On symbolistic basketball shooting
First off...what is a pencil?
I was awakened much too early in the morning - it really should be called night but this is no way to start of symbolism. Neither is the fact that this article is directed towards athletes that might not know about sharpening pencils and the dreaded walk to the front of the class, never mind everyone was watching you.
Even more dreadful is the idea that many of our subscribers also had to live through, in their early professional careers, the symbolism of - keep your pencils sharp and your mind sharp- somehow deftly related to preparedness for corporate culture and output production. Thank you computers and printers - the pencil is somewhat relegated to a few trades and now only a minor inconvenience when you are trying to find one.
I would also be having coffee right now (3 AM), if it not for the sound of the grinder - oh my, more symbolism, is the coffee grinder also a symbol for sharpness of the mind……..
OK back to basketball and our thoughts on that mechanical device at the front of classrooms.
The old type of pencil sharpener being at the front of the class and basketball free throws both carry significant symbolism, despite being vastly different in nature. These two seemingly unrelated objects share a common theme of public performance, pressure, and the need for focus and concentration.
The pencil sharpener at the front of the class symbolizes the importance of preparation and focus. In the past, pencils were the primary writing tool, and having a sharp pencil was essential for clear and accurate writing. Students would have to approach the sharpener in front of their classmates, sharpen their pencils, and return to their desks. This simple act required a certain amount of focus and concentration, as students would have to tune out the noise and distractions of their classmates to sharpen their pencils efficiently. Additionally, sharpening pencils at the front of the class could be nerve-wracking, especially for shy or introverted students who preferred to remain unnoticed. However, with practice and determination, students could learn to sharpen their pencils with confidence, which in turn would help them focus better on their schoolwork.
Similarly, basketball free throws require intense focus and concentration, as players must block out the noise of the crowd and tune in to their own movements and technique. To shoot a successful free throw, a player must be in front of the crowd, as the pressure of public performance can affect their performance. However, with practice and repetition, players can develop a routine that helps them focus and block out distractions. Like sharpening pencils at the front of the class, shooting free throws can be nerve-wracking, but with practice and determination, players can develop the confidence they need to perform well.
Both the pencil sharpener and basketball free throws also carry the symbolism of perfection and mastery. In the case of the pencil sharpener, a perfectly sharpened pencil was a source of pride for students, as it demonstrated their mastery over a simple but essential tool. Likewise, a successful free throw is a demonstration of a player's mastery of the technique and mental preparation required to perform at a high level. Both tasks require a certain level of skill and practice to achieve mastery, and both offer a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when executed flawlessly.
The pencil sharpener and basketball free throws also carry the symbolism of performance under pressure. In the case of the pencil sharpener, students had to sharpen their pencils quickly and efficiently, even under the watchful eye of their teacher and the scrutiny of their classmates. In the case of basketball free throws, players must perform under the pressure of the game, with the outcome often hanging in the balance. Both tasks require a certain level of mental toughness and the ability to perform under pressure, which can be valuable life skills beyond the classroom or the basketball court.
The old style of pencil sharpener at the front of the class and basketball free throws may seem like vastly different objects, but they share a common theme of public performance, pressure, and the need for focus and concentration. Both offer important lessons in preparation, confidence, mastery, and performance under pressure, and both offer a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when executed flawlessly. Whether sharpening a pencil or shooting a free throw, the lessons learned from these simple tasks can be valuable in all areas of life.
We all know and probably have internalized so much around the teaching of the free throw mechanics that we have forgotten about teaching symbolism. Along the way we have forgotten that stories are the best teachers for the mind. While the standard approach to teaching the free throw evidently still works;
find your spot on the floor - always find it
look at the same spot on the rim or just beyond the rim
use your legs - you are tired - the shot comes from the legs
follow through
When you read it back to yourself it almost seems like we need to also have a stick to poke the ball out of the peach basket at the end.
At Edge Flow Analytics we also believe there are other aspects to free throw shooting that can help. Since April is free preview month we are sharing a couple of aspects of the free throw that you might find interesting
Sound - typically there are spectator noises that are meant to distract the athlete during the free throw. The dreaded noise right as the shot is being taken is a classic. We teach our shooters to replay the sound of the mesh makes during a no rim shot. That proverbial swish sounds strangely alike no matter the length of the mesh or newness of the mesh. We have taken to recording the sound and amplifying it so that we can play it for athletes - this would work particularly well with younger athletes who have not solidly formed routines
Focal Point - from previous postings we know focal point or quiet eye as being a leading indicator for a successful shot: The longer and more focussed the eye is on the shot the higher success rate will be. Incorporating focal points into the earliest part of the routine is extremely important
Personal coaching philosophies will differ and ultimately it is the athletes choice but we would rather the athlete stay at the line in between shots and continue to have a focal point rather than move away from the free throw line - even after a miss. We know the reasons behind stepping behind the line and ‘shaking it off’ we just like what it brings to the mind when an athlete remains in the zone and hopefully well into flow and stays on the line to shoot the second shot.
Subscribe to read more about Edge and Flow in free throw shooting - a longer report is scheduled for June that discusses all that is happening in edge and flow during free throw shooting.