When we discuss shot selection, what we mean is if we're not making 'enough' shots, why not? One core defensive principle is to allow "one bad shot", incorporating no defensive rebounds and disallowing easy scores in transition, open (uncontested) shots, points in the paint (penetration), and free throws. Another defensive mandate is forcing "hard 2's". Good offense means defeating those core defensive concepts.
The quickest route to better shooting is improving shot selection. What qualifies as a "good" shot? Good shots are balanced, in range, in rhythm, not closely guarded, and not at the expense of a teammate's better shot. Kevin Sivils has written extensively about "range testing."
Good shots are "situationally appropriate." So often I'll see a game and a team leads by four to eight points inside of a minute and a player selfishly jacks up a shot "because she can." Some coaches seem indifferent to this. I consider this the basketball equivalent of allowing children to play with matches.
Better passing creates better shots. Better cutting informs better passing. Quality shooters learn to shoot off the catch, off the dribble, coming off screens, and to finish on both sides of the rim.
Let's survey the experts:
Alan Stein discusses keys to good shot selection.
Tyler Coston shares 5 Ways for Basketball Players to Improve Immediately.
Dave Millhollin identifies better shooting via teaching styles including Cognitive, Behavioral, Corrective, and Accountability Teaching. Jay Bilas' seminal "Toughness" criteria include the reminder, "It's not your shot, it's our shot."
James Gels includes shot selection in a review of "Seven Major Reasons Why Games Are Lost."
I prefer discussing shot selection in the context of process orientation rather than winning. Good process incorporates knowledge, preparation, effective practice, good decision-making, and improving execution. The more consistent our process, the higher quality our results will be. "This is who we are, this is how we act, this is how we play." Each player needs to learn what constitutes a quality shot for each player on the team.
