Trae Young: Mastering The Long Shot In The NBA

Oct 30, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 47 views

Trae Young, the dynamic point guard for the Atlanta Hawks, has become synonymous with spectacular offensive firepower, particularly his proficiency in hitting long-range shots. In this article, we’ll delve into what makes Trae Young such a dangerous long-range shooter, examining the techniques, strategies, and impact he brings to the game. For basketball enthusiasts and aspiring players, understanding Young's approach to the long shot offers valuable insights into mastering this critical skill.

The Rise of Trae Young

Before diving into the specifics of his long shot, it's important to understand Trae Young's journey. Drafted into the NBA in 2018, Young quickly established himself as a player to watch. His college career at Oklahoma University was marked by incredible scoring performances and deep shooting range, hinting at the star he would become in the professional league. Transitioning to the NBA, Young faced the challenge of adapting his game to the faster pace and more physical defenses, but his confidence and shooting prowess never wavered.

Young's early years in the NBA saw him develop his playmaking abilities and refine his shooting technique. He worked tirelessly to improve his accuracy and consistency from beyond the arc, recognizing that his long-range shooting could become a significant weapon for the Hawks. His dedication paid off as he gradually increased his three-point percentage and became known for his ability to hit clutch shots from deep. His rise to stardom is a testament to his hard work, determination, and the continuous refinement of his skills.

As Young's career progressed, he continued to add layers to his offensive game, making him an even more unpredictable and dangerous player. He developed a knack for drawing fouls, using his quickness and craftiness to get defenders off balance. He also improved his ability to read defenses, making better decisions about when to shoot, pass, or drive to the basket. This versatility has made him a constant threat and a player that opposing teams must game plan for. The blend of scoring and playmaking makes him a unique talent in today's NBA.

The Mechanics of Trae Young's Long Shot

So, what makes Trae Young's long shot so effective? It’s a combination of several key elements:

Shooting Form: Trae Young's shooting form is characterized by a high release point and smooth, fluid motion. He starts with a balanced stance, ensuring his feet are shoulder-width apart and slightly angled towards the basket. His knees are bent, allowing him to generate power from his lower body. As he brings the ball up, his elbows stay tucked in, promoting a straight shooting line. The high release point helps him shoot over taller defenders, making his shot difficult to block. The fluidity of his motion ensures consistency and accuracy, even when shooting from long range. This smooth motion also helps him maintain balance and control throughout the shot.
Leg Power: The foundation of any good jump shot is leg power, and Trae Young utilizes his lower body effectively. He uses his legs to generate the necessary force to propel the ball toward the basket, especially from long distances. This reduces the strain on his arms and shoulders, allowing for a smoother and more controlled release. His legs provide a stable base, ensuring that his upper body can focus on the mechanics of the shot. The synchronization between his lower and upper body is crucial for generating consistent power and accuracy. The use of leg power also helps him maintain his shooting form, even when fatigued.
Release and Follow-Through: Young’s release is quick and clean, with a pronounced follow-through. This ensures the ball gets the right amount of backspin, which helps with accuracy. The follow-through is not just an aesthetic part of the shot; it’s a critical component that ensures the ball is released with the correct trajectory and spin. His wrist snaps forward, imparting the necessary backspin to the ball, which helps stabilize its flight and increases the chances of a favorable bounce off the rim. The consistency of his release and follow-through is a testament to his diligent practice and attention to detail. By perfecting these elements, Young has developed a reliable and repeatable shooting motion.
Confidence: Perhaps one of the most underrated aspects is Young's unwavering confidence. He isn’t afraid to take—and make—tough shots, even with defenders in his face. This mental fortitude is crucial for any long-range shooter, as doubt can often lead to missed opportunities. His confidence stems from countless hours of practice and a deep belief in his abilities. He trusts his shooting form and isn't afraid to take risks, knowing that even if he misses, he has the skill and determination to make the next one. This self-assuredness is contagious, inspiring his teammates and intimidating opponents. It's a mental edge that sets him apart from many other players.

Trae Young's Shooting Strategies

Beyond the mechanics, Trae Young employs several strategic elements to maximize his effectiveness as a long-range shooter:

Deep Range as a Weapon: Trae Young extends his shooting range far beyond the three-point line, often attempting shots from well beyond NBA distance. This forces defenses to extend further out, creating more space for him and his teammates to operate. Opposing teams must account for his ability to score from anywhere on the court, which stretches their defensive coverage and opens up opportunities for other players. His willingness to shoot from deep also keeps defenders guessing, as they can't afford to give him too much space. This constant threat changes the geometry of the game, making it harder for defenses to predict his movements and strategies. The deep range becomes a potent weapon that elevates his offensive impact.
Utilizing the Pick and Roll: The pick and roll is a staple of modern NBA offenses, and Trae Young uses it to perfection. By setting screens, his teammates create opportunities for him to get open looks from beyond the arc. He reads the defense and makes quick decisions about whether to shoot, pass, or drive. This versatility makes him difficult to defend, as opponents must be prepared for multiple options. The pick and roll also allows him to exploit mismatches, forcing defenders to switch and creating opportunities for him to attack weaker defenders. His ability to score from long range off the pick and roll makes him a nightmare matchup for opposing teams, as they must constantly adjust their defensive strategies to contain him.
Creating Space: Trae Young is adept at creating space for himself, using his dribbling skills and agility to shake off defenders. He uses a variety of moves, including crossovers, step-backs, and hesitation dribbles, to create separation. This allows him to get a clean look at the basket, even when closely guarded. The ability to create space is crucial for any shooter, as it allows them to get their shot off without being contested. His mastery of these skills makes him a constant threat from beyond the arc, as he can create scoring opportunities out of seemingly nothing. Defenders must stay glued to him at all times, making it difficult to help on other players.
Reading the Defense: A high basketball IQ is essential for any successful player, and Trae Young excels at reading the defense. He anticipates defensive movements and adjusts his strategy accordingly. He recognizes when defenders are overplaying him and counters with quick passes to open teammates. He also knows when to exploit defensive weaknesses, attacking mismatches and taking advantage of lapses in coverage. This ability to read the defense makes him a cerebral player who can adapt to any situation. He's not just a scorer; he's a playmaker who understands the nuances of the game. His intelligence and awareness make him a valuable asset to the Hawks.

The Impact on the Game

Trae Young's long-range shooting has had a significant impact on the game, both for the Atlanta Hawks and the NBA as a whole:

Offensive Spacing: His ability to consistently hit shots from deep forces defenses to spread out, creating more space for his teammates to operate in the paint. This increased spacing makes it easier for players to drive to the basket and score, as well as opening up passing lanes for easy assists. The offensive spacing that Young provides is a crucial element of the Hawks' offensive strategy. It allows them to play with more freedom and creativity, making them a difficult team to defend.
Clutch Performances: Trae Young has earned a reputation for hitting clutch shots in critical moments. His willingness to take—and make—big shots late in games makes him a valuable asset for the Hawks. These clutch performances inspire his teammates and demoralize opponents. He thrives under pressure and has a knack for coming through when it matters most. His ability to deliver in the clutch is a testament to his mental toughness and unwavering confidence.
Inspiration for Young Players: Trae Young's success has inspired countless young players to work on their long-range shooting. He has shown that with dedication and hard work, it’s possible to become a lethal shooter from anywhere on the court. His influence extends beyond the NBA, as young players around the world are emulating his shooting form and strategies. He has become a role model for aspiring basketball players, demonstrating that anything is possible with the right mindset and work ethic.

Conclusion

Trae Young's mastery of the long shot is a testament to his skill, dedication, and strategic understanding of the game. By focusing on his shooting form, leg power, release, and mental approach, he has transformed himself into one of the NBA's most dangerous offensive threats. His impact on the game extends beyond scoring, influencing offensive strategies and inspiring young players to develop their own long-range shooting abilities. As Trae Young continues to evolve, his long shot will undoubtedly remain a central part of his game, captivating fans and challenging defenses for years to come. Guys, keep an eye on Trae; he's just getting started! If you are an aspiring player, emulate his shooting; it will do you good in the long run!