my keys to jump shooting

2 ball games this sunday. The Navitare group at 10am and the MBL game at 7pm. I'm quite excited about the MBL game since it's the first time since high school / Cebu that Glenn and I will be teammates in a refereed game again. 

Since i'm such in a basketball mood, if felt like writing something about it: 

Keys to jump shooting. 

i've never been a good jump shooter. hell, i don't consider myself a good ball player. actually, i don't really have any interest in playing offense (other than passing the ball)

anyway, here are my steps for making a jump shot:

first of all, you have to move around. look for an open spot, better yet, move to your sweet spot. a solid pick from a teammate would really help get you wide open too.

this may take some time. even the greatest shooters (miller, hamilton, stockton) sometimes take about 20 seconds in the possession cutting, bumping, and running to get to their sweet spots.

find a shot you really like. find a shot you really feel comfortable with. find a shot you can live with.

if you don't have the ball when you're in this sweet spot, you'll need a teammate to get you the ball. timing is critical you can't get the ball too early since chances are you aren't in position yet. you can't get the ball too late since you'll be open for only a half second before the defense closes in.

once you're there and you the ball is in your hands, everything has to be perfect. your feet set. shoulders squared, elbow pointing to the basket, knees bent slightly, entire body in balance, the right elevation, releasing at the apex of your jump, and then all-important follow through. never hesitate, for you'll lose your rythm.

make a mistake on any one of these little things, and chances are, you'll miss the shot.

in the end, when you're there and the moment is right, you'll just have to let it fly. do all you can to make it perfect and leave the rest to chance. it's now out of your hands. all you can do is hope and pray that the shot falls.

don't be afraid. hey, sometimes bad shots go in, and sometimes good shots miss. you just have to try. remember that you can't make a shot if you're too afraid to miss.