When I first started playing competitive basketball back in high school, I'll admit I was pretty much just a catch-and-shoot player. My coach would constantly yell from the sidelines about "shot selection" and "understanding the game," but it took me years to truly grasp what he meant. You see, shooting in basketball isn't just about putting the ball through the hoop—it's about understanding when, how, and why to take specific types of shots based on the game situation. I remember watching young talents like Jared Bahay make their transitions between programs, and it struck me how the evolution of a player's shooting repertoire often mirrors their overall development. Bahay's move from University of the Philippines to Ateneo reminds me that even at the highest levels, players constantly refine their shooting techniques.

The foundation of any good shooter starts with the basic jump shot, which sounds simple until you realize there are at least seven distinct types that elite players master. Let me break down what I've learned both from playing and studying the game. The set shot—that stationary, feet-planted shot—might seem outdated, but it remains crucial for free throws and situations where you have just enough space. I've tracked my own shooting percentages over the years, and my set shots from within 15 feet consistently hit around 72%, compared to just 58% when I'm moving. Then there's the pull-up jumper, which separates good shooters from great ones. The ability to stop on a dime and elevate into your shot after dribbling is what makes players like Stephen Curry so dangerous. I've spent countless hours practicing this particular move, and it's increased my scoring average by nearly 5 points per game in pick-up matches.

What many casual fans don't realize is how much footwork dictates shooting success. The step-back jumper has become incredibly popular in the modern game, with players like James Harden making it their signature move. I've found that creating separation with a step-back gives me that extra split-second to get my shot off against taller defenders. Then there's the fadeaway, arguably the most difficult shot to master but nearly impossible to block when executed properly. Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant built their legacies on this shot, and I can tell you from experience that it requires tremendous core strength and balance. The turnaround jumper is another high-difficulty shot that I've been working into my game—pivoting away from the defender before shooting, which works wonderfully in the post.

Now let's talk about movement shooting, which has completely transformed today's NBA. The catch-and-shoot might be the most efficient shot in basketball—when you receive a pass and immediately shoot without dribbling. Statistics show that NBA players make approximately 37% of their three-pointers off the dribble compared to 42% on catch-and-shoot situations. Then there's the floater, that delicate one-handed push shot used when driving to the basket against taller defenders. I've found this particularly effective against shot-blockers, and it's become my go-to move when driving through traffic. The runner is similar but typically taken from slightly further out, and it's saved me countless times when my driving lane got cut off.

What fascinates me about developing players like Jared Bahay is watching how they incorporate these different shots into their repertoire. Coming into his sophomore year, Bahay likely understands that expanding beyond basic shooting forms is what separates collegiate players from future pros. I remember my own sophomore year in college when I finally added a reliable step-back to my game—it completely changed how defenders had to play me. The most underrated aspect of shooting development is learning which shots fit your specific game. I'm 6'2", so practicing fadeaways over taller defenders made sense for me, but a 5'10" point guard might benefit more from mastering floaters and runners.

The three-point revolution has obviously changed shooting development priorities. When I started playing seriously fifteen years ago, coaches emphasized mid-range shots first. Now, the analytics movement has made three-pointers and shots at the rim the primary focus. Personally, I think the complete abandonment of the mid-range game is misguided—having that in your arsenal keeps defenders honest. In my own tracking, adding two made mid-range jumpers per game actually increased my three-point percentage by 4% because defenders had to respect my driving game more. The best shooters I've played with understand this balance—they might take fewer mid-range shots overall, but they maintain that capability for when it's needed.

Shot preparation is another element that doesn't get enough attention. The difference between a good shooter and a great one often comes down to what happens before they even catch the ball. I've drilled into my own habits the importance of always having my hands ready and feet positioned toward the basket, which shaves precious tenths of seconds off my release time. Watching professional shooters, you'll notice they're almost always in a slight crouch with their weight on the balls of their feet, ready to receive and shoot in one fluid motion. This might sound basic, but it's something I still consciously think about during games.

As players progress like Bahay is doing, they learn that shooting isn't just about technique—it's about understanding defensive schemes and finding gaps within them. The best shooters I've played against don't just take what the defense gives them; they take what the defense never intended to give up. They use screens differently, they relocate after passes, and they understand timing in ways that can't be taught through drills alone. This basketball IQ aspect of shooting is what I've focused on most in recent years, and it's made more difference to my scoring than any technical adjustment.

Looking at the evolution of basketball shooting, I'm convinced we're entering an era where versatility matters more than specialization. The players who will dominate the next decade are those who can comfortably shoot off the dribble, off screens, off spot-ups, and in transition. They'll need the three-point range of Steph Curry combined with the mid-range game of Kevin Durant and the finishing ability of Kyrie Irving. For developing players reading this, my advice is to work on one new shooting type each offseason. Last year, I dedicated myself to mastering the step-back three, and while I'm still not where I want to be, it's added a dimension to my game that wasn't there before. Shooting development is a journey, not a destination, and the most exciting players to watch are those like Bahay who understand that their shooting education is never complete.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.