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Rim or the Ball?

Grandpa Jazz

Grandpa Jazz

Active Member
Was fascinated by a brief discussion heard during the Shooting Stars competition between, i think, Reggie and somebody else during the competition. They were discussing how some players look at the Rim during their shot
while others watch the ball. I was certainly taught to look at the front of the rim while shooting and can't even conceive of how you shoot while watching the ball. It was said that about half of NBA players watch the Ball while the other half focus on the Rim. Just wondering what you all look at when shooting? Will be paying attention to who on the Jazz watch what while shooting from now on.
 
I've never noticed what I look at...I guess the rim? I just ****ing throw that mother ****er up there and hope it goes in.
 
into that kinda stuff? Ewww.
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Wasn't sure about Beantowns meaning, but figured it wouldn't take long for someone to question it. Also expecting someone to say " personally they look at their arm while shooting it up".
Okay, bad thread apparently. Kill it now.
 
No it's a good thread, joking aside I do look at the rim. I was playing ball the other night and tried shooting while just staring at the ball. It was horrible. I didn't know if I was doing it wrong but I don't understand how you cannot stare right at the rim. Where would the depth perception come from while just looking at the ball?
 
Grandpa Jazz said:
Was fascinated by a brief discussion heard during the Shooting Stars competition between, i think, Reggie and somebody else during the competition. They were discussing how some players look at the Rim during their shot
while others watch the ball. I was certainly taught to look at the front of the rim while shooting and can't even conceive of how you shoot while watching the ball. It was said that about half of NBA players watch the Ball while the other half focus on the Rim. Just wondering what you all look at when shooting? Will be paying attention to who on the Jazz watch what while shooting from now on.
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Salt and lime, usually.
 
Just guessing, but it seems to me you must look at the target (Rim) as well as the ball, then follow the flight of the ball with your eyes. But this would be so foreign to me that i can only shudder to
think of the results. The term "air ball" would need a whole new level. As it is i have always shot it looking only at the front of the rim and maintained concentration on that spot throughout the shot.
So, was your first response a double meaning or were your thoughts pure?
 
I look at the back of the rim actually. If I look at the front all of my shots are short. But yeah I look at the rim or board depending on what I am aiming at on that particular shot.
 
Just my $.02, I've never heard of a basketball player who never consistently focused on the rim/basket while shooting.

Speculation on my part, but I think you misunderstood the context of Reggie's discussion. When shooting from a rack - some players shoot and watch their shot to see if it goes in (look at the basket) while others - as soon as the basketballball leaves their hands - immediately focus their attention down to the rack (insert rack joke here) to take another shot quickly. It seems more plausible to me that this is what Reggie was referring to.
 
If I'm set, then I focus on the front of the rim. If I'm fading away slightly, then I look at the back of the rim and try to put it up softer and with more arc. I'm trying to use the glass more when I'm going toward the basket.

I agree with vslice, though... I think you misunderstood the context.
 
No vslice that wasnt what reggie was talking about. Andre iguadaollar brought it up during the allstar game.

This is such a dumb question. Nobody looks right at the ball while you are shooting. You aim for the basket. Thats where your eyes should be. Once the ball leaves your hand, do you keep staring at the rim or look up after it has left and watch it in flight. Its either or. You kinda do both. all of that is overrated. Its the feel that makes you a good shooter. You gotta have the right touch. Be consitent how it leaves your hands, and you will be able to do it with your eyes closed.
 
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It seems more plausible to me that this is what Reggie was referring to.
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It does seem an odd discussion. That's what got my attention. They were also discussing weather or not to shoot with the ball around eye level or to keep the ball higher out of your vision. They were not talking about
shooting for the contest but shooting in general. Again they (someone) stated that about half do and the other half don't.

if you keep staring at the rim then you are a moron.
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I was referring to while shooting the ball (follow through). After the ball is gone you are able to see the rim and the flight of the ball, at least with my shots, they are in the same line of sight. Perhaps with you it's different.
Maybe it's all a moot point. I challenge you to a free throw shooting contest with eyes closed. Used to shoot some (30-40) everyday as part of practice with the eyes closed. It's a great exercise because it teaches you
to be consistent and it makes shooting with your eyes open feel like a luxury. Ya got the right mechanics ya got the right "feel" and the right "touch". You have to visualize the rim and let your body take over. At my "stage of life"
shooting free throws hasn't changed any for me, it's the jumping (and landing) and running that is a problem.
 
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