A recent trip to Europe by two of Basketball NSW Coaches produced a fantastic amount of learnings that they were kind enough to share upon their return with the coaching community. One takeaway that piqued my interest was the comment from one coach “athletes have poor shooting thumb placement because of reduced dexterity caused by phones”. As we work with athletes who have now grown up with smartphones in their hand from a very young age, I decided to look into this a bit further.
Excessive smartphone use has been linked to various hand-related issues. A study published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders found that high smartphone usage can lead to enlargement of the median nerve, thumb pain, reduced grip strength, impaired hand function, and wrist pain. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Additionally, research in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions indicated that excessive smartphone use might affect dexterity parameters and palmar pinch strength in males, though it did not adversely affect hand and pinch grip strength, pressure pain threshold, and manual dexterity overall.
Basketball shooting technique is influenced by various factors, including training, muscle memory, and biomechanics. Coach Dave Love (regarded as one of the premium shooting coaches in the world) emphasizes the importance of proper hand placement, suggesting that players should grip the ball with a wide thumb and place the index finger on the air valve to ensure control. Coach Dave Love
Proper thumb placement on the basketball is critical for ensuring a consistent and effective shooting technique. Coaches and players alike emphasize the importance of grip and release mechanics in creating the perfect shot. Here's an overview of what constitutes optimal thumb positioning and strategies for teaching it implicitly during practice sessions.
The Role of Thumb Placement in Shooting
Optimal thumb placement enhances control and alignment, two key factors in accurate shooting.
- Control: The shooting hand and guide hand work together, with the thumb on the guide hand stabilizing the ball without pushing it during the shot.
- Alignment: Proper thumb placement ensures the shooting hand remains under the ball, creating a straight release.
- Release: If the thumb on the guide hand applies pressure during the shot, it introduces side spin, reducing the shot's accuracy.
Key Principles of Optimal Thumb Placement
- Wide Hand Grip: The shooting hand should spread wide on the ball, with the thumb positioned to support and stabilize without over-gripping.
- Guide Hand Neutrality: The guide hand's thumb should touch the side of the ball, ensuring no backward or forward pressure.
- Consistent Finger Placement: The index and middle fingers of the shooting hand should be directly beneath the ball for release control, with the thumb providing a stable anchor.
Coach Dave Love emphasizes, “A wide thumb grip gives players better control over the ball during the shot’s setup and release, leading to consistency.” (coachdavelove.com)
How can you best start to work with your athletes on this? Especially with shooting the key is to not be overly explicit as the most important thing is that each players shooting technique is safe, effective and repeatable.
Implicit coaching involves creating an environment where players naturally adopt the correct technique without direct instructions. Here are some strategies:
Drills That Emphasize Feedback
- One-Hand Shooting Drill: Have players shoot using only their dominant hand while their guide hand stays behind their back. This forces them to focus on proper thumb placement for stability and control.
- Spin and Catch Drill: Players spin the ball to themselves, catching it in their shooting position. This reinforces the natural placement of both thumbs.
Constraints-Based Coaching
- Elastic Band Training: Place a loose elastic band around the thumbs to prevent the guide thumb from pressing the ball. This helps players develop a feel for guide hand neutrality.
- Smaller Basketballs: Use undersized balls for younger athletes, forcing them to refine hand placement for balance and control.
Gamification of Technique
- Target Practice: Create games where players score points for hitting a specific target with proper technique. Add a rule where incorrect thumb placement invalidates their score.
- Challenge Shots: Set challenges (e.g., "make three consecutive swishes") that reward consistency, encouraging players to focus on their grip and release.
Optimal thumb placement is a fundamental aspect of basketball shooting that directly impacts accuracy and consistency. While debates about the influence of smartphone use persist, coaches should prioritize teaching proper mechanics and fostering an environment where athletes develop correct habits naturally. By using implicit coaching strategies and ensuring players maintain hand health, coaches can help athletes achieve shooting excellence while navigating modern challenges.
Thanks to Coaches Macsen Monk and Jarrod Moore from BNSW for the motivation and assistance with this article. Coach Monk also suggested a reading recommendation for any coaches wanting to learn more; “The Anxious Generation” by J.Haidt. Changing the way we view the danger of social media and the importance of team sport.
