His consistency and accuracy (career 3 point percentage over 42%), defensive skill, and winning play make him a perennial all-star.
What shooting analysts notice about Thompson is his variable DIP (see bottom video). Coach Castellaw reviews how Thompson loads his shot and his follow-through. I am not anti-dip, but I teach inside shooting off "Bradleys", the higher catch and release technique helping players finish near the basket.
In this Jay Wright video (about 3:52), he reviews the Bradley Drill, which we use every practice, along with flips..."high release, off two feet, under control." Players need some dip away from the basket.
BBallBreakdown shares pre-shot footwork that Thompson uses to accelerate to the basket or get his shot off. Young players may neglect "pre-shot preparation" and suffer less separation and slower release.
Here's the most extensive Thompson breakdown I've seen.
Key points:
1. Chooses a wider stance than many
2. Hops most of the time
3. Plants right foot seamlessly going right
4. Catches with wide, flexed stance gathering momentum
5. Sets the ball prior to his leaving the ground
6. Targets through "open window" visually (no obstructed view)
7. Keeps elbow in
8. "Turns" right shoulder forward only modestly
9. Turns more pronounced with longer distance for power
10.Relaxes wrist (note thumb is not far spread, keeping wrist relaxed)
Thompson's form definitely deserves study.
