place on the wings ready to receive the ball.

Also practice coming from different positions on the floor to get into a ready position to receive the pass for a 3 pt. shot. This practice procedure in general is the most neglected. It should not be neglected because it is one of the most important ways to practice 3 pt shooting. A player really needs to learn to get into a ready position from on the move.

Basketball Shooting Techniques
At our basketball shooting camps we work on the techniques that are needed to become a great 3 pt. shooter. Plan on joining us this summer, we can help players of all ages to refine their over all shooing. We are the number one attended shooting camp in the U.S. because of how and what we teach. -- Coach Baumgartner

March 2013: Using The Jump Stop to Shoot 3 Pt. Shots and Pull-Up Jump Shots

Jump Stop
After working with thousands and thousands of basketball players of all ages on an individual one-on-one basis, you get a feel for what works the best in executing different offensive skills.

I have found that very few players who practice a lot of shooting using the jump stop are consistent shooters. They get off a lot in timing the release of ball at the correct time. After a player develops the over-all mechanics to very good shooting, it is then releasing the ball at the correct time \that makes a player a great shooter.

The mechanics of the jump stop make it more difficult to execute the different types of shots well. It is really difficult to execute a jump stop from some positions on the floor. Again, it is not a good practice to practice jump stops when working on your shooting.

Some times because of foot position it requires a player to use a jump stop, but not often. Just do this naturally and don`t practice the jump stop a lot.

I have seen very few teams who practice shooting threes off the jump stop, shoot consistently well.

NBA Players
You now see very few NBA players use jump stops in their shooting. In the past you saw a few more that used the jump stop to shoot threes. They have changed/ There are 4 ways to shoot the 3 pt. shot. Most professionals use the technique of standing in place without moving and go into a down up action. On the move, most of the NBA players use the 1-2 stop.

Pull Up Jump Shooters
There are very few good pull up jump shooters who use the jump stop. It takes longer to go into the pull up jump shot using the jump stop. Again, it is also more difficult to get into the pull up jump shot from some positions on the floor.

Basketball Shooting Camps
At our camps we work a lot on correct footwork and getting into shooting the 3 pt shot and pull up jumpers in the quickest and best ways. Join us this Summer and learn how to execute your shooting and other offensive skills like the best college and professional players. -- Coach Baumgartner

February 2013: Maintaining Same Rhythm Throughout Shot

Releasing The Basketball At The Correct Time
A player is more apt to release the ball at the correct time if he or she maintains the same rhythm throughout the shot.

Beginning Of Shot
Footwork is the beginning of the shot. If you move your feet quickly, you must bring the ball into the shooting pocket at the same speed and maintain this same rhythm throughout the shot. If you do this you will have a more consistent release which is so important for becoming a great shooter.

Bringing the ball into the shooting pocket correctly and maintaining the same rhythm throughout the shot is one of the most difficult things for players to do consistently well.

Basketball Shooting Camps
At our basketball shooting camps we drill on bringing the ball into the shooting pocket at the correct level and time. We also give the techniques that help players release the ball at the correct time. -- Coach Baumgartner

January 2013: Step Back Shot

Cross Step Going Right
To easily learn the Step Back Shot you want to use a cross step. For example when facing the basket and going right just step across with the left foot and at the same time bounce the ball as the left foot is going down. Then step back or out with the right foot bringing the ball into the shooting foot with a 1-2 step ( right foot-then left foot ).

Cross Step Going Left
Do the same techniques as above only step across with the right foot when going left. Put the ball down with the right foot and step back or out bringing the ball into the shooting pocket and shooting it.

Why There Are Not Too Many Pull UP or Step Back Jump Shooters
The step back or out shot is a very good move when done correctly. Not many players use this move because there are certain offensive techniques that lead players away from doing a step back shot.

For example, many players are taught to get the ball out with one bounce and then run to the basket and do a lay up. With this technique a player can only do one offensive skill. This is why you do not see many players pulling up or doing step back shots. It is one way to score, but you should want more. -- Coach Baumgartner

Plan on attending our basketball shooting camps this summer. We teach all the main ways to score. We teach all of the main shots. We do it easily with both boys and girls of all ages.

We have been the number one attended shooting camp for the last 35 years. There is a reason we have been the best attended. It is because we breakdown the teaching of moves and shots better than anyone. Join us this Summer for a great learning experience. -- Coach Baumgartner

December 2012: Dribbling and Moving Quicker With The Basketball

Becoming More Powerful And Quicker With The Basketball
Coach Baumgartner has evaluated thousands and thousands of basketball players shots and other offensive skills in the last 35 years. He still does a couple of lessons a week throughout the year. With this experience and watching the great players he knows what the great players are doing to be able to move quicker and more powerfully with the basketball.

Coach Baumgartner is just covering one technique in dribbling this month.

Don`t Dribble Too High Or Too Wide
There is not enough emphasis on dribbling waist high or a little lower or a little higher. Remember, the development of skills is through great techniques and drills. The great drivers put the ball down strongly with the step. If you dribble too high you won`t move as fast or as strongly when going to the basket. With a high dribble it takes too long to put the ball on the floor. Great drivers in heavy traffic dribble waist high or a little lower or a little higher.

If the player puts the ball down correctly, he or she will be able to pull up at any time, do a step back shot or do a powerful drive step to the basket. Again, it is doing the correct techniques and drills that will develop these offensive skills. Of course, your dedication to practicing the correct dribbling techniques is essential.

Too often players do not put enough time into practicing dribbling which is so important in today`s game of basketball. Again, remember the better the techniques, word usage, and drills used to teach you the better you will learn a particular offensive skill.

November 2012: One Of The Most Important Dribbling Techniques

Where The Ball Hits The Floor In relationship to the Player`s Feet.
Watch the great ball handlers like Steve Nash. You will see that 80 to 90 percent of the bounces are slightly into or right by the foot line. The other 10 to 20 percent of the bounces are some place in front of the body.

Most Common Dribbling Mistake
The most common dribbling mistake is to dribble too wide. The second most common dribbling mistake is to somewhat hook the elbow to the hip. This limits bouncing the ball more correctly when making certain moves.

Other Common Dribbling Mistakes
Dribbling too high or two low and bending over too much at the waist are other dribbling mistakes. Make a habit of watching the great NBA ball handlers like Nash. Check out his body position and where the ball hits the floor in relationship to his feet and body. You will see in most situations his body is more upright and he does not dribble wide.

It is my opinion that dribbling in general is the poorest basketball fundamental taught. Dribbling is so important in today`s game of basketball. Make sure as a player you do not cut short your practicing of dribbling. -- Coach Baumgartner

October 2012: Footwork For On The Move Shooting

1-2 Stop
When shooting on the move it is best to use a 1-2 Stop. It is also best to plant the inside foot first. For example if the player goes right at the top of the key, he or she should plant the left foot first and then the right to square up and shoot. If the player goes left at the top of the key, he or she should plant the right foot first and then the left to square up and shoot.

Only use a jump stop occasionally when foot position requires it. It is recommended that you don`t practice jump stops when pulling up and shooting or shooting three pt. shots.

Jump Stop
Players who practice a lot of jump stops lose the timing of their shooting easily. It is also very hard to make a good jump stop from certain angles on the floor. At one time some NBA players used a jump stop in shooting 3 pt. shots and when pulling up and shooting. Last year in the playoffs I saw very few jump stops used in shooting 3 pt shots or for pull up jumpers. It is also in general not a good practice to pass off a jump stop. It is better to use a 1-2 stop when passing. -- Coach Baumgartner

September 2012: Two Most Common Ways Of Shooting The 3 Pt. Shot In High School

1-2 Step and Shooting Foot Back
There are four ways to shoot the 3 pt. shot. 1-2 Step, Shooting Foot Back, Stationary Foot Position, and Jump Stop. Coach Baumgartner distinguishes the difference in 3 pt. shots by the footwork procedure used.

Professional Players
Stationary Foot Position Is the most used by the professional players and the Jump Stop is not recommended.

High School and College
The 1-2 Footwork Procedure and the Shooting Foot Back are the most used in high school and college. Colleges also use the Stationary Foot Position which the Pros mainly use.

Pro Players
Pro players use mainly the stationary foot procedure, but also at times use the 1-2 footwork procedure and the foot back procedures. A few pro players started with the jump stop, but have changed because they are very inconsistent when using the jump stop. Very few players at any level use the jump stop for 3 pt. shooting.

1-2 Step Used In Three Point Shooting In High School and College
As you are stepping into the three point shot bring the ball into the shooting pocket at the correct time for consistent 3 pt. shooting. Take small steps for quicker shooting. Start squared up when receiving the ball.

The faster you step into the shot the quicker you can shoot. Remember, you can move too quickly and not be able to time the shot. This happened to a couple of great shooters in the NBA playoffs.

Shooting Foot Back Procedure Used In High School and College
Some of the high schools in Indiana that do the best job of shooting the 3 pt shot use the shooting foot back procedure for 3 pt shooting.

With this procedure bring the ball into the pocket and put the shooting foot down and lift the ball and thrust it to the basket. Make sure you are squared to the basket when receiving the ball.

Use The Same Footwork On Both Sides Of The Floor.
When doing spot up 3 pt shooting make sure that you use the same footwork on both sides of the floor. For example, if you are using the 1-2 footwork procedure and are right handed you step first with the left foot and then the right. Again, left-right on either side of the floor. - - Coach Baumgartner

August 2012 : Body Position and Dribbling

Body Position
One of the over-all worst mistakes in shooting and doing other offensive skills is poor body position. There are too many instructors bending players too much at the waist. The great players are more upright. Great shooters are upright and good shooters are bent over more at the waist.
Of course, the poor shooters are bent even more.

Dribbling
The two worst mistakes in general when dribbling are being bent over too much and dribbling too wide. Also having the elbow somewhat locked or positioned continuously at the hip is one of the most common and worst mistakes made when dribbling a basketball. Elbow locked somewhat at the hip really limits what a player can do with the ball while dribbling,

Basketball Camps
We had 5 great weeks of basketball camps. We did the best job ever this summer in regards to developing range and quickness in shooting. We also did our best job of teaching a player to drive. We added a couple of techniques that are essential in getting a player to drive by the defense.

The two worst mistakes that players make coming into camp are poor dribbling habits and over-all body position. We tell the players at our camps that they need to check out the great players and see how they are executing dribbling and other offensive skills. At our camps we teach what the great college and NBA players are doing. -- Coach Baumgartner

July 2012 : Ideal Shooting Pocket

A Little Right Of Center
The ideal shooting pocket for a right handed player is a little right of center. This starts the ball in the shot line before the ball is lifted. This is the most efficient and natural position for the shooting pocket. The ideal shooting pocket for a left handed player is a little left of center.

Level Of Shooting Pocket
The level of the shooting pocket will depend on how a player uses his or her feet and positions his or her body.

Other Positions Of Shooting Pocket
Other acceptable positions for shooting pocket are: 1. Pocket at center of body, 2. Pocket a little left of center for a right handed player, 3, Pocket a little right of center for a left handed player.

Not Recommended
A right handed player has a more difficult time finding the shot line when they start with a shooting pocket fairly wide to the right. The same applies for a left hander starting too wide to the left. This shooting pocket position is not recommended.

Basketball Shooting Camps
At our shooting camps we do a thorough job of covering the shooting pocket which is important in developing a great shot.

We have finished two weeks of shooting camps and things went great. We did a great job of developing distance and quickness in shooting. We also did our best job of teaching driving. The techniques we are teaching, I feel, are the best. I was glad to see Lebron James was pictured in Sports Illustrated doing one of the techniques which we feel is important in teaching driving.

Remember when someone says that this player or that player is too weak or to young to do this or that shooting skill, they are probably not grounded enough in teaching offensive skills. We taught the Euro-step in a few minutes at our first and second week of shooting camps. To do this all you have to do is break down the skill so any level player can learn it easily and quickly.

I often here that a young player is not strong enough to shoot from a certain distance. It won`t be strength, it will be the player isn`t using his or her body properly. Again, distance and quickness in shooting our two skills we teach easily. -- Coach Baumgartner

April 2012 : Developing a Pure Stroke

Pure Stroke
It is very important to develop a "pure stroke". If you are ever going to be a great shooter, you must have a pure stroke. This is where all the arm parts are correctly aligned before releasing the basketball.

Form Drill
Do the form drill by starting 6 or 7 feet in front of the basket. Do this shot without jumping. Make sure that after lifting the ball that you push up and follow through on each shot. Make sure you do both of these techniques each time you shoot the ball.

Follow Through
By following though on each shot you are more apt to develop a "pure stroke". Again, a pure stroke is where the arm parts are correctly aligned when the ball is released. When following through on this drill make sure that you get your ( fingers and wrist ) into the shot. Just "push up and follow though while getting your fingers and wrist into the shot. Doing this helps in a natural way to draw all the arm parts into a straight line which you need to develop a pure stroke.

Hold Follow Through
At times it is a good practice with this form drill to hold your follow though. This technique of holding the follow through helps to align the arm parts correctly.

Checking For Pure Stroke
When a coach or parent is looking to see if a player has a pure stroke, they should check from the shooting hand side and also check the stroke when positioned in front of the player.

When positioned back of the basket you can see if all the arm parts are in line when the ball is released. If the hand rotates in or out on release there is usually a mistake in the grip.

When positioned on the players shooting hand side you can check to see if the arm is at a correct angle when the ball is released ( flat, etc. ). You can also see if the player gets his or her fingers and wrist in the shot. The release is more correct if the fingers angle down after releasing the ball.

Basketball Shooting Camps
Basketball applications are coming in nicely for attending the Dick Baumgartner Shooting Camps. We will have some great techniques, drills, and one-on-one instruction for developing accuracy, quickness and range in shooting. We will easily help players to develop a pure stroke for great shooting. Remember we also teach regardless of age regular moves and shots as well as advanced moves and shots. We are probably one of the few camps teaching the Euro-step, near arm lay-up and spin moves, etc.

Our techniques and drills are so well broken down we can teach any grade level the shots and moves that are most used in today`s game of basketball.

Plan on joining us this summer for a great basketball experience. Remember, besides the techniques, drills, and one-on-one instruction we provide 9 games and contests.

March 2012 : Common Mistake When Dribbling A Basketball

Elbow Locked Somewhat At The Hip
Dribbling is one of the least well taught basketball skills. Too many players dribble the ball wide and away from the body. Eventually this will develop a habit where the player somewhat locks his or her elbow at the hip. If a player does this it will limit what a player can do off the dribble. For example: if a player somewhat locks his or her elbow at the hip they will not be able at times (when needed) to dribble close in front of the body.

Remember your elbow needs to move freely at your side if you are to become a great dribbler. Don`t practice techniques that will lead to habits that will somewhat lock your elbow at your side.

Dribbling Wide
A player who dribbles wide will have less control in heavy traffic and will lose the ball more.
It is recommended that you watch the great dribblers in college and the pros and you will see they do not dribble wide in relationship to their feet and body. Watch where the ball hits the floor.

Basketball Camps
At our basketball camps we teach the most important techniques and drills that will help you to become a great dribbler. Remember, if you want to reach your dreams in basketball, it is essential with the way basketball is played today that you learn to dribble the basketball real well. We do a great job with our dribbling techniques and drills to help a player become a great dribbler.

As said before, dribbling is probably the least well taught basketball skill. We teach what the great NBA ball handlers like Steve Nash, etc. are doing to be great ball handlers. Join us this Summer to learn the best techniques and drills for shooting a basketball and other offensive skills. Coach Baumgartner

February 2012 : Practice Getting Open For A Shot

Getting Open
Too often players who can shoot well have a problem of getting open for a shot. Too many players tend to practice 3 pt shooting under just ideal situations. Once a player has developed his or her 3 pt. shot, he or she should practice some getting into the 3 pt shot from difficult situations.

It takes more than just standing in one spot and having someone passing you the ball to become a great shooter.

There are many drills that players can practice that will train them to become very good 3 pt. shooters. We will cover a few in this tip of the month.

Re-locate Drill
A player who knows how to score will go to that open spot to get his or her shot. Again, there are players who can shoot but don`t know how or don`t sense when to move this way or that for the open shot.

Passing to the Post and re-locating up or down is one re-locating drill. Make sure when you re-locate you are squared up to the basket with your body balanced and ready to receive the basketball. Use the footwork you have been taught or what you are the most efficient with using.

With this drill you are basically receiving the basketball from the front. Work both sides of the court.

Passing to the Pt. Guard and re-locating up or down is another way to run the re-locating drill. With this drill you are basically receiving the basketball from the side. Work both sides of the court.

Basket-out Drill
Run this drill by starting 4 or 5 feet inside the 3 pt. line. Receive the pass from pt. guard or center. Work both sides.

Start inside the 3 pt. line and then run behind the 3 pt. line. Get your body around through correct footwork so you are squared up to the basket and in a balanced position.

Really work on getting ready to shoot from off the move with your body balanced and ready to receive the ball. Go into the shot with the footwork procedure that best fits the situation. With this drill your feet can already be positioned or you can step into the shot while receiving the pass. These drills are more like game situations.

A few of the better NBA players really work on body balance, footwork, and timing which helps them to shoot well in tough situations. Nowitzki of the Mavs is a good example. His instructor that he works with puts him into a lot of tough shooting situations so he is ready for anything that comes up. From these experiences he has learned how to get into a shot from tough situations. This is one reason he is a great shooter and scorer.

The above are just two game-like shooting drills. Teams that run more game like drills in practice shoot better. Remember, it is very important to work on getting into position with good body and foot position so you are balanced and ready to receive the ball.

Of course, it is still beneficial where a player positions himself or herself on the wings and the pt. guard passes the ball to the wing player.

Basketball Camps
This summer at our camps we are going to run more game-like shooting drills. We have run game-like shooting drills in the past, but this summer we are going to do even more. We also are going to do more with quickness, range, and accuracy in shooting.

If you join us this Summer, I believe you will find that we will give you what you need to become a great shooter and scorer. We will send you home with a lot of drills, techniques, and experience to make you better. Remember we also do a lot with other offensive skills besides shooting. Coach Baumgartner