What's easier to improve ?

[BrooklynSaints]

For already established players (high school seniors and above). All things being equal

Is it easier to improve shooting or dribbling?

[Im_Untained.]

its easier to improve on shooting you just gotta keep your eyes on the goal and have a soft touch!:D

[intelligenthoodlum]

To the IH, it is easier to learn how to shoot, than it is to learn how to dribble--because shooting can be stationary, while dribbling requires coordination of the dribbling, with the lateral and forward-backward movement; however, it is easier to teach someone to dribble, than it is to teach someone how to shoot--because you only need to teach enough proper dribbling skills to get someone from point A to point B, while teaching someone to shoot properly enough requires a thorough understanding of footwork, leg mechanics, center-of-gravity concepts, head-neck-shoulder physiology of THAT specific individual, shooting-eye concepts, and shot-release and follow-through mechanics, all at the least...

[hoopsfl]

I would both agree and disagree. I think it's easier to learn how to dribble than shoot. There's less to learn in dribbling and one can greatly improve his or her dribbling by simply dribbling - alot. For shooting however, one can practice shooting for weeks but if the form is bad, they won't really improve much.

It amazes me how so many players today have such poor shooting mechanics. I honestly believe that generally speaking, girls have better form than boys. I had a recent conversation with a friend about Lebron James and we both believe he will never be truely GREAT, until he fixes his shooting mechanics. Watch how is elbow is always out and not straight up and down, i.e., perpendicular to the floor as it should be.

[BrooklynSaints]

I would both agree and disagree. I think it's easier to learn how to dribble than shoot. There's less to learn in dribbling and one can greatly improve his or her dribbling by simply dribbling - alot. For shooting however, one can practice shooting for weeks but if the form is bad, they won't really improve much.

It amazes me how so many players today have such poor shooting mechanics. I honestly believe that generally speaking, girls have better form than boys. I had a recent conversation with a friend about Lebron James and we both believe he will never be truely GREAT, until he fixes his shooting mechanics. Watch how is elbow is always out and not straight up and down, i.e., perpendicular to the floor as it should be.

That Lebron statement is really out there. I doubt there is a large number of people that think Lebron is not great because of his shooting mechanics. Lebron, did just take his team to the NBA finals. If anyone sees any not truly great players equal to Lebron James please send them to the Knicks.

[BrooklynSaints]

I would both agree and disagree. I think it's easier to learn how to dribble than shoot. There's less to learn in dribbling and one can greatly improve his or her dribbling by simply dribbling - alot.

If there is less to learn, why are there so few big girls who are great dribblers. It seems to me if it was so easy we would have alot more C. Parkers & EDD.

In the NBA there are 7 foot players shooting 3pointers. I see few dribbling like Alan Iverson.

[hoopsfl]

Lebron is a very, very good player, but not yet great. Remember, Michael Jordan was not a good shooter when he came into the NBA but worked on it. My point is, LJ's form needs work by any observant standard of good shooting form.

In regards to big men being able to shoot the 3 but not dribble, do you think it might be that they practice the three but not the dribble?

[BrooklynSaints]

Lebron is a very, very good player, but not yet great. Remember, Michael Jordan was not a good shooter when he came into the NBA but worked on it. My point is, LJ's form needs work by any observant standard of good shooting form.

In regards to big men being able to shoot the 3 but not dribble, do you think it might be that they practice the three but not the dribble?

It might also have to do with the fact they can release the 3 point shot without someone deflecting it. Its a matter of being discipline and shooting when you are open. Otherwise just pass to the open man. Thats a skill that mirrors a shot you could emulate in practice.

In dribbling there are defenders everywhere looking to steal the ball. You can practice going from point A to point B but unless you have experience dribbling under pressure its just not that easy.