by Jefferson Mason, on Jun 12, 2022 10:30:00 AM
The off-season provides so many opportunities for players to maximize their training. This off-season, Dr. Dish released the Summer of Better to help inspire players to take their game to the next level with tons of free training resources.
In this blog, we'll break down 5 things players can do to improve their shot this off-season.
1. Create Consistent Routine And Plan
One thing players struggle with the most is developing a consistent routine. Many players just step on the court and shoot and chase rebounds for an hour or so and then call it a day. This doesn't necessarily mean they aren't getting better, but it's at a much slower rate then it could be.
Understanding your goals and executing the plan makes all the difference. Players: Challenge yourself to specifically make a set number of shots at specific locations, in specific scenarios, and stay with it until its complete. Have a focus each day so that you can hone in on improving in that particular area. This helps develop muscle memory and good habits.
Checkout our offseason training checklist designed to help parents, coaches, and players establish routines, develop and enhance skills, bond with teammates, and so much more!
2. Focus on Fundamentals
Many "old school" coaches and players often talk about the fundamentals and how important they are especially when shooting. However, many times younger players have looked at this as a bad thing regarding training.
I've had players that could hit a deep three but not make a left handed layup or mid range pull-up. This is because players aren't focusing and training properly.
There are steps and processes that need to be followed when learning how to shoot and train. Balance is a basic fundamental that players often forget to work on. It allows players to shoot the ball in many different situations and more accurately regardless of the offensive movement. Balance allows players to be more consistent, gain strength, and have more offensive options when they get the ball.
Make sure to work on the fundamentals and BALANCE each and every day.
3. Train game-like
Dr. Dish prides itself on practicing game-like reps. Our shooting machines are specifically designed to help with practicing game-like reps and also maximize players' time on the court. Our machines hold players accountable with their built in goals, tempo, and pro training.
One of the things that bothers me the most is when players go into a gym and ONLY throw up random shots. Now don't get me wrong, it's okay to get in the gym and have fun. But when the goal is to train properly its essential to train game-like. It makes everything easier come game time!
4. Analyze performance
It's important for players to analyze their strengths and weaknesses on the court. Dr. Dish machines can help hold players accountable with advanced stat tracking. Getting up countless reps is great but when you can focus on areas of the court where your shot needs improvement, training becomes more purposeful.
Players who get up 10,000 shots every month for 3 months (30,000 reps total) on average saw an improvement in their shooting percentage of around 11%. Can you take 30,000 shots this summer?
Another great way to analyze your performance is through feedback from video footage, coaches/trainers, parents, etc. The off-season is a great time to breakdown and analyze your shot because adjustments can be made before the regular season starts. Dedicate yourself to making a positive change even if it's difficult and time consuming. The results in the end will be worth it.
For the average Dr. Dish User, 30k shots over the summer is associated with a 11% increase in make percentage. Internal Airborne Athletics Data from all Dr. Dish Shooting Machines from for the period of June - August 2021.
Consistency is key and it's super hard to develop. When I train kids it's the word I use the most. Oftentimes players lose consistency because of fatigue, lack of skill, and lack of concentration.
Consistency comes when confidence develops as well. Players that constantly question their own ability and change their form because of missed shots will never develop consistency.
Basketball is a game of inches and sometimes lack of confidence can make players question what they have worked thousands of hours on. Become comfortable in uncomfortable situations within your training. Doing this will allow you to remain consistent no matter what pressure situation you're in.
At the end of the day, becoming a great shooter requires reps and purposeful training. NO SHORTCUTS. One of the best ways to take advantage of this off-season is with our Dr. Dish shooting machines. Every model in our lineup gives players the ability to get up thousands of shots while tracking progress and success over time.
