Some years ago, Coach Don Meyer put out 30 page booklet out titled, "Becoming A Great Shooter." It is a simple fundamental book geared towards the player and not the coach. It talks about the mental approach to shooting, the fundamentals of shooting, and then breaks the shot down into free throws, lay-ups and three-pointers. It finishes talking about the progression of the shot and the methodology of practicing shooting. It is a great booklet for young players in the formative stages of their shooting. Here is just a little from the booklet. Before you can begin working on the physical fundamentals of shooting, you must lay the proper mental foundation. You must remember the following in working to develop your shooting skills through mental preparation.
READINESS TO LEARN
The first thing is, you have to be ready to learn. Good shooters can take constructive criticism...great shooters can take constructive criticism and learn.
Coaches will not be able to improve your shooting skills until you are willing to give 100% attention to learn instruction.
Listen, Watch, & Learn.
MENTAL ATTITUDE
Picture yourself as a success and there is no way you will fail. It is essential that you know that your coach believes in your, but most importantly, you must believe in yourself...proper practice habits and mental toughness to do things well will help you develop the personal confidence that great shooters display.
SHOT SELECTION
Each player should determine his shooting range and take open shots with his shooting range. You need a guide regarding those shots which you should not attempt. These are called forces shots. Smart perimeter shooters realize they are open only when they do not have a hand in their face.
ADAPT VERSES ADOPT
Many young players try to copy high scoring pro starts. This can be a problem if you take an incorrect fundamental from a pro's style and use it in your own shooting style. Complete adoption of someone else's style of shooting is not the answer to long term success. Solid fundamentals and development of sound shooting habits while you are young are the foundation of a great shooting style.
