Walking onto the court after a season-opening loss is a feeling I know all too well—that mix of frustration and urgency. Both the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons and the Adamson Soaring Falcons are in that exact position right now, each hungry to bounce back. It reminds me of how crucial shooting is in moments like these. One well-executed shot can completely shift momentum, and today, I want to break down the different kinds of shots in basketball that every player, whether a Maroon or a Falcon, should master. I’ve spent years analyzing game footage, working with amateur and pro players, and even refining my own shot selection—so trust me, this stuff matters.
Let’s start with the most fundamental shot: the layup. It might seem basic, but I’ve seen so many players mess it up under pressure. A good layup isn’t just about getting the ball up—it’s about body control, angle, and timing. For example, when driving against a taller defender, I’ve found that using a high-release finger roll increases your success rate by roughly 15-20%. The Fighting Maroons, in their last game, missed at least four easy layups in transition—that’s eight points left on the floor! Personally, I’m a huge fan of the Euro step; it creates space beautifully and throws defenders off balance. If Adamson’s guards integrated more of that into their game, they’d likely see their field goal percentage near the rim jump from around 55% to maybe 65% or higher. It’s those small adjustments that turn close games into wins.
Then there’s the jump shot—the bread and butter for most perimeter players. But not all jump shots are created equal. Catch-and-shoot situations, for instance, yield a higher efficiency than off-the-dribble attempts. Stats from the last FIBA Asia Cup showed that catch-and-shoot threes went in at about 38%, while pull-ups hovered around 32%. I’ve always preferred the former; it just feels more fluid. But here’s where personal bias kicks in: I think the mid-range jumper is criminally underrated today. Yeah, everyone’s obsessed with threes and layups, but when the defense collapses, a well-practiced fadeaway from the elbow is pure gold. I’d bet the Soaring Falcons could’ve sealed their opener if they had a player comfortable taking that shot in the final minutes. Instead, they settled for contested threes—and we all saw how that turned out.
Now, let’s talk about the three-pointer. It’s revolutionized the game, no doubt. But I’ll be honest—I’m not a fan of teams that live and die by the three. Balance is key. The Golden State Warriors, for example, shot about 42% from deep in their 2017 championship run, but they also had a strong inside game. For college teams like UP or Adamson, focusing on corner threes—which are statistically easier, at roughly 35-40% compared to above-the-break threes—could be a game-changer. I remember coaching a youth team last year; we drilled corner threes relentlessly, and our scoring average jumped by nearly 12 points per game. It’s not just about making them; it’s about knowing when to take them. Forced threes early in the shot clock? That’s a recipe for disaster, something both the Maroons and Falcons struggled with in their openers.
Hook shots and floaters are where the real artistry comes in. Big men, listen up: a reliable hook shot can make you unstoppable in the post. I’ve seen centers shoot at a 58% clip with their dominant hand, but if you develop a skyhook like Kareem’s? Good luck defending that. As for floaters, they’re essential for guards driving into packed lanes. Derrick Rose, in his MVP season, made over 45% of his floaters—that’s insane. Personally, I love teaching the floater because it’s a high-percentage shot that avoids shot-blockers. If Adamson’s point guard added this to his arsenal, he’d easily add 4-5 points per game. And let’s not forget free throws. Boring? Maybe. But they win games. The Fighting Maroons shot just 65% from the line last game; if they’d hit even 75%, they might be 1-0 right now. I always tell players: practice free throws until they’re automatic. It’s non-negotiable.
In the end, shooting is both a science and an art. For UP and Adamson, bouncing back isn’t just about effort—it’s about refining these skills. Master the layup, respect the mid-range, and use the three-pointer wisely. Oh, and make your free throws. If I were advising these teams, I’d say focus on high-percentage shots early to build confidence. Because when the game is on the line, you’ll want every weapon in your arsenal. Trust me, I’ve been there.