Shoot it like Ersan

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This Turkish guy, Ersan Ilyasova is lighting up the current FIBA Worlds. Hitting 60% of his three point shots helping the host team, Turkey, to an undefeated stint.

In the NBA, last season, playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, he shot an acceptable .336. I did not follow the Bucks last year, but can almost assure you that very few plays were run for him and that Bogut isn’t exactly a double-team-magnet player. So .336 shooting is pretty decent for young import. Imagine if he’ll play for the Heat or Lakers, he’ll drain corner threes all game long.

And as I looked to his “photo-shot,” I noticed his shot resembling the shot of my other favorite players, now & then, Dirk Nowitzki & Larry Bird.

Incidentally, all guys, Larry, Ersan and Dirk are of the same mold, big shooting guys (6-10 – 6-11 range).

Notice the way they hold/release the ball, the middle shooting fingers are below the “palm line” (this creates backspin and beautiful fluid arc), elbow is 90 degrees that gives the shot a good release, balance, nice follow through and more importantly a good arc.

The non-dominant hand (the guide hand) plays no role in pushing/driving the shot. Basically, the guide hand is what it is, a guide.

Heck, 40-something Allan Caidic uses the same form in firing up 54 points few weeks ago.

Even Kobe Bryant’s form, its the same (though Kobe’s support left hand is a little more up front).

And so kids, study the form.