The angle of a player’s feet affects the direction of the energy created as they push off the ground. Positive Energy tells us we want energy flowing either at the target or straight up in the air. If a player’s feet are pointed slightly left, their center of gravity (usually around the belly button) will move slightly left as they push off their toes, creating Negative Energy.
This slight movement may seem minimal when rocking up on the toes, but as players move faster and jump during their shots, they will tend to jump in the direction their feet are pointed. This can cause the center of gravity to shift by as much as two feet, significantly increasing Negative Energy.
Beyond energy direction, the angle of the feet affects the path of the ball. When a player’s feet are turned, their body and the ball have two different “relative directions”: relative to the target and relative to the direction their body is pointed. As players lift the ball from the triple-threat position, they often do so in a straight line relative to their body’s direction. If their body is pointed left, the ball will move up the left side of the body (relative to the rim), which may force the player out of position at the set point or cause the ball to move laterally. This lateral movement creates Negative Energy, affecting the shot.
In an ideal scenario, players would point their feet at the target, reducing Negative Energy and aligning the ball path with the target line. However, perfection is not necessary. The key is reducing Negative Energy while considering comfort and finding the balance between optimal and comfortable foot angles.
