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Back when I was in junior high, my dad (a P.E. teacher and coach) showed us an instructional shooting film. It was an actual film. You threaded the movie through the projector and ... never mind.
Anyway, I don't remember who the instructor was, but the guy never missed, not once during the entire 45-minute film. Maybe it was some creative editing, but it was amazing to watch.
I remember asking my dad why this guy never played in the NBA. My dad said, "Because in the film, there's nobody guarding him."
Oh.
I was reminded of that film on Wednesday night after watching BYU struggle to a 59-56 win over San Diego State. Both teams could have used some instructional film study: The Cougars and Aztecs combined to shoot 42-of-118 (35 percent) from the field and 9-of-38 (24 percent) from the 3-point line.
As for BYU, its poor road shooting followed it home. Only one player on the Cougar roster -- freshman Jimmer Fredette -- managed at least 50 percent from the field (he was 4-of-8). BYU's starters combined to miss 30 of their 47 shots.
What in the name of Rick Barry's granny-shot free throw is going on?
Elbow in. Wrist cocked at a 45 degree angle. Wide base. Release at the top of your jump. Follow through.
Seems simple, right?
I imagine the players have heard from every friend, relative and neighbor about what to do to get out of their shooting slump.
Make 1,000 shots a day.
Shoot with someone running at you.
Take better shots.
Be confident.
Pretend like you're shooting out of a telephone booth (I actually got that one from a coach at the John Wooden Basketball Camp when I was 10.)
Even the weekend warrior has had days in the rec center where they couldn't miss. Remember how it felt? Like you could shoot all day and every shot was going in? You were even banking in 3-pointers.
The reverse is true as well: We've all had those times when we couldn't hit a bull in the butt with a banjo. We tried adjusting our form, looking at a different spot on the rim, whatever.
Nothing worked.
Look, BYU's shooting percentage was bound to drop in league play. While the Cougars played Louisville, North Carolina and Michigan State in the preseason, they also played Jackson State, Hartford and Pepperdine.
League teams are simply better prepared to face what BYU is trying to run.
You can take Jonathan Tavernari's approach, which is keep shooting no matter what. He's trying to shoot his way out of a slump, but he's just five for his past 29 shots.
Good luck with that.
Actually, I have some advice for JT: Stop fading away on your shot, especially your 3-pointer. Go straight up and down.
Everybody's an expert, right?
Trent Plaisted has struggled from both the line and the field. BYU needs a strong post presence, or the offense just bogs down.
Best advice I ever got? Shooting is muscle memory. Don't overthink. Just shoot.
Despite consecutive poor shooting games, the Cougars have two wins.
They can't shoot much worse.
They have to get better.
It's the law of averages -- and shooting percentages.
• Daily Herald Sports Editor Darnell Dickson can be reached at 344-2555 or by e-mail at
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