In a previous article we discussed the fact that there are really only four functional positions on a basketball team: ball-handler, post, athlete, and shooter. If you are a player then understanding this is extremely important. Why? Because if you want to be an impact player on your team and be the type of player who moves on to play at the next level, (Whatever that next level may be) then you need to successfully fill one of these four positions.

1. Why You Must Be a Good Shooter
-by Coach Dave Stricklin
http://www.hoopskills.com
In a previous article we discussed the fact that there are
really only four functional positions on a basketball team:
ball-handler, post, athlete, and shooter. If you are a
player then understanding this is extremely important.
Why? Because if you want to be an impact player on
your team and be the type of player who moves on to
play at the next level, (Whatever that next level may be)
then you need to successfully fill one of these four
positions.
Granted, there are some coaches who fill the fifth "spot"
with a "glue guy" or a player with decent all around skills
but that is usually out of necessity and not by choice. If
coaches have their choice they will typically fill the fifth
spot with "another." (Another ball-handler, another shooter, etc.) That means
players who can't fill one of the four functional positions are probably going to do a
lot of cheering and towel waving come game time.
Now let's be realistic - being a great athlete and/or post player is often as much
about genetics and body type as it is skill set and work ethic. In other words, if you
are not already the most athletic player on your team then you probably never will
be. If you are not already the tallest player on your team (and if your parents aren't
taller than your teammates' parents) then you probably never will be.
This means that for a great many players two of the four positions are eliminated
right from the very beginning. So to be an impact player of any kind, that leaves
becoming either an outstanding point guard/ball handler or a great "lights out"
shooter.
Now while you can't go wrong either way, it's fairly important to note that it is
easier to become a great shooter. (Not necessarily quicker but easier.) Why?
Because to become an outstanding ball handler you need to eventually practice
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Why You Must Be a Good Shooter-hoopskills.com

2. your skills against a defender. On the other hand all you need to develop into a big
time shooter is a ball, a basket, a little coaching, and LOTS of repetition, all of
which can be done completely by yourself.
Of course, the things that are easy to do are also easy not to do which is why
shooters like Ray Allen, Reggie Miller, Larry Bird, and Kyle Korver don't come along
very often. The average player just isn't willing to put in the time necessary to be
great!
So to sum things up, if you're not a point guard, not a legitimate post player, and
not a super athlete you MUST be a shooter if you want to keep playing at the next
level.
Since it is so important to work on your shooting during the off season we are
going to have several more articles this summer with shooting tips, drills, and
games that can be used to accelerate your improvement.
If you can't wait that long, click here to download the FREE shooting EBook called
"Lights Out." You'll be glad you did!
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Why You Must Be a Good Shooter-hoopskills.com