“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 St. Peter's Prep guard Brendan Thiele. The STRAPPED senior has immaculate form and unlimited range from three. The Army commit also broke the 1,000 point mark last week.
By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop
TheDribbleDrop: In your opinion, who are the top three shooters all time?
Brendan Thiele: Ray Allen, Stephen Curry and Larry Bird.
TheDribbleDrop: Tell me two or three drills you do to improve your shooting?
Brendan Thiele: Form shooting is one that is very important that I always do. I also do a drill that is called “Star” shooting. You will get fatigued from all the running throughout the drill but you have to be able to knock down shots when you are tired.
TheDribbleDrop: Best piece of advice you got from someone teaching you how to shoot or from a fellow shooter?
Brendan Thiele: Earlier in the year I was struggling shooting free throws. One of the assistant coaches at my team told me to focus on something funny to keep myself relaxed. So he told me to think of my favorite food everytime I released a shot. So, before I shoot a free throw I think of spaghetti and meatballs. Funny thing is my percentage went up significantly.
TheDribbleDrop: What’s more important: a quick release, foot placement or arm form?
Brendan Thiele: Foot placement and balance is the most important. That is your base. If your feet are messed up everything falls apart.
TheDribbleDrop: Would you say shooting more about your arms or legs when extending your range?
Brendan Thiele: Legs. You generate more lift to increase your range. Anyone can flick their wrist from beneath the three point line.
TheDribbleDrop: Which rock are you guys shooting with: Wave ball or Evolution?
Brendan Thiele: Evolution.
TheDribbleDrop: If I were new to shooting a basketball, what’s the most important piece of advice you would give me?
Brendan Thiele: The acronym “BEEF.” B= bend, E= eyes on your target, E= (shooting) elbow straight, F= follow through. My dad taught me that when I was never young and I remember that to this day.
TheDribbleDrop: You randomly walk down the street and stumble into Ray Allen. You have a chance to ask Ray one question about shooting. What do you ask?
Brendan Thiele: I would ask ask him about what he prefers between a jump stop before a lifting to shoot a ball or a lunge step. What he feels is more efficient and natural.
TheDribbleDrop: Anything else you want to share about the art of shooting?
Brendan Thiele: Well the way the game is progressing, it’s clear that shooting has become a force in this league. You see even 7 footers that can knock it down off of pick and pop situations. You have to evolve with the game and it’s important now because so many teams can roll out five guys that can shoot the ball.
I also think it’s all about reps. Coach Mirabel always stresses that to me and it really paid off.