Shot selection is a common term within basketball coaching circles, referring to the types of shots an individual player or team takes. At the NBA level, shot selection is a hot topic – with open shots coming at a premium, NBA teams invest in both people and programs to measure and discover the spots on the floor where individual players shoot their best percentage.

This translates all the way down to the youth level, as well. Sit in the stands during any youth basketball game, and you are likely to see players who shoot almost every time they touch the ball. Sure, that player’s stat line may show a 25-point game, but a lot of players can drop 25 if they take 30 shots. Many times, however, that player is taking low percentage shots and hurting his or her team in the process.

In that same gym, you’re likely going to spot some players who are afraid to shoot. As a parent and coach, it’s easy to just scream, “Take the shot!” because we follow the adage, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” Youth basketball players, however, are not adults, and some can’t stomach the idea of missing a shot.

That’s why it is critical for coaches to explain to players how NOT taking a good shot hurts the team. If a player takes the open shot, lots of positive things can happen. The player or team can make it, rebound it, draw a foul on the shot and go to the free throw line, or draw a foul on the rebound. If a player passes on the open shot, lots of negative things can happen. The player or team can turn the ball over, get called for three seconds, or never get another open shot on that possession. Taking any and all shots is not smart basketball, either. Bad shots can lead to poor team chemistry, a fast break for your opponent, and missed opportunities for open shots later in the possession.

As I talk to our team and other coaches about good shot selection, I focus on the following points:

1. Good shot selection allows us to shoot a high percentage.
2. Good shot selection gets players excited about taking their best shots, not just any shot.
3. Good shot selection means teammates are looking for each other, improving team chemistry.
4. Discussing shot selection instills confidence in the player that the team and coach want the player to take and make good shots.
5. Discussing shot selection with a young, emerging player helps the player summon the courage to take and make good shots.

Coaching and executing good shot selection leads to great team chemistry, wins, and the growth of a young basketball player.