Confidence Requires Skill: Building a Jump Shot from the Ground Up

When you brush your teeth, you don’t need affirmations or breathwork to get it done—you’ve done it a thousand times, so you trust your ability. Shooting a basketball is no different. Confidence and skill go hand in hand: It is impossible to have confidence without skill.

The Three Essentials of a Great Shot

This article focuses on three core pillars that form a reliable jumper:

1. Follow-Through – The backbone of every shot.

2. Range – Generating power without compromising form.

3. Balance – Staying steady no matter how the pass arrives or how tired you are.

By mastering these fundamentals, you’ll avoid common pitfalls and develop a shot you can trust—even in high pressure moments.

Follow-Through

A consistent follow-through is the heartbeat of every great shooter. Yes, individual forms vary—Reggie Miller shot above his head, Larry Bird angled the ball behind his head, and Steph Curry fires from the hip—but they all snap their wrist the same way each time.

Common Mistakes & Corrections

• Overcomplicating Mechanics: Adding too many variables (e.g., flaring elbows, twisting wrists).

• Solution: Keep the wrist snap straightforward and repeatable.

• Not Starting Close: Jumping straight into three-pointers can cause players to fling or push the ball.

• Solution: Begin with short shots to solidify a smooth release.

Helping My Brother

When my brother graduated high school, he needed to become a better shooter for a college scholarship. I had him shoot only at close range for two months. Once he locked in his follow-through, his 3-point shots started falling effortlessly. He eventually earned that scholarship by honing the foundation first.

Range

Once you’re making around 70–80% of your close shots with a consistent follow-through, it’s time to step back.

Common Mistakes & Corrections

• Using the Arms for Power: Relying solely on arms will create inconsistent form

  Solution: Bend your ankles, knees, and hips in one smooth motion to generate power from the ground up.

• Flattening Your Release: Overcompensation from deeper range leads to a low-arc shot.

  Solution: Maintain the same wrist snap and arc you use close in—just add more leg drive.

No Threes Until I Touched the Backboard

When I was a kid, my mom—who played basketball for Australia—had one strict rule: no three-pointers until I could touch the backboard. It was torture seeing other kids celebrate threes while I stuck to short shots. But that waiting game let me develop a strong close-range shot. By the time I had the leg strength to move out, my form stayed the same, and I didn’t rely on awkward motions like over-rotating hips or pushing the ball with both hands. That early frustration turned into a lifelong advantage.

Balance

If follow-through is the heart and range is the muscle, balance is the glue that holds it together. In-game shots rarely come from a perfect standstill. You’ll catch the ball at odd angles, run off screens, and move off-balance.

Common Mistakes & Corrections

• Ignoring Footwork: Sloppy foot placement leads to rushed or tilted shots.

  Solution: Practice planting your feet in rhythm—even when receiving a pass from various directions.

• Looking at the Defense: Shifting your focus mid-shot can throw off your entire body alignment.

  Solution: Lock your eyes on the rim as you rise, letting your body self-correct.

Learning to Plant & Shoot Under Pressure

When I started in the NBA, the further 3pt line made shooting more difficult for me. Once I started paying as much attention to my footwork as my shooting release, I noticed immediate improvements. No matter how the ball arrived, I learned to create my own balance before releasing the shot.

Conclusion

Confidence is built on the back of skill. You can’t trust a shot you haven’t shaped through deliberate practice, 1000s of reps, and thoughtful adjustments. By starting close, nailing your follow-through, and only then extending your range—while challenging and building balance—you craft a shot you’ll rely on even when fatigue sets in or the game’s on the line. It becomes as routine as brushing your teeth because you’ve done it so often, in so many ways, that your body knows exactly what to do.

Call to Action: Turn Fundamentals into Wins

1. Dedicate time to close-range practice—no deep shots until you’re hitting at least 70–80% up close.

2. Track and adjust—slowly move your way out, keep notes on how well you are shooting

3. Challenge your footwork—introduce game-like movement before every shot, ensuring you can plant and stay steady under any conditions.

Put these steps into action and watch how quickly your shot becomes something you can count on.