Afraid to Shoot? What are the consequences…

The first time I witnessed this, I was 12 years old, the same age as my daughter. My brother was a starter on the 87-88 Cardinal Dougherty High School basketball team, a team that was fun to watch, had pieces that fit, and was talented.

My brother’s role was to shoot the three, as the new line / three point shot was adopted into the high school game just a year before.

At 6’1 and having average athleticism relative to his teammates and the Catholic league, my brother knew his role and played it well. Until he didn’t.

If he missed his first shot, you could almost bet he would hesitate or pass up his second shot. The horn would sound and my brother would walk to the end of the bench, rather than sit closer to the coach responsible for putting him in the game. My father had a hard time with his choice, but it was his choice.

My brother and I have talked quite a bit over the years as the difference between kids and sports. Why do some play with confidence and some not? He’s right, confidence is the key ingredient for having success in sports. But how do kids develop it?

One of the key tenants of the Next Play Basketball program is to prepare well and play confidently. Shooters shoot, so long as we take good shots. Knowing that distinction takes time.

I’ve said repeatedly that one of the best shooters I’ve played with or against is Tommy Whitworth, a fellow CHA Blue Devils who was a few years behind me in school.

In our weekly game, Tommy would pull the trigger on his three ball from wherever he wanted. He didn’t care who was on his team, (well sometimes I would ice him out and not pass to him if the ball didn’t come back), Tommy believed and likely still believes that he’s the best shooter in the gym.

Over a beer at Halligans Pub, I asked him how he developed that. He said, “When I was younger, my mom would yell ‘Shoot’ so I did.” Notably, all four Whitworth’s were knock down shooters. Pure. Mrs. Whitworth had the formula.

My brother didn’t have that. He had the “if this one goes in and I feel that feeling, I’m gonna let the next one fly.”

You can see it when kids lose their confidence. Head down, reluctant to take shots they would normally take because of this or that reason. It happened to my 10 year old son a few weeks ago.

Richie has more Tommy Whit in him than he does my brother. But in that game, he was scared to miss. His buddy Brian, whispered to him during the game, “keep shooting” but it didn’t change Richie’s behavior.

It was in his head. When fear of failure creeps into one’s head, it’s like staring frozen at the plate with an overpowering fastballer on the mound. Coach McKillop would say, “It is like shooting with two defenders in your face.”

As coaches, we give our players the tools / drills to be successful. We aim to create game scenarios so they don’t have to perform without practice.

But it’s the between the ears thing, the mental confidence and belief that is the key. Mrs Whitworth knew it.

We’re looking for coaches, Mrs Whitworth, are you available?

Written by Coach Matt Paul

Tryouts start on January 22nd. Make sure to sign-up!