The Transforming Basketball Podcast

EP10: Developing Great Shooters

Oct 27, 2023

The podcast discusses how contemporary skill acquisition approaches can be applied to shooting in basketball, debunking the idea of one optimal technique. It emphasizes the importance of individualized coordination and the role of degrees of freedom. The concepts of constraint-led approach and differential learning are introduced, providing activity ideas to increase variability and explore different movement possibilities. The podcast also explores the limitations of form shooting, the effects of a defender on jump shots, and the importance of practice design and rethinking shooting technology.

33:45

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Each player will develop a shooting coordination that complements their body, debunking the idea of one optimal shooting technique.

Differential learning can supplement the constraint-led approach by increasing variability and exploring different movement possibilities in shooting coordination.

Deep dives

Importance of Individualized Techniques in Shooting

Traditionally, coaches and shooting coaches have believed in the existence of one optimal shooting technique that applies to all players. However, a closer look at top NBA and WNBA shooters like Steph Curry, Ray Allen, Reggie Miller, and James Harden reveals that each player has a unique shooting form. The traditional approach fails to acknowledge the complexity of human movement and the role of individual constraints. Coaches must appreciate that every player's shooting coordination is unique and must complement their body. Imposing specific techniques on players may go against their natural self-organizational tendencies.

Introduction

3min

Limitations and drawbacks of form shooting in basketball

14min

Exploring the Effects of a Defender on Basketball Jump Shots

2min

Shooting Drills and Game Simulations

6min

Improving Shooting Skills through Differential Learning

5min

The Importance of Practice Design and Rethinking Shooting Technology

3min

In this episode, Alex Sarama discusses how contemporary skill acquisition approaches can be applied to shooting in basketball. He debunks the idea of one optimal shooting technique and emphasizes the importance of individualized coordination that complements each player's body. He highlights the need for variability and adaptability in shooting coordination, as well as the role of degrees of freedom in solving the movement problem. He provides several activity ideas, such as one-on-one shooting, ladder shooting, and jungle shooting, that incorporate the principles of the constraint-led approach and differential learning.

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Key Takeaways:

1:30 - “There is no one optimal shooting technique; each player will develop a shooting coordination that complements their body.”

7:53 - “This is where I recommend exercising extreme caution in picking and choosing the application of a CLA.”

13:10 - “Degrees of freedom play a crucial role in solving the movement problem in shooting coordination.”

18:11 - “The constraint-led approach provides opportunities for players to adapt and become more flexible and adaptable shooters.”

26:08 - “Differential learning can supplement the constraint-led approach by increasing variability and exploring different movement possibilities.”

Links:

Website: http://transformingbball.com/

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