“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 Montclair High guard Charles Murphy. The sensational shooter is knocking down 3 three pointers made per game thus far.
By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop
TheDribbleDrop: In your opinion, who are the top three shooters all time?
Charles Murphy: Ray Allen, Reggie Miller, Kyle Korver
TheDribbleDrop: Tell me two or three drills you do to improve your shooting?
Charles Murphy: I do a lot of cone drills to work on my shooting on the move. I also work on spot up shooting.
TheDribbleDrop: What's the best piece of advice you got from someone teaching you how to shoot or from a fellow shooter?
Charles Murphy: Never stop working on your craft. There is always room for improvement in regards to your jump shot.
TheDribbleDrop: What’s more important: a quick release, foot placement or arm form?
Charles Murphy: Arm form. I would say you don't really need a quick release. If you know how to move without the ball properly and create space when you are shooting off the bounce then you should be good. Foot placement is important, you want to shoot with proper balance and rhythm. With that being said, you want to have your arms a certain way to control the ball.
TheDribbleDrop: Would you say shooting more about your arms or legs when extending your range?
Charles Murphy: Legs. As the game progresses. Your arms will get fatigued. You will need to rely on your legs to hit deep shots down the stretch.
TheDribbleDrop: Which rock are you guys shooting with: Wave ball or Evolution?
Charles Murphy: If I had to choose I would say wave ball.
TheDribbleDrop: If I were new to shooting a basketball, what’s the most important piece of advice you would give me?
Charles Murphy: I would tell them to pick a spot close in mid-range, like the free throw line and work on form early. Start close and define your touch. Understanding the right amount of spin you want to put on the ball in certain spots and where you need to place the ball when you shoot.
TheDribbleDrop: Anything else you want to share about shooting?
Charles Murphy: I think shooting is where the NBA is going. You see a lot of frontcourt players starting to extend their range to the three point line. I feel like that is where the game is heading. Don't get it twisted, every player should be getting the majority of their buckets from the paint, but you have to be able to shoot it nowadays.