Optimize Team Shot Selection Using Analytics
Goal
Give coaches a clear, effective framework to help young players understand shot selection. This isn’t about analytics jargon or NBA film sessions, it’s about teaching 13-year-olds why some shots matter more than others, and how to build better habits without killing their confidence.
Why This Matters
You’ve probably seen it:
A kid pulls up for a fadeaway jumper with 20 seconds left on the clock.
Your best shooter is standing wide open in the corner.
And somehow your team is 2-for-11 on floaters.
It’s not selfishness. It’s not laziness.
It’s usually just a lack of awareness.
And that’s something you can teach, with the right approach.
Step 1: Show Them the Math Without Making It About Math
Kids don’t need a spreadsheet. But they do need context.
At the rim: About 2 points per shot
Corner threes: Around 1.2–1.3
Wing threes: About 1.0
Mid-range: Usually under 0.9, unless your kid’s got a real pull-up game
Tell them this:
“You don’t have to be Steph. You just have to take the right shots more often than not.”
Simple language. Real impact.
Step 2: Define "Good Shots" for Your Team
Every youth team is different. Maybe you’ve got one real shooter. Maybe none.
Good coaching means setting shot priorities based on what your team can actually do.
Your version might look like:
Layups anytime
Open corner threes
Elbow jumpers for one specific player
No floaters unless we’ve practiced them
No contested fadeaways. Ever.
Set the rule. Stick to it. Celebrate it when they follow it, even if the shot misses.
Step 3: Rep the Right Looks in Practice
This is where most coaches fall short.
You want good shots in games? Build them in practice.
Set up drills that mimic real possessions:
Drive-and-kick reps
Skip passes to the corner
Swing-swing to the open wing
2v2 decision drills: layup or kick
“Only score from these spots” half-court games
Make it second nature.
Step 4: Watch the Tape, Together
Don’t be afraid to film.
Your phone is enough.
Set it on a tripod or have a parent film a few offensive sets.
Then review:
“This was a great pass, we got the corner three we wanted.”
“Here’s where we forced a bad one. No spacing, no rebounders, low chance.”
Players learn fastest when they can see it for themselves. Keep it short. Keep it constructive.
Step 5: Keep It Consistent All Season
Shot selection is a habit.
You build it by repeating the same message in every practice, every film session, every game.
And when your players take a smart shot, even if they miss it, you praise the decision.
That’s how you shift the culture.
Common Pitfalls (and Fixes)
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Players take any shot because they're open | Teach: "Is it open and in the right spot?" |
| Everyone wants to be the scorer | Create roles: "Your shot is the layup after a cut. Yours is the corner three." |
| Mid-range overload | Track it on the board: “We’re 1-for-9 today in mid-range. Let’s change that.” |
| No off-ball movement | Teach spacing and kick-outs with 3-on-3 drills |
Final Thoughts: This Is the Game Behind the Game
Teaching shot selection isn’t flashy.
It’s not the drill they’ll ask for.
But it’s the thing that wins games, especially at the youth level.
You’re not just trying to score more points.
You’re teaching kids to understand the why behind each decision.
Because when a team knows how to space the floor, create good looks, and pass up the “me” shot for the “we” shot?
That’s when they start to look like a real basketball team.
