“I don’t get too excited about shots I make because I’m supposed make them. I’m more perplexed when I don’t make it.” - Jesus Shuttlesworth.
Once an afterthought in basketball, the art of shooting has become one of the games most interesting subjects to study. From Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, Larry Bird and Stephen Curry all have different shooting mechanics in a sense but they all have been extremely effective from beyond the arc.
One thing about the art of shooting is clear though: there is a method to the madness. For those shooting savants, TheDribbleDrop has started a new feature series called “Respect The Shooter.” Each article will discuss the ins and outs of shooting.
Next up is Pope John guard Aaron Clarke. The sensational shooter is knocking down 3 three pointers made per game thus far. The Sacred Heart commit has also knocked down 4 or more three pointers in a game five times this year thus far.
By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop
TheDribbleDrop: In your opinion, who are the top three shooters all time?
Aaron Clarke: Reggie Miller, Ray Allen and Stephen Curry. Creating your shot off the bounce has to be Steph, but overall shooting I would say Reggie Miller.
TheDribbleDrop: Tell me two or three drills you do to improve your shooting?
Aaron Clarke: Form shooting with no shoes on to help with my balance. Regular one hand form shooting. I also like to mix in dribble combos to shots and catch and shoot.
TheDribbleDrop: Best piece of advice you got from someone teaching you how to shoot or from a fellow shooter?
Aaron Clarke: Keep shooting. You may miss here and there but you have to keep shooting.
TheDribbleDrop: What’s more important: a quick release, foot placement or arm form?
Aaron Clarke: Foot placement. It’s very important to have a solid base and be consistent with your legs. This comes into play when you shoot deeper and deeper shots. You can get away with having your feet all over the place up close, but once you get deeper it’s foot placement. Getting square with your legs.
TheDribbleDrop: Would you say shooting more about your arms or legs when extending your range?
Aaron Clarke: Definitely legs. For starters, if you don’t use your legs it’s going to be short. You will see as it gets deeper you will start coming up short a lot at game speed. Even if you are strong and in good shape, as the game goes along you will have to rely on your legs more and more.
TheDribbleDrop: Which rock are you guys shooting with: Wave ball or Evolution?
Aaron Clarke: Evolution.
TheDribbleDrop: If I were new to shooting a basketball, what’s the most important piece of advice you would give me?
Aaron Clarke: I would tell you to watch their hand placement and to keep your elbow tucked when getting started.
TheDribbleDrop: Anything else you want to share about shooting?
Aaron Clarke: I definitely think shooting is becoming more of an emphasis on the collegiate and NBA level. You see more and more bugs coming outside and being able to hit that shot. From point guard to small forward, you see players being able to shoot the ball at an extremely high level.