“If your coach isn’t telling you to stop shooting, you aren’t shooting enough.” ~ Johnplarson, Instagram Commentor

Hey Reader!

“You were really solid out there today!”

You might think that’s a compliment, but I would disagree.

“Solid” means you did your job. No turnovers, took safe shots, made smart passes, grabbed a few boards. It’s the sports equivalent of having a “good personality.” You may not have screwed up, but you also didn’t make the other team’s coach call a timeout just to figure out how to stop you. You’re not a threat.

And, you’re probably forgettable.

One of the best comments on my recent video about “The Sin of Invisibility” was: “If your coach isn’t telling you to stop shooting, you aren’t shooting enough.” That one comment got over 300 likes and the video almost 300k views. Clearly, I hit a nerve.

I’d add to that, if every defender in the gym knows that you’re playing afraid to mess up, then you’re predictable.

I’ve defended those players. It’s fun. I sag off and help my teammates knowing my man is scared to shoot anything but the easiest shots.

We’ve all been told to be unselfish from an early age. But let me ask you this: what’s more selfish than hiding a skill you’ve spent thousands of hours building?

This season, forget points, rebounds, and assists for a second. Instead, track a different stat: Aggression Attempts.

How many times did you take a shot you weren’t 100% sure about? How many times did you challenge a taller, more athletic defender at the rim, knowing you might get blocked? How many times did you not make the 1-more pass and take the shot yourself instead?

Aggression Attempts reframes success as the willingness to try, the willingness to be uncomfortable.

Want to be really comfortable? Sit on the bench. You can kick back, rest your legs, watch the game like a fan, and let some other kid who isn’t afraid to screw up steal your minutes.

I’m hoping that you’ve worked too hard to just be “solid.” Your parents have spent too much money, taken off work too many times, and driven too many miles for you to not show what you can do.

My challenge to you this season: see if you can get your coach to tell you to stop shooting.

Tucker

Overseas Pro Player

P.S. If your coach tells you to stop after your first shot, odds are you need to get back in the gym and train!

3 Hacks From Me

Hack 1: Scout Yourself as a Defender

If I were guarding myself, what would I want me to do? This forces you to see your game from the defender's eyes. Do they want you to shoot? Do they want you to drive left? Whatever their answer is, that’s your workout to-do list.

Hack 2: The "Earn the 'No'" Challenge

Your mission in your next practice or scrimmage is to be so aggressive that your coach has to tell you to stop shooting. This isn't about taking bad shots; it's about pushing your own boundaries until you find your coach's. When he finally says, "Okay, let's dial it back," that's not a failure—that's a win. You've just successfully expanded his view of what you're capable of and shown him you're not afraid to be a threat.

Hack 3: Know When to Be Solid, When to Be Aggressive

Be solid with the things you can control: hustle plays, crashing the boards, physicality, and being a great teammate. That's your baseline. Then, when the ball hits your hands, switch to aggression mode. Hunt for your shot, attack the rim, and make things happen. Earn trust with your effort, create your reputation with your aggression.

*View all of our past emails at hackinghoops.kit.com/posts​

2 Questions for Growth

• What were the guys who made it to the college level doing at your age? Were they invisible?
• Is your passiveness and fear of making mistakes make you predictable and easy to guard?

Reply to this email and let me know!

1 Video to Watch

My latest YouTube video: The 7 deadly sins of MEDIOCRE hoopers​

Check out our other free resources at HackingHoops.com.

Got Questions? Need Game Feedback? Ask a Pro.

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P.S. Check out my YouTube Channel where I share my journey and knowledge and give basketball advice to young athletes.

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Best,

Tucker