Having watched the Fighting Maroons and Soaring Falcons stumble in their season openers last weekend, I couldn’t help but notice how many scoring opportunities were squandered simply because players settled for low-percentage shots. As someone who’s spent over a decade analyzing basketball mechanics and player development, I’ve come to believe that shot selection often separates contenders from pretenders—especially early in the season. Both teams shot below 40% from the field, a statistic that tells me they’re either forcing bad attempts or lacking variety in their offensive arsenal. Let’s break down the essential shots every player should master, not just to win games but to build a sustainable scoring identity.

When I work with developing players, the first thing I emphasize is the layup—not just any layup, but the craft of finishing around the rim under pressure. Watching the Maroons miss three consecutive point-blank layups in the fourth quarter was painful; it reminded me why I always stress the “high-arcing” finger roll versus the basic power layup. The former increases your chance of scoring through contact by roughly 18%, based on my own tracking of collegiate games last season. Then there’s the floater, that delicate, almost artistic shot that guards like Tony Parker perfected. It’s a weapon against shot-blockers, and honestly, I think the Falcons’ point guard should have used it more instead of driving into double teams. I’ve recorded instances where teams using floaters at least five times per game see their two-point percentage jump by 6-8%. It’s a small sample, sure, but the trend is undeniable.

Moving outside, the jump shot remains basketball’s great equalizer. But not all jumpers are created equal. I’m particularly fond of the catch-and-shoot three—when executed well, it’s almost unguardable. Statistics from the NBA’s 2022-23 season show that players like Stephen Curry hit catch-and-shoot threes at a 44% clip, whereas off-the-dribble threes hover around 35%. That 9% gap is huge in close games. Personally, I’d love to see the Falcons incorporate more off-ball screens to free up shooters; their current offense relies too much on isolation plays, which yielded only 0.82 points per possession in their opener. Then there’s the pull-up jumper, a shot that requires immense confidence and footwork. I’ve always preferred the mid-range pull-up over long twos—it’s a higher-percentage look, and in my playing days, I found it easier to draw fouls near the elbow. The Maroons, for instance, attempted just four mid-range jumpers all game. In today’s three-point-heavy meta, some coaches dismiss the mid-range, but I disagree—it’s a vital safety valve when the arc is defended tightly.

Now, let’s talk about the post game. The hook shot, whether baby or skyhook, is a lost art. I’ve noticed that bigs who master it score more efficiently in the paint—my data suggests a 55-60% success rate for proficient hook shooters versus 45% for standard post moves. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook was nearly unblockable; modern players should study his footage relentlessly. Similarly, the turnaround jumper from the block is a thing of beauty. It demands balance and touch, and when done right, it’s almost impossible to defend. I recall working with a college center who added this to his repertoire and saw his scoring average jump from 12 to 16 points per game within a season. Both the Maroons and Falcons have bigs who could dominate if they developed these skills—instead, they combined for just two post-up baskets in their opening losses.

Of course, specialization matters. Some players thrive as spot-up shooters, while others excel off screens or in transition. But what stood out to me in those season openers was the lack of situational awareness. For example, the Falcons attempted only one corner three—the most efficient three-point shot, with league-wide averages around 39%—while the Maroons settled for contested long twos, which typically convert at about 40%. In my view, every team should track these trends in real-time and adjust. I’d also advocate for more use of the step-back three, a shot that has revolutionized perimeter play. Players like James Harden have made it iconic, and while it’s difficult, I’ve seen it boost offensive rating by up to 4 points when used selectively.

Wrapping up, refining your shot portfolio isn’t just about repetition—it’s about understanding which shots yield the best returns in different contexts. The Maroons and Falcons both have the talent to bounce back, but they’ll need to embrace shot diversity and smarter decision-making. From my experience, teams that practice game-like shots—like coming off screens or shooting off the catch—improve their field goal percentage by an average of 5% over a season. So, whether you’re a guard working on floaters or a big honing hook shots, remember: variety and efficiency are your best allies. Let’s see if these teams adapt in their next outings—I’ll be watching closely, clipboard in hand.