Should shooters continue to shoot?

[SoonerNorm]

Every shooter has a cold shooting night periodically and some go through shooting slumps which can last for days or weeks.

If you were the coach, would you tell those players to continue to shoot the ball even though you knew it was doubtful they would make 1 out of 10 knowing any shots from that player would probably result in zero points and turning the ball over to the opponent OR would you tell that player to hold off shooting anything other than layups and short jump shots?

 

[bluesooner17]

Rule of thumb is the only way a shooter gets out of a slump is to keep shooting so yes I would tell them to keep shooting.

 

[MsProudSooner]

If they are taking good shots within the offense, they should keep shooting. If they are completely out of control, maybe they should sit down and refocus before they go back in the game.

 

[rocjunkie]

Never show lack of confidence in your players. Your shooters have to work themselves out of slumps. As a coach, you continue to encourage. Set up plays that gets a slumping player medium jumpers off the glass, continue to show confidence in your players, because when you are positive it takes the pressure off the shooter and they will break the slump. I think all good shooters go through those phases, but the good coaches and players eventually work their way out.

You also see the really good players, when they are not hitting, will do other things to help their team win. Defense, rebounding, assists, etc. Keeping them selves involved keeps their mind active in the game and not thinking about missing shots.

 

[SoonerNorm]

I was pretty sure I would be in the minority when I asked the question. I too, have heard all my life that you allow shooters to keep shooting and eventually they will shoot their way out of the slump. Even though I've heard it repeated many times, I just don't believe that is the way to go.

I believe offensive possessions are too valuable to just allow a slumping shooter to fire up miss after miss putting the team in jeopardy of losing. We wouldn't want to see a player throw the ball away time after time but the result of missing shots is the same, they are usually turnovers.

Someone said the other day that Sherri always plays her best players. Why would she do that? Obviously, to give her team the best chance to win. Why do you want your best shooters taking shots? Same reason, they give you the best chance to win. When a shooter is in a slump, you have to recognize they are no longer your best shooter, they are now a bad shooter. It just doesn't make sense to me to allow them to continue shooting which takes away the teams best chance of winning.

I believe that shooters work out their shooting woes on the practice court. That way, it doesn't make any difference if they miss. They can miss 50 in a row and no harm done. A coach can watch the player carefully to see if they can detect a slight shooting flaw which has developed that isn't normal to that player. They can film the player and allow the player to watch the video to see if they can figure out what is wrong.

It would seem to me that you can still use that player if they are doing the other things well like defending, rebounding, assists, etc. But, when it comes to shooting, I would tell them that until their shot returns, to take easier shots, i.e, layups and shorter jump shots. Yes, I would try to encourage that player as much as possible. I would let them know that all shooters go through tough times but that just means it's time to work even harder on the practice court. Let them know there are many other ways to help the team win and to just do those things and have fun.

 

[SoonerinNC]

I think it depends on how many scorers you have on the team. If you have others that can score you may want to change what your shooter is doing. Maybe have them go inside more to try to draw a foul. Sometimes hitting a couple of free shots will untrack a good shooter who is in a slump.

I would be reluctant to stop shooting but would emphasize trying to get to their favorite spots and take open shots in good rhythm.

I would probably be more prone to sit them for awhile rather than stop shooting.

 

[AustinTXSooner]

Never show lack of confidence in your players. Your shooters have to work themselves out of slumps. As a coach, you continue to encourage. Set up plays that gets a slumping player medium jumpers off the glass, continue to show confidence in your players, because when you are positive it takes the pressure off the shooter and they will break the slump. I think all good shooters go through those phases, but the good coaches and players eventually work their way out.

You also see the really good players, when they are not hitting, will do other things to help their team win. Defense, rebounding, assists, etc. Keeping them selves involved keeps their mind active in the game and not thinking about missing shots.

+1

 

[Keller Sooner]

If they are taking good shots within the offense, they should keep shooting. If they are completely out of control, maybe they should sit down and refocus before they go back in the game.

I agree with MPS on this. Just make sure they're taking good shots in the flow of the offense.

 

[ellissooner]

I say yes during the season but when it's tournament time and if theyre having an off night then I believe they need to find an easy shot to get confidence or else they will shoot you out of the game. New York Knicks might have beat the Rockets in the NBA Championship if it wasn't for John Starks who kept firing up shots and missing.

 

[SoonerNorm]

I believe Sherri is of the opinion they need to keep shooting. I don't know if she feels differently in a tourney game or not.

 

[KCRuf/Nek]

Am I to guess that this is mainly about Vegas? I have mixed feelings because yes you want your scorers to keep going but it depends on what sort of hole they dig you by gunning and missing. I don't have a problem getting them involved in the flow of the offense and getting them their chances. I do have an issue with them just shooting to keep shooting. In the game at KU this year Vegas couldn't hit the ocean. If she brought the ball up as soon as she got within range it was on its way. There were several other times that she got the first pass and heaved it up. I'm not a fan of that.

 

[sybarite]

Well. I hope this isn't a condemnation of Vegas. I have stated that there are different types of scorers and shooters. Some create shots. Some are better in the flow of the game. I think Vegas is one of these. When she takes shots in the flow of the game, she can be deadly. When she feels compelled to make something happen, she isn't that effective.

This is one of the reasons that I keep hoping that Maddie is healthy this year. I see her as that energy that can bring an offense alive, make something happen. If someone does that, I think Vegas and Hook will be much more effective. We can also hope that this type of energy might be found in Derica or Edwards. You never know, now that Kornet is a sophomore, she may do it. But, shooting is best done in some sort of flow or context. Shooters usually aren't effective if they have to think about it. It is a natural thing, and they can't be trying to create something.

 

[SoonerNorm]

Well. I hope this isn't a condemnation of Vegas. I have stated that there are different types of scorers and shooters. Some create shots. Some are better in the flow of the game. I think Vegas is one of these. When she takes shots in the flow of the game, she can be deadly. When she feels compelled to make something happen, she isn't that effective.

This is one of the reasons that I keep hoping that Maddie is healthy this year. I see her as that energy that can bring an offense alive, make something happen. If someone does that, I think Vegas and Hook will be much more effective. We can also hope that this type of energy might be found in Derica or Edwards. You never know, now that Kornet is a sophomore, she may do it. But, shooting is best done in some sort of flow or context. Shooters usually aren't effective if they have to think about it. It is a natural thing, and they can't be trying to create something.

I see Sharane as that player now.

 

[Stringmusic]

Sherri has said many times if you have good quality shots, keep shooting - eventually they will go in.

 

[SoonerNorm]

Sherri has said many times if you have good quality shots, keep shooting - eventually they will go in.

Yes, they will eventually go in but at what cost? Having poor shooting stats is a quick way to losing games. Sometimes shooting slumps lasts for weeks. As a coach, i have to worry about winning games. I cannot allow one player to shoot us to a loss anymore than I could allow a turnover fanatic to keep growing the ball away or continue to play someone who isn't playing defense. I said earlier, I think a shooter can still help if they take easier shots, defend well, rebound, etc but, I would not allow them to continue to shoot BTA until they worked out their shooting woes in the practice gym.

 

[Oliver Hardy]

Has anyone forgotten Vegas' shooting slump season before last? It was one of the most painful things I've ever see a player, program and fans go through.

Horrendous would be a kind word.

Remember, Sherri finally had to set her down for a bit. I believe she even lost her starting spot for a game.

The point is, there is a limit to what a coach can tolerate with shooters. I think every situation is different and dependent upon the player and coach.

 

[61sooner]

I'll admit I don't follow the women's game as much s the mens' but for the last couple of year Vegas seems to be that player who can light up the scoreboard for 20 or more most consistently for OU. Let her shoot til she hits her stride. If Pistol Pete missed his first 10 shot would Press have sat him down or told him to just pass the ball. Not a equal talent there but some games you are going to live or die with your top gun.

 

[BlackwellSooner]

I believe offensive possessions are too valuable to just allow a slumping shooter to fire up miss after miss putting the team in jeopardy of losing. We wouldn't want to see a player throw the ball away time after time but the result of missing shots is the same, they are usually turnovers.

Someone said the other day that Sherri always plays her best players. Why would she do that? Obviously, to give her team the best chance to win. Why do you want your best shooters taking shots? Same reason, they give you the best chance to win. When a shooter is in a slump, you have to recognize they are no longer your best shooter, they are now a bad shooter. It just doesn't make sense to me to allow them to continue shooting which takes away the teams best chance of winning.

I believe that shooters work out their shooting woes on the practice court. That way, it doesn't make any difference if they miss. They can miss 50 in a row and no harm done. A coach can watch the player carefully to see if they can detect a slight shooting flaw which has developed that isn't normal to that player. They can film the player and allow the player to watch the video to see if they can figure out what is wrong.

It would seem to me that you can still use that player if they are doing the other things well like defending, rebounding, assists, etc. But, when it comes to shooting, I would tell them that until their shot returns, to take easier shots, i.e, layups and shorter jump shots. Yes, I would try to encourage that player as much as possible. I would let them know that all shooters go through tough times but that just means it's time to work even harder on the practice court. Let them know there are many other ways to help the team win and to just do those things and have fun.

Yes and no on this. Yes, emphasize practice, yes, the coaches should keep a sharp eye out for little fundamental things that could be throwing off the shot.
NO, I don't think that it is good to make too large an issue over the slump, as shooting slumps as well as slumps in other sports are usually 95+ % mental, and the more emphasis placed on it by the coaches tends to make the player obsess over it, which is NOT good.

I agree with others that there comes a time, (and only the coach can make this call) to sit the slumping player, at least temporarily.

Agree with MPS, in that a lot depends upon whether the player is taking good shots and missing or is going down and letting it fly at the first opportunity? If the latter, definitely the player needs to sit and take a look at things...

 

[Soonerbay]

Check the better coaches....

John Wooden...if you're not hot shooting then your defense, rebounding, setting screens and hard play better be on.

Geno Aurriema...not at all. Come sit down and figure it out. You might get another try later. After that, you'll figure it out in practice.

 

[KCRuf/Nek]

Check the better coaches....

John Wooden...if you're not hot shooting then your defense, rebounding, setting screens and hard play better be on.

Geno Aurriema...not at all. Come sit down and figure it out. You might get another try later. After that, you'll figure it out in practice.

Funny Wooden didn't mention getting on SportsCenter. And I <3 Geno.