Summary
Highlights
Dave Hopla, a shooting coach for NBA teams like the Pistons, Knicks, Raptors, and Wizards, shares his first experience with USA Basketball. He was invited by Sampson to help young, athletic players improve their shooting skills.
Hopla highlights his work with Ray Allen, an all-time leading three-point shooter, noting Allen's continuous desire to improve. He describes Kobe Bryant as the best player he's ever worked with, emphasizing Kobe's incredible work ethic, always being early to practice, and showing unbelievable dedication.
Hopla expresses his impressiveness with big man James Wiseman (named Heisman Wiseman in the video) for his nice left-handed touch. Among the guards, he commends Jeremy Roach for playing very well. He also mentions Kent Cameron for his hard work and commitment to extra shooting sessions, identifying him as a very special player if he masters his jump shot.
Hopla describes two shooting games he uses: the 'Free Shot Line' game (avoiding terms like 'free throw' or 'foul line') where players must make specific shots (bank, back of rim, front of rim, swish) with one allowed miss. The second game, 'Six Swishes', involves moving to different spots on the court after each swish, starting from under the basket and progressing to further distances.
Hopla reveals his most crucial tip for becoming a great shooter: 'perfect practice makes perfect' and the main ingredient is to always keep your elbow underneath the ball. He demonstrates how this allows him to make shots even when facing away from the basket, highlighting it as a common problem area for many players.
Hopla analyzes a player's shooting form, noting issues with their elbow being out and a twisted stance, which favors driving to the right despite the player's preference to go left. He comments on the player's potential, describing him as a great passer with exceptional court vision, reminiscent of Jason Kidd, and that people love playing with him because of his passing.