10 tips on how to become a better isolation scorer
Michael Cox
One of the rarest skills a basketball player can have is the ability to create their own shot; it can be the difference between being a great player and being a superstar. We asked a few UH trainers across the country for tips on how to be a better isolation scorer. Follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to becoming the next James Harden.
Ken Koerner - Syosset, NY: Be unstoppable. Practice all of your moves/finishes in game speed as well as in all different scenarios and locations on the court.
Kwame Ofori - Centerville, VA: Look at your defender’s feet and attack the high foot (whether with a cross over or an in-and-out). Develop a decent jump shot so when you do a pump fake the defender will more than likely bite on it.
Peter Fabiano - Florham Park, NJ: Be able to dribble the ball effectively and shoot off the dribble and on the move.
Cassidy Klinefelter - Folsom, CA: Be efficient by driving in more straight lines to the hoop and less side-to-side dribbling. Use your triple threat wisely and patiently.
Adrian Woodard - Bergen County, NJ: Attack the feet and hands of your defender, especially the top hand.
Bryce Lewis - Berkeley Heights, NJ: Keep your eyes on the rim and in the paint to know when there is a driving opportunity. Work on dribble moves, shot/ball fakes and jab steps.
Lorenzo Orr - Lakeville, MN: The best way to become a better isolation scorer is to play a lot of one-on-one games. It is important to lock in on areas that you are not strong in. If you are a player that can get to the basket and finish great, I would put a lot of energy into shooting from 3-point line and mid-range pull ups.
Jonathan Nester - Franklin, TN: Make sure you have solid footwork because this will allow you to shoot and make moves off the dribble to score. Be aware of the places on the court that are your sweet spots, which is where you make the majority of your shots. Lastly, have that confidence that you are a great isolation scorer.
Reggie Thompson - Woodstock, GA: Watch the defense and their feet. Elite footwork is important, combined with an array of skills. Work on getting as low as the defense and always attack the lead foot.
Nick Malonga - Warrenville, IL: Get your defender off balance. When an offensive player can get a defender off balance, they have an edge to get to the rim or get an open jump shot. A great move to get a defender off balance is a glide or hang dribble, which are lateral dribbles to manipulate the defender.
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