Mikal Bridges, a player known for his consistency from beyond the arc, raised eyebrows during this preseason by debuting a new shooting form. Observers were quick to notice its awkward and unorthodox mechanics. His revamped form involved pulling the ball far behind his head, then catapulting it towards the rim, all while barely leaving the ground. Such a drastic transformation, especially for a player with a respectable shooting record, left many questioning the logic behind the change.
Historically, shooting mechanics have evolved. The old-school two-handed set shot, which required players to be square to the basket, has been replaced by the one-handed jump shot, where the body is slightly turned for better alignment. These changes are meant to optimize shooting efficiency, allowing players to transfer power from their legs through a smooth upward motion. Despite these advancements in shooting techniques, some players still fall prey to overcomplication, leading to less efficient forms.
Bridges, who shot an impressive 42% from three during the NBA bubble, was once considered a reliable perimeter shooter. His shot mechanics in 2021 were fluid and efficient, with the ball held in front of his face and released just above his forehead. The rhythm was optimal, allowing for consistent shooting percentages throughout the season. But this season, as side-by-side comparisons reveal, Bridges has made radical changes that have disrupted his form and overall effectiveness.
In his new form, the ball is raised much earlier in his shooting motion, causing a disconnect between his lower body and the ball’s release. As a result, he must hang in the air longer while waiting for his legs to catch up. This change leads to a high set point, making it difficult to maintain a consistent rhythm and to generate enough power for long-range shots. His shooting efficiency has taken a nosedive, evidenced by a dismal 0-for-10 night in his last preseason game and a disappointing 2-for-19 for the entire preseason.
When analyzing the technical details, it becomes clear that the problems with Bridges’ shot stem from poor energy transfer. Last season, his set point was lower, and he released the ball earlier in his jump, allowing him to transfer the energy from his legs smoothly into the shot. This season, the higher set point requires him to pause mid-jump, disrupting the energy flow and making his shot less fluid. The impact is not just in his lower shooting percentage but also in how much more effort is required to shoot from range.
Comparisons with other players, such as Kevin Durant, illustrate how body mechanics can influence shooting form. Durant, who also shoots with a high release, maintains a smoother energy transfer despite releasing the ball above his head. He doesn’t jump as high, nor does he have the long pause that Bridges has introduced, making Durant’s shot much more consistent and efficient. The difference lies in how they utilize the energy from their legs—Durant’s fluid motion helps maintain a reliable shot, while Bridges’ jerky mechanics do not.
Another notable example is Jayson Tatum, who also made adjustments to his shot, although in his case, the changes have been more successful. Tatum has sped up the upward motion after the ball reaches the bottom of the dip, a modification designed to get the shot off faster. While some analysts, like Tim Legler, criticized Tatum’s lateral movement during his shot dip, it hasn’t negatively impacted his performance. In fact, Tatum’s adjustment serves to make his shot more efficient by reducing the time the ball spends at the bottom of his shooting motion, speeding up the entire process. The increased speed allows him to get off more shots with less defensive pressure, improving his overall shooting performance.
In contrast, Bridges’ shooting woes seem to stem from a fundamental misunderstanding of how to balance mechanics with efficiency. The extreme elevation of his set point forces him to hang in the air and release the ball late, leading to inconsistent results. Moreover, his reliance on an outdated method of teaching shooting mechanics could be the root cause of his current struggles. Coaches looking to help players like Bridges must focus on modern techniques that emphasize alignment and rhythm, two of the most critical elements of a reliable jumper.
However, Bridges is not alone in his shooting struggles. Other players like Kyle Anderson have faced similar challenges. Anderson, who shot 48% from three in college, also underwent drastic changes to his shot that hindered his effectiveness. His set point became progressively higher over the years, culminating in a hitch that disrupted the fluidity of his shot. This led to poor shooting percentages and a lack of confidence from the perimeter.
In the end, Bridges’ shooting struggles serve as a reminder of the dangers of overcomplicating shooting mechanics. Players and coaches alike must focus on finding a balance between form and efficiency, ensuring that any changes made to a player’s shot are backed by modern, evidence-based techniques. The key to a successful jump shot lies in rhythm and alignment—two elements that, when disrupted, can turn even the most talented shooter into an inconsistent one.
Bridges still has time to regain his shooting form and return to the level of success he once enjoyed. With the right coaching and attention to detail, he can correct the issues with his shot and become a reliable perimeter threat once again. For now, though, his shooting woes highlight the importance of mastering modern techniques and avoiding the pitfalls of unnecessary complexity in shooting mechanics.
