Walking onto the court last weekend, I couldn’t help but think about how much basketball has evolved—not just in terms of team strategies, but in the sheer variety of ways players can put the ball through the hoop. I’ve been playing since I was twelve, and back then, we basically had two kinds of shots: the layup and the jump shot. But today? It’s a whole different ball game. If you really want to elevate your performance, you need to discover the different kinds of shots in basketball—mastering each one can be the difference between a good player and a great one. Let me tell you, I’ve seen teams crumble because they relied too much on one or two types of scoring, and I’ve seen others thrive because they had a full arsenal. Take, for example, the recent season openers for the Fighting Maroons and the Soaring Falcons. Both teams lost their first games, and from where I stand, a big part of that came down to shot selection. They’re hungry to get back on the winning track, and I bet if they diversify their offensive toolkit, they’ll start turning those losses into wins.

In the Maroons’ opener, I noticed they kept forcing drives to the basket, attempting layups against taller defenders. They shot 38% from two-point range—a number that’s just not going to cut it in competitive play. On the other hand, the Falcons relied heavily on mid-range jumpers but only connected on 30% of those attempts. Watching the game footage, I counted maybe three or four three-pointers taken by each team in the entire first half. That’s barely scratching the surface of what modern offenses are capable of. It reminded me of my own playing days in college when our coach drilled into us that relying on one type of shot is like bringing a knife to a gunfight. Both squads seemed stuck in a scoring rut, and it showed on the scoreboard. The Falcons’ point guard, in particular, missed a couple of crucial floaters in the paint—a shot that, if executed well, can be a game-changer against shot-blockers. Honestly, it felt like they were playing not to lose rather than playing to win, and that mindset often limits creativity on the court.

So, what’s the real issue here? In my experience, many players—and even coaches—underestimate the importance of mastering a wide range of shots. They focus on conditioning or defensive drills, which are vital, but if you can’t score efficiently, you’re leaving points on the table. Let’s break it down: the Maroons attempted 15 layups but only made 6, while the Falcons took 12 mid-range shots and sank just 4. That’s a conversion rate of 40% and 33%, respectively—numbers that would make any analyst cringe. I’ve always believed that shot diversity isn’t just about having more options; it’s about exploiting defensive weaknesses. If the defense knows you’re only going to drive or shoot from one spot, they’ll shut you down every time. And this is exactly why I stress the need to discover the different kinds of shots in basketball. From hook shots and floaters to step-backs and corner threes, each has its place. For instance, a well-timed floater can neutralize a shot-blocking big man, something the Falcons could’ve used to avoid those blocked attempts in the paint. Similarly, the Maroons might have benefited from incorporating more pull-up jumpers off the dribble to keep defenders guessing.

Now, for the solution—and this is where I get passionate. First off, both teams should dedicate at least 30% of their practice time to shot-specific drills. I’m not talking about generic shooting exercises; I mean reps focused on particular shots like the euro-step layup or the catch-and-shoot three. When I coached a youth team last year, we saw a 15% increase in scoring efficiency just by adding variety to our shooting routines. For the Falcons, integrating floaters and runners into their guard play could bump their paint scoring by 20% or more. The Maroons, meanwhile, should work on off-ball movement to create open three-point opportunities—imagine if they increased their three-point attempts from 8 to 15 per game while maintaining a decent percentage. That alone could add 9-12 points to their total. Another thing: players need to study film of pros who excel in multiple shot types. Stephen Curry, for example, isn’t just a three-point shooter; his ability to finish with either hand around the rim makes him nearly unstoppable. Emulating that versatility can transform an offense from predictable to dynamic.

Reflecting on all this, it’s clear that the Fighting Maroons and Soaring Falcons have the talent to bounce back—they just need to embrace a more holistic approach to scoring. In my view, basketball is as much an art as it is a science, and mastering the full spectrum of shots is like having more colors on your palette. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a pro, taking the time to discover the different kinds of shots in basketball will not only make you a better player but also make the game more fun to play and watch. I’ve seen it firsthand: teams that diversify their scoring tend to handle pressure better and adapt faster to in-game adjustments. So, as these two teams look to get back on the winning track, I’d advise them to hit the gym with a focus on expanding their shot selection. Who knows? The next game might just be the one where a perfectly executed step-back three or a soft-touch floater turns their season around.