Shot Mechanics Explained/ Part 1

The Guide Hand:

The non- shooting hand commonly known as the guide hand is the key to an accurate shot. Some coaches refer to it as the guide hand.  Others refer to it as the off hand, but I prefer calling it the control hand.

I choose to phrase it that way because it’s primary purpose is to control the ball from start to finish. Here is the sequence of how the guide hand works with the shot. It has three primary functions:

1) It catches the ball for control on a pickup dribble

2) Once the ball is caught on the initial dribble, its next purpose is to balance the ball on the shooting hand including lifting the ball to its’ set point( release point). 

3) Once the ball is resting at the set point, as the ball is lifted  execute the shot it stabilizes the ball in the shooting hand 

4) After the shot releases, the hand guides to control the shot direction and trajectory in keeping the ball going straight.

Note: If all components are in place a straight shot is usually an accurate shot

Without the control hand the shooting hand is less effective in the shot although technically you only shoot with one dominant hand.

The control hand is key and ironically it is also the hand that gives players. the most problems.