The difference between someone having a quick release and someone that takes more time to shoot is what they do before they catch the ball that makes the difference. The quickness of your release is not what you do when you catch the ball; it is what you do before you catch the ball. You see, if you do the things that you are suppose to before you catch the ball then you will be one step ahead of the game. Then, when you catch the ball, all you will have to do is simply shoot it.



In the NBA they call this the 2 second shoot drill. Meaning that you have to get you shoot off in 2 seconds or less from the time you receive the ball.

They also call this ready on the catch. Let's look at the keys to the 2 second shoot drill.

1. Have your knees bent.

2. All ten fingers facing towards the ceiling

3. shooting foot back

If you look at the picture above you will see all three aspects of the being ready on the catch being performed.

He has his knees bent which allow him to go straight up with his shoot as oppose to catching the ball then bending his knees then shooting. Basketball is a game that should be played low to high, not high to low.

The next component to being ready on the catch is to have your shooting foot back. This enables for you to get into rhythm of your shoot. It is very hard to have any rhythm when both of your feet are parallel with each other. When your shooting foot is back you can then step into your shoot when the ball is on its way, giving you rhythm and momentum to your shoot.

And the last component to the ready on the catch drill is to have all ten fingers pointing towards the ceiling. This enables to you catch the ball in the proper position without having to change your hand placements.

Most players have their fingers or hands down, which require for you to move them before you catch the ball in order to catch the ball.

When you have all fingers pointing towards the sky, the ball will just land right in your hands ready for you to shoot.

In the picture you will also see how everything is lined up with each other. His head is straight under his shoulders, his shooting foot is not to far back. His elbow is lined up with his knee, and his feet are pointing to the direction of the hoop.

These crucial aspects are the difference between the quick shooters and the slow ones. If you prepare yourself before you get the ball you will be that far ahead of the competition. You should always be thinking about the next play, and how you can better yourself to be more prepared.

Work on the two second shoot drill in practice or by yourself and watch as you turn into a fast, effective shooter.