As head men’s basketball coach with Coral Springs Charter School in Florida, Alex Groothuis guides a team that made the 2017-18 regional semifinals and was ranked No. 2 in the state and No. 1 in the district for the season. One of the fundamentals that Alex Groothuis emphasizes is proper shooting technique in a wide range of game situations.
A basic type of attempt on the basket is the jump shot, which provides elevation over the opponent. An explosive move that can result in momentary loss of balance, the jump shot is prepared for by taking a wide stance, with shoulders squared and knees bent. The ball is released at the apex of the jump, with the elbow held in a straight position toward the basket. The wrist provides a flicking movement that imparts just the right combination of spin and momentum to land the ball in the hoop.
Another common in-flight attempt at the basket is the hook shot, which involves dribbling with the shooting hand while approaching the hoop from a sideways angle. With the ball protected from an opponent’s reach-in attempt, the shot is accomplished through pushing off with the left foot while the shooting arm thrusts the ball upward in a slightly bent position. A flick of the wrist sends the lobbed ball on its way for a swish or bank in.
