Photos by Sam Jezak
All it takes is one open look for shooters to find their rhythm. After that first shot goes through the basket, everything else operates like clockwork. It’s like a well-oiled machine showing off its capabilities when the lights are brightest. Pinewood is accustomed to both the greatness of Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry and the brilliance of its sharpshooters nestled in Los Altos Hills. However, this continued success comes with the expectation of excellence. So, when shooters undergo shooting slumps, how do they navigate through them?
Curry, junior Jade Ramirez, and sophomores Andrew McDowell and Alex Facelo all know what it feels like to hit shot after shot. Nonetheless, they have also experienced the other side of the story where the ball simply does not go in. Over time, they have learned that being patient allows them to stop ruminating over their mistakes.
“You’ve got to stick with the program,” Curry said after a poor performance against the Mavericks on Jan. 6. “I’ve never been reactive in terms of tough shooting nights…It’s the same process. Just stick with the work and [it] will show, eventually.”
The same applies to basketball players on all different levels.
“Usually, I focus on the next play and try not to dwell on the shot [I missed] because I know I’m a good shooter and that I won’t make every shot,” Ramirez said.
When a poor shooting night snowballs into a poor shooting week, all great shooters know not to panic. Instead, they focus on fine-tuning their shots, sticking to their routines, and remaining confident.
“I have a pretty consistent routine for what I do before games… so I just follow that and trust my abilities,” McDowell said.
Facelo also mentioned the importance of making subtle adjustments when shooting.
“When I’m not shooting well, I usually don’t focus on changing my shot,” Facelo said. “I focus on staying in rhythm. However, it depends on how I miss it. When I miss front-rim, I remind myself to sway my feet.”
Additionally, shooters are always taught to play with poise. Never getting too high or too low is the key to shooting freely. When shooters have this attitude, they are unstoppable.
“When I’m shooting well, the game becomes more fun and [I’m] more relaxed,” Facelo said. “I have nothing to lose, which makes it easier for me to create opportunities for myself [and] my teammates.”
Ramirez also mentioned the significance of staying in a neutral zone where she never overreacts to a made or missed shot. She shoots best when she finds this middle ground and doesn’t overthink.
Every great shooter understands what it takes to achieve excellence. Shooting is an art that is mastered through practice and preparation, but it is important to note that this preparation would go to waste without the proper mindset.
“With confidence, your next shot is always in,” Facelo said.