Testimonials

Recent Testimonials
WNBA
NBA and College Coaches
Special Coaches'Testimonials
Prior Testimonials

Recent Testimonials for the "Swish" Video

Here are some of the latest testimonials we've received:

"Tom: I've noticed that many NBA scorers utilize an adaptation of your swish method: Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Detlef Schrempf, Dell Curry, and many, many more. Their mechanics are all unique but the basic principle is clearly evident. If you or anyone were to mimic the form of these outstanding players, you would see that they're using the basic UpForce and release method.

"My own testimonial is that I was a B-E-E-F method player. I taught my own kids the gooseneck. What a mistake! I literally glanced at one of the first newsletters I received in the mail. I read maybe a sentence or two. I saw some father was asking or commenting on the method of letting the hand just drop naturally at the end of the release. That was all I read and went to my noon time exercise at the gym. I tried doing just what I had read and wow, I was immediately convinced this was the way to go as a player and coach.

"I'm still working and still developing and still improving. If I had known this method when I was younger (high school), I'm convinced I would not simply be a former junior college player and Division II prospect. I would have had the confidence and ability to compete at the D-1 level. I had all the tools except the consistent jumper. I used to work hour after hour for years on my jumper without the results I realized in that first week alone. I bought the video and now attempting to get the kids to retrain themselves with the method. Keep up the good work."
-- Romeo Swift

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Dear Tom, I have had great success using your method. I taught myself first. I am not a great athlete (in a high school with 200 kids, I was not good enough to make even the JV basketball team). I can now consistently shoot 80% from the free throw line (up from about 30%). I can also regularly make 5 or 6 successive 3 point shots while practicing. I have even started making them under pressure when I play at a local gym during lunch time.

"I have also had good success teaching it. One of my 5th grade girls won the final day 'shoot out' against 6th and 7th graders last summer at a camp put on by our High School Coaches. Another of the girls I taught got first in shooting at a different camp with 60 kids.

"I have developed a 'Shooting Awareness Survey' that has the kids answer questions about how they shoot. It is based on some of the Awareness stuff that you are talking about. I am attaching it - feel free to use it or give me any feedback.

"I have thought about doing some sort of clinic or giving free shooting lessons to any of the local kids that are interested. I really would appreciate any help or advice you can give in that area."
-- Gary Crocker

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Tom, I have been reading backwards in your previous Newsletter. I had to STOP reading them as you were mentally overloading my head with spectacular material. I am talking to people everywhere about you and your Swish22 website. You should be proud of what you are doing and accomplishing. Thanks for my mental overload (smile)."
-- Pat Suessmuth, Hillsburgh, Ontario, Canada

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Tom, Just a quick note on my son's progress since purchasing the Swish video a few months ago. When the package arrived in the mail my son had it open and had watched the video before I got home from work. The video reinforced what I had been telling him all year; that his shot had become too flat. I just didn't know how to show him to improve. Still, I wasn't sure the message would take.

"I am happy to report that rarely a day goes by that he is not in the driveway working on his technique. His good shots now rip the cords! When I rebound for him, I hear him talking to himself about UpForce and too much upper body on his errant shots. He even tells me "you threw that one" when I launch a flat one! Last night he was on the wet driveway in a slight drizzle shooting. He was hitting 14 or 15 perfect shots in a row. His shot is getting more consistent all of the time. Sometimes I watch him from afar and see him warm up from his zero point before shooting the longer ones.

"I now eagerly await the start of fall basketball (this Saturday) to see if it will translate to the court. Your section about fear of failing in the August newsletter will also come in handy. He has tended to shy away form shooting the open shots. I hope his new found confidence will free him up to shoot - dead center SWISH!"
-- Joe Quirk, III, Richardson, TX

Another from Joe:
Tom, A few weeks back you had asked for my son's description about what he is learning from the Swish method - what's hard, easy, etc...

"The hardest thing starting out was getting a constant release motion - getting the release to be the same each time. Also, keeping the wrist from flipping the ball instead of just guiding it. Using the lower body to power the shot was awkward at first because I was thinking about it too much. But, once I got used to it, it became easier to shoot at different distances and my range increased. Coordinating the release with the UpForce also takes some practice, but I think that was more too much thinking instead of reacting. I don't think it was really hard, it was just part of changing to a different method.

"The easiest part for me was getting the ball into a higher arching path. Once I got my legs powering the shot, it just happened. I also think opening up my stance a little bit and getting better aligned with the basket made a lot of sense and was easy.

"Since I have been trying to use the Swish method I think I have become more consistent. More shots seem to go in because the higher arching shot seems to be more forgiving. Even when shots are off target a little they seem to bounce softer and sometimes go in. I have noticed it is harder for defenders to block my shot too. My teammates are starting to look for me to get more shots as a higher percentage of shots go in.

"Another benefit for me has been on defense. Now that I kind of know what to look for, I can tell who are the likely to be the really good shooters that need to be guarded closely. The other guys may make a few, but usually miss more than they make."
-- Joey (the son)

"Joey is one of the quiet types, but you can usually drag it out of him if you keep asking him questions. At a game this past weekend, one of his teammates was telling him that his shot was too high. I listened from a few feet away as he told him why it was high and the benefits of it being high. I have to tell you he would never have said anything like that a few weeks ago. He probably would have listened to his teammate and started shooting flatter!!!!
-- Joe Quirk, III, Richardson, TX

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Dear Tom, Have received the swish video and accompanying workbook in good order. I've already watched the video twice. I find it very interesting. I'm going to be watching it many more times.

"The first basketball session (recreational games-first team to reach 15 points win with shots counting as 2 or 3 points accordingly) I had after watching the first viewing, the improvement of my shooting was remarkable. After missing a few shots, I was able to "feel" what was "not right" and once adjusted, I could literally "feel" what was right and seemed like I could score at will the rest of the night, no matter what the defense tried. I am already thought of as a "very good" shooter among my friends (though I only rate myself as above average ... that's why I bought your video!) but that night, everyone was amazed. It wasn't that I was just shooting at a high percentage but seemed like every 15 point game we played came down to that one last game winning, usually 3 point, shot (or game loosing miss), and I made everyone of those. Towards the end of the night, everyone knew I was going to get that last shot but it didn't matter, all I needed was a split second to get the shot off ... and they all hit nothing but the bottom of the net!!

"Strangely and sadly, the second basketball session I had after that (a week later), I had difficulty finding that "right feeling" on a consistent basis and shot an average percentage that night.

"I guess its still early. Will continue to try.

"I will say this at this moment though : there were many times in the past where I had tried something different in an attempt to improve my shooting, but this is the first time where it isn't a mental exercise (e.g. thinking in the head : "OK, keep elbows in" or "minimize hand movement" or "flick wrist"). Instead, I find it more like "experimenting" or going on a discovery journey ... trying to find that "right feeling" by simply doing. I'm enjoying it. Hope more consistent results will follow."
-- Thanks, Loke Yew, Malaysia

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Tom, I just wanted to say that after watching the video twice, I have been to the gym 3 or 4 times to try to apply some of the techniques you talk about as essential to good shooting (upforce, relaxed hands, plenty of arc). I found that they made a lot of sense, and it showed. For my natural (right) hand, I don't have anything to use as a comparison, because I didn't bother to write any numbers down, but my jump shot feels better and is more accurate (more swishes than I can ever remember). For my left hand - which I had hardly ever shot a ball with - after a bit of practice (but mostly just concentrating on the thingsemphasised in your video), I hit 15 of 20 free throws.

"It was useful to have something to think about when my jumper went off a bit - instead of focussing on rigid fundamentals that probably just added stress and reduced the power generated from my legs (like a completely cocked wrist and full follow through), accuracy returned almost immediately when I concentrated on upforce and relaxed hands.

"Not only this, I managed to offer some tips to a friend about necessities for good shooting, and he (even though a bit of a skeptic), took on board some of the ideas and improved his jumper a lot in just a couple of hours."
-- Cheers, Rob Callan, Australia

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Tom, I just received your video and I like the things you bring to this topic. I am the basketball coach at Central Methodist College in Fayette, Missouri and I have a number of basketball camps during the summer. I will let my campers know about this video. You have simplified the shot and made it easy to understand and enjoyable to watch. I will show this during the camp sessions, though I only have one remaining this summer. Obviously there are a lot of videos out in the market, however, I feel you have brought another dimension to the table. I appreciate your approach and quality of this item. I hope many of the campers and my own players will benefit from this tape."
-- Sincerely, Jeff Sherman, Missouri

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"From only reading the booklet that came with the video and doing a little practice, I am swishing 10 and 12 foot shots 50% of the time, and for the FIRST time I won a game of 21 (shooting from the free throw line) against my son. You may not think this is fantastic, but consider this: I am 41 years oldand NEVER played a game of Basketball in my life nor have I been involved with the sport at all until this year when I took on the coaching job of my sons U14 team! I did a refereeing course so I could learn the rules and then bought books and started to learn about basketball. The 2 or 3 hours practice I have done since receiving the swish video has been the MOST productive since I got involved in all this. My confidence is sky high So I am REALLY looking forward to watching the Video and improving more!"
-- Gavin Molloy, Australia

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Hi, Tom! For the past 6 or 7 years I have tried taught kids to shoot on the way up, and to generate lift in the shot with the legs. I just read your approach, and I am so thankful that someone who is as well-versed in shooting teaches the same things. I am trying to improve my coaching of shooting, and I find the things you say to be on target. I am going to be coaching at the Tennessee Lady Vols camps later this week, and when I get back, I am going to purchase your shooting video. I can't wait to teach the techniques to my players. To me, the worst invention in basketball (for shooting) was the 3-point line. I want my players to be able to hit the 15-footer. With your help, we'll do it. Thanks for the common sense approach to shooting. I look forward to getting the video!"
-- T. Dartt, North Olmsted, Ohio

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Just wanted to thank you again for putting on a great clinic for the girls (Rachel, Muffie, Kelly) and me. I had read your newsletters and it was obvious from those that you knew what you were talking about regarding shooting. However, not only do you know shooting, you know how to teach kids. Your ability to keep two girls who just turned 11 interested for four+ hours in improving their shooting was impressive, to say the least. The clinic was worth every penny.

Please be sure to e-mail me next time you are coming this way -- by then I'm figuring a refresher will be all we will need."
-- D. Harris, Seattle

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"I really did enjoy your shooting clinic. It makes me think about my mechanics and the points you talked about whenever I am not making my shots regularly. My dad taught me to shoot the same way you teach. He later found your website and said that he liked what you had on there. I think he said he read the minimum of the top of the backboard for your arch. When he found out you were coming to Texas, he said he was going to take me to your clinic.

"I now really notice everyone's shot and tell my dad what they might be doing wrong like not enough legs, not enough arch, or their shooting hand isn't relaxed. (The bounce in the wrist.) I think it's cool to watch the pros shooting style also. My dad would tell me to watch Mullin of the Pacers in the playoffs, but he didn't play much. I also watched a guy in college named "Pepe Sanchez". We would tape lots of games and watch the players' form in slow motion."
-- S. Escamilla, Texas

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Tom, Before I get to my real question I want to let you know how well my camp went when I used your Swish Method.

"I am a 23 y/o head coach at the 5A level in Kansas and was asked to conduct a basketball camp for 3-6 graders within the community. I had recently watched your video and decided to use your method at camp. Although I had averaged 24 points in high school and set three point records in college, I didn't know how to teach shooting. The first day of camp we found our set points and got everything lined up. Then we talked about legs and arch. Then it was time to shoot at the hoop. The results were amazing. These little girls who had never hit the bottom of the net were swishing numerous shots in a row. It took them a while to remember where everything was and how it should work together, but once they did it, they usually made it. We continued working on our shooting throughout the three week camp, and at the end of the camp the director told me that the girls were shooting better than any other group he could remember. I wanted to take all the credit, of course, but I know it was your method that truly made them better shooters. Thank you."
-- Coach Matthew Madole, Kansas

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Tom, Some of the girls have really taken to it. When we do our warm up shooting drills at the beginning of practice we all say "yes" or "no" on the release and I have the girls (and their partners) rate their arc on a scale of 1-10. I've found that this really helps them evaluate and remain aware.

"I was working with the JV on foul shooting the other day. Two of the girls were jumping while shooting free throws. I reminded them about consistency and adding variables to the shot that they didn't need. It took them a couple minutes of shooting to adjust for the upforce they had lost by not jumping anymore, but when they figured it out they're shots were more consistent and had better touch (plus they weren't crossing the foul line for a violation every couple of shots).

"Another girl on that same day had her set point way too high. This has been a problem for her and it led to her generating power from her shoulder and not the up force. Her shot had always looked mechanical, with no flow between the lower body and the upper body. I suggested she move her set point down -- off her cheek, that's all. She immediately hit her next 24 of 25 foul shots, including the first 16 in a row. The change in set point resulted in a much smoother, relaxed shot. The mechanical look of it was gone because she was able to connect her upforce to her stroke.

"The clinic has given all of us a common reference point to work from. It has been very helpful in making change. Because of the common reference point and terminology my coaching is more efficient. I don't have to spend as much time with one player during our limited time. I can get to everyone. The most common things I say are:
"Was that a 'yes' or a 'no'?"
"Check your stance."
"How was the arc, 1 to 10?"
These are reminders that allow them to self coach."
-- Thanks, Pat Jones, high school coach, Santa Cruz, Calif.

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"We had some very poor shooters at our clinic, but it was exciting to see how every boy and girl improved in just a short amount of time. Tom took them step-by-step through the proper shooting form. You could see the kids get excited when they saw improvement in their shots. It will be exciting to see the improvement in our 8th grade boys basketball team this year as our team concentrates on the easy SWISH method of shooting."
-- Mike McQueen
Assist. 8th Grade Boys Basketball Coach, Indiana

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"I was stunned at how simple the shot process was, and how easy it is to learn and teach! From observing and listening to Tom, I had the realization that some of the most often prescribed teaching techniques actually work against a good shot. "
-- R J Crawford
Apple Valley, Minnesota

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"I spent two complete days with Tom at a shooting clinic in So. Calif. The results in the kids shooting were nothing short of amazing, and those results were exciting to them. Tom is enthusiastic about what he does and patiently reinforces his concepts in such a way that they can continue practicing and refining their newfound shot long after he is gone. He is a great teacher of the "lost art" of shooting. He makes things so easy that almost anyone is able to pick up the concept and improve their shooting immediately. Even those who seemed skeptical quickly realized his teaching was revolutionary to what they "knew" about shooting. I only wish I had this type of teaching when I was younger. It was a pleasure to participate in seeing Tom work with these kids."
-- J. Scattareggia, Los Angeles

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"During the month of July 2000,I personally watched coach Nordland work with both my school team and other schools during five clinic sessions. What I observed was a group of young people that were mesmerized with his ideas and philosophy of shooting. Both the high school and middle school athletes watched with focused attention to his details and stories of success.

"During my 31 years of coaching, I have observed hundreds of shooting presentations but none that I felt actually improved accuracy in a short period of time. Progressing through the 3 1/2 hours, you could see results that were short of amazing. I would recommend his coaching to all levels of players who want to see proven results."

Rex Harris
Greenwood Middle School, Greenwood, Indiana

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Hi Tom, First off, please excuse the length of the email I am about to write. In case it helps you out, I just wanted to let you know what brought me to your site and sold me on trying out your system. It went like this:

"I ran a search on google.com for "shoot basketball" or something like that and found your site among many others. What intrigued me about your site in particular though was the fact that it was more than just ad copy. What I mean is that most similar web sites will mention "become a better shooter in ten days" or offer some exciting testimonials and you don't get to hear the rest until you pay up.

"Now this is certainly understandable but these sites all sound the same and there is really nothing there to convince me to try their method out. On your site however you actually give away a great deal of information about your thoughts and views on shooting, what techniques good shooters have in common, and most importantly what your program is all about - UpForce and your other associate teaching principles. When reading your article "A Lost Art Found!" I realized that what you said was very intelligent and made sense.

"Yes Americans, or most people in general, seem to almost entirely learn basketball by playing games and not actually practicing fundamental aspects and thus spend their whole time reinforcing whatever habits they have at the expense of learning how to improve or do things correctly. This problem is compounded by the fact that when any instruction or drilling does take place it is often done incorrectly - squaring up, shooting with the wrist (or almost entirely with the arm), shooting at the top of the jump, etc.

"Now it is just common sense, or physics anyway, that releasing the ball quickly as you are still jumping up will impart more upward momentum to the ball, thus increasing the arch of the shot and easing the ability of the ball to drop straight down into the hole and thus also easing your ability to shoot greater distance (as long as your release is not too high) since legs are pretty powerful and can even enable small girls to shoot three pointers if they do it right. And at the same time shooting this way allows one to shoot with a more relaxed and accurate arm motion since the arm no longer has to provide much of the power for the shot - ideally this would be the same arm motion every time, learned to the point that it is unconscious and perfect.

"However, it is one thing to "know" something and another completely to apply it. The real genius in your system, and the reason why your video is more valuable than just your newsletters alone, is that you are teaching something that is basic and obviously true but is almost universally overlooked and you are doing so in a step by step easy to follow manner. Basically I think I understand exactly what you are talking about and have even seen incredible results trying out shooting what I believe is the way you are describing but I want your video for the drills and just to make sure I have an adequate grasp of everything you mention on your web site, and because I share in your enthusiasm for basketball and feel that this is more of a contribution to a good cause than anything :).

"I could go on forever about the thoughts I have had regarding shooting and probably bore you completely but from what I have seen your method of shooting is better than others for these reasons:

"1. It gives a quicker release
"2. It is a much more accurate way to shoot
"3. and one of the reasons for number 2. is that the power for the shot comes from a stable base, your legs mostly, and enables you to relax your arm and easily use the same confident semi-relaxed release time and again.

"You are right in that this is something that can be learned almost overnight, and that is the most amazing part. My shooting improved so much in one afternoon after trying out what I believe your methods are that it was almost funny. I was actually laughing while I was shooting it was so absurd how much better my shot just became. The people in my gym thought I was nuts because I was just laughing and nailing shots from all over the place. I mean shooting used to be frustrating and painful but this was fun, partly because when you use mostly your legs in that springing type motion with the quick release, it is just a much more relaxed and easier way to shoot. When I tried to tell my friends the secret though they would agree and expressed the fact that they "already knew that" and then they would go back to their old mostly incorrect methods of flinging the ball up in the air with their arm. The only drawback to shooting with your legs this way is that my legs eventually get tired and my shot will then go flat and that the quickness of the release sometimes makes it hard to maintain good form. The first problem will be solved with better conditioning and the second with some good drills.

"I also noticed that most good female shooters in my gym employ much more of the principles that you discuss than the men do, and the best shooters combine this with a shot that has obviously been practiced so much that it is the same release every time.

"One other thing I wanted to add was that what I am most interested in would be some real empirical data comparing different shooting methods and an actual physics based and bio-mechanical based breakdown of everything that is occurring in the shot and why this way of shooting is therefore better than another and so on. What would be ideal would be to have two groups of adults that have never shot a ball before (women maybe since they are less likely to have played ball and are probably easier to teach since they don't have the whole manly pride thing that so often interferes with learning) and have them taught your method and the "traditional method" whatever that may be - squaring up, shooting mostly with the arm and wrist, and see which group ends up shooting better and then analyze the results in a controlled scientific fashion. Maybe even have the results reported in a scientific journal, that would be great. In addition to this you would of course want to determine the ideal way to teach the correct method which is what I assume you spend most of your time trying to figure out since teaching can always be improved and is probably incredibly difficult when trying to overcome very old learned behaviors.

"Well, I think I should stop writing now. I can't believe how much time I have spent analyzing this stuff, it's crazy. I can only imagine what you could write. You could probably turn something as simple as shooting a ball into a 400 page book if you were so inclined, but then that would go against your methods I believe.

"I look forward to that video and to destroying the competition with the most overlooked and powerful of basketball abilities - good shooting."
-- P. Nichols, Seattle

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Hello, I purchased your video about 5 weeks ago. I must say that it is hands down the best money I have ever spent. The enjoyment i have in Basketball has rocketed. I think you know why =)

"I don't play for any school team, to tell ya the truth I just began playing basketball two years ago. I play mainly pick-up game and various intramural leagues in the area. I might not play on an official team, but I am well versed in many aspects of basketball fundamentals and plays. In one of my 3 on 3 leagues, I play with two of my best friends. We have 13 set plays, which basically is a combination of post-up plays, backdoors, pick & rolls (a lot of these). I basically took elements of a 3 man game, and strung them together so if one option does not work, it can easily flow into the next, most plays have 4 options, and most of them are very dependent on the defense's reaction and such. We aren't the most talented bunch, but we hardly ever lose do to good execution.

"In any case, I watched your video, followed it step by step, and I practice some of the 'drills' every time before I play. I am shocked by how great it has changed my game. Before you my game was basically low-post, high-post turn and face, or pick and roll. I felt very confident of most of my game except shooting from any considerable distance. I could drive good enough to get my man to play off me. After that my effectiveness dropped because opponents would play far off me on any pick and rolls, or screens to free me for shots.

"After your video it has all changed. I now get the ball of the screen, jab step toward baseline and pop a jumper, SWISH. I will drive right, step back and pop. I find myself taking jumpers more then anything now. And making them with great success. And since I have proven my shot in game situation, my game to the basket has exploded. In a recent game I got the ball with my man playing off, I faked the shot, he respected, and jumped. With a wide open lane to the basket, probably forcing the man to come off my teammate and allowing a pass. I instinctively took a step dribble to my right and drained the jumper.

"As you suggested I kept track of how i shot on the floor before the video. And then i just recorded myself earlier this week. I transfered it into percentages, and I am hitting uncontested 3 pointers and just inside the arc an amazing 48% percent better. From 32%, to 80%.
I've hit jumpers with guys all over me, with hands in my face.

"You know what, I give up, I CANT explain in words how happy i am over this video, it has changed everything and I enjoy basketball so much, no longer am i ashamed to shoot around. Thank you, this style is just amazing. The wierd part is, there was nothing to it. Just shoot early, same arm motion, and get that ball high.

"It's amazing the look on my opponents face, when i fling a jumper high over their outstretched hand. I personally don't even know how these things go in, they just come down and swish like i have never before."
-- B. Miller, Lino Lakes, MN

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Tom, I am just writing to tell you what an impact your teaching methods did for my H.S. freshmen girls team this year. I apologize for not writing sooner, but I have been very busy.

"To give you a little background on myself; I coached girls basketball for 9 years at the high school level and then retired, so to speak. I coached my whole career at the same school, which was small in enrollment. I always had some good athletes, but never very good basketball players. Most of my girls played other sports and basketball was not their first love. Most of the girls were terrible shooters and I always struggled to make them better. I basically relied on a lot of discipline and a good defense and we won quite a few games. Our motto was "We're not going to out score you, we are just going to make sure you don't score more points than we do". We were not very fun to watch, but we got the job done. Two of my seasons (as head coach) we went to the regionals. It was a nice coaching career and the only regret I had is that I was unable to get the girls to shoot better. I sort of took the attitude that their lack of shooting capability was because they never worked on it during the off season and it was too difficult and time consuming to do it during the season.

"After 3 years I got back into coaching this year as a freshmen coach ... at the same school. The school was kind of desperate because their present freshmen coach had to quit right before the season started. So, as a favor I decided to get back into it. As you may have guessed, not much had changed. Good athletes, poor shooters. At first I thought "What did I get myself into?" My freshmen girls had played together since the fifth grade. They told me they never won many games. Their parents told me that the girls always tried hard but could never score much. Oh, and besides being poor shooters, they were small, too. The tallest girl was 5'8".

"I remember the first night of practice. I keep a log every practice of misses and makes for free throws and free shooting. The girls were 17% as team in FT's and 13% shooting practice shots. And it was not like this was the girls' first time in a while to pick up a ball. Most of them were coming to open gyms for two weeks before the season started. I thought, "Here we go again, I better get my defensive book dusted off."

"Then I remembered seeing one of your advertisements a couple of years ago and I was intrigued by your approach of how to teach good shooting. Fortunately, I remembered it was "swish" something and eventually found you on the web. I bought your tape and even talked to you on the phone. You gave me some good advice too.

"Inspired by all this I decided to focus more on shooting this season. It was an easy decision anyway because the girls were only freshmen. The toughest part was getting the girls to buy into your methods. They did and man did it pay off! We still worked a lot on fundamentals and defense, but we worked a lot of hours on shooting. I even video taped the girls shooting to help them see what they should or shouldn't be doing.

"We play a very competitive schedule too. Like I said before, we are a small school and we compete against mostly bigger schools. We were, by far, the smallest team in the league. If we were to score it had to be from the outside.

"We struggled at the beginning, but each game the girls shooting got stronger. Their form was coming together and their confidence was building. After seven games we had only three wins but then went on to win the next fifteen out of sixteen games finishing second in the league and we won the freshmen tournament.

"The girls were so good and for me, well, I looked like a damn genius. We had nine games where the girls scored over 40 points and one game the girls scored 32 points in the first half and went on to score 24 more in the second half. That is awesome at freshmen level. The girls were so exciting to watch. We got a nice following of fans, too.

"For the season we shot 39% from the field and 47% from the free-throw line. Not one of my girls could make a three pointer at the beginning of the season. They finished 18 for 45 from trifeccta land. My motto became, "Just let it fly!" It was amazing. The parents of the girls were so proud and they couldn't believe it either. They even called me a damn genius. I have been called a lot of things in my coaching career but never that. Thanks again Tom. Your help made my coaching season fun. I just wish I knew what I know now when I first started coaching."
--Sincerely, Mike (the Damn Genius) Smith
Middletown, Ohio

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Tom, I received your video and I love the SWISH method! I have coached for 8 years at the collegiate, AAU, and high school levels, and I always try to find a better approach to teaching shooting that is easy for my players to understand. Obviously, I also want one that works. I have definitely found it in the SWISH method. The approach is so common sense, and it has been simple for the kids to retain. I am already seeing improvements in the players' shooting. In fact, my own shooting has improved, too!

"Shooting, especially in the U.S., is a joke. As coaches, we are all trying to figure out from where the problems stem. It seems to come from poor coaching. I have been guilty of that. In the past, I thought I was explaining things in a manner that was easy to understand, but the players would have these confused looks on their faces. Now I see how complicated I was making it for them. I had them trying to remember so many things. Players at any level have a very tough time trying to remember a lot of principles, especially while playing the game. Your shooting approach focuses on a few major components, and then lets the players simply REACT, and PLAY THE GAME. That's huge.

"I appreciate your work, and will continue to teach the SWISH method to my players for many years to come."
-- T. Dartt, Olmsted Falls, OH (High school coach)

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Dear Coach Nordland, I want to take this opportunity to thank you and let you know what a great and powerful system you have developed. Your program has not only helped me personally, but I can take my experience and be better able to coach the best shooting method around for my players.

"Growing up and going through programs, I became known as a shooter. I practiced day and night on my shooting skills but never really felt very confident. My shots seemed to be sometimes on sometimes off without any real notion as to why. I always felt it was a matter of practice before and focus during a game. Coaches tried to assist by making the usual comments = square up, point at the rim, etc. But these comments did not mean anything to me and I did not feel they made a difference in my shot.

"I expanded my love of the game by becoming a coach (at many levels both boys and girls). When I first began coaching, I would teach shooting by lengthy shooting drills especially from the foul line. Based on my past experience I felt it was a matter of practice and focus. I used some of the gimmicks such as BEEF (Bend the knees, Elbow in, Eyes on the target, and Follow through), but I never really felt this was particularly helpful. I would instruct my team to "think it in" in hopes that they would focus on putting the shot in.

"As I was still playing in men's leagues and coaching, I kept up with anything I could on drills. In my search I discovered the Basketball Highway and read some articles from a shooting Coach named Tom Nordland (you). It was like a revelation. Everything I read was like an answer to my prayers. The articles explained what exactly makes a good shot and how to improve your shot, not some silly notion like "BEEF" with no further explanation. I waited in anticipation for each new article to come out to learn more. I incorporated all of the techniques as best I could into my own shot and had immediate great results. Not only did my feeling towards my shot improve, but I could also measure directly an increase in my free throw shooting. I would say I went from a 75 percent shooter to a better than 90 percent shooter from the line. The method also made intellectual sense. The physics of launching a ball had never crossed my mind until these articles. But think about it, the size of the target and the angle of approach are very much related. I will never forget the best notion for shot correction = "Shoot through the sun roof, not the windshield." After the last article, I was hooked. I immediately called Coach Nordland and asked for the tape on the SWISH method. This method is THE most powerful tool for developing great shooting habits. I had been using the method on my own shots from the articles, but the video made the method even clearer.

"I used all the techniques in the video and began to share my new knowledge. I have held a number of clinics with my own teams and younger teams in our program (I coach at the High School level). Players really get a good sense of this method because they are required (and allowed) to figure out the concepts on their own. They make the changes and see the results as we conduct the clinic. I know this is a powerful coaching method because of the kids who ask me to help them with their shots. Also, an even better indication are when players tell other players that "I shoot so good because Coach Thomas taught me".

"So once again - thank you so much Coach Nordland for providing the secrets to great shooting."

-- Coach J. Thomas, Rochester, NH (High school coach)

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

After having the video for awhile and then taking a clinic with me in Victorville, Calif.)

"Hi, I am really improving, i was playing a game of "21" and I got the ball and scored with a lay-up. I then made almost the rest of my points with free throws. U don't how much of a relief it is to have a pure shot that always works. It doesn't choke even when your almost certain that you will. I almost consider shooting therapudic. when I was little, and i would have a problem, I would just go outside and shoot. I had lots of problems.

"Family/School basketball has always been a way for me to escape the constant "Do it this way!" "No, you're so stupid!" "Use your brain!" "You're not gonna be an NBA star!" I look back at those comments that were said to me and now I just laugh. Thanks to you I can laugh alot more.

"U and my parents really help sometimes when I don't even know it. It has been a long time since I could say this" I love this GAME!" You da man!"
-- Rougie, Louisiana
(See three earlier testimonials below.)

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Tom, Here's a pretty good story for you. We were playing some 3 on 3 in Ashland, Oregon several weeks ago and while we shot around for one of the games, I hit five shots in a row with my eyes closed from about 15 feet. Then, when we started the game, I immediately got open for a jumper at the free throw line. I received the ball, sighted on the basket, SHUT MY EYES, and let it fly--- swish! My sons, brother, and brother-in-law saw me shut my eyes and stood in disbelief as the ball swished through the net. That kind of shoots the theory of where to sight on the basket as you shoot!"
-- D. Hayden, Evansville, Ind. (High school coach)

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Tom, Thanks for a great day of shooting instruction. I enjoyed it immensely. I'm pretty sure Joey did too. A lot of times it is hard for me to get him to comment, so I have to watch his actions. He was out in the driveway last night practicing! (His email address is hoopsta24@aol.com - if you want to, you might have some luck getting him to open up about it via email).

"I have noticed a few other things watching and experimenting with the SWISH method:
1. Watching Joey in several games I have noticed how instinctive it is becoming.
2. As I watched him at the clinic yesterday I could see him adjust his UpForce when he would miss a shot in the drills - a true sign he is starting to understand and believe.
3. Early on after receiving and viewing the video, Joey and I did the broom exercise. As he was running at me with the broom I naturally had to shoot higher. Amazingly, the shots kept going in.
4. I fear he is going to try the left handed free throw in a game soon. I was watching him yesterday at the far end of the court with Rick and he made 4 or 5 in a row! I just hope he picks a good time to do it.

"It has really amazed me how Joey has taken to the method. Deep down I think he really understands the power of the simple, uncomplicated action. Thanks so much for your time and energy."
-- J. Quirk, Dallas, Texas

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Dear Tom, I wanted to let you know that my son has gotten his shot back! and has gone from being left out of the basketball class at his previous school (Dana Hills) to being the #2 point guard on the A team at the new school (tryout was with 50 kids. They kept 24 for an A and B team) for what is considered to be the most talented Freshman class ever and they are expected to win the league.

"Also, my daughter is on NJB all net. At the last practice she was hitting so many shots that the other girls were running over to her water bottle and asking if they could drink from her "Miracle Water" because she's was on fire!!

"Keep in mind that I have not had much time to coach them since the clinic. They have just absorbed the key elements and continued to work on those things they learned on their own. The thing I'm noticing the most is thier commitment to the "Up Force" and integrating that into their shot."
-- G. Girdley, Laguna Niguel, Calif.

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Hi, Tom! Just wanted to thank you for promptly sending out your video. As soon as I got it, I watched the video and read the text that came with it. I wanted to try out a couple techniques, so I headed up to my local court to work out my shot.

"Right away I was pleased with the improvements. Already a good shooter, I could see improvements I could make using your teaching. I was very pleased with the tip to focus on the rim. I had fallen into the habit of watching the ball, instead of concentrating on the target.

"But what really impressed me came a bit later. A couple of young ladies came on the other end of the court. At the end of their workout, one of them was finishing off with a number of jumpers. I could see she was pushing her shot, severely, really getting her arms and shoulders into the shot. Now I coach youth basketball and this was the main reason I purchased your video. Using the language and tips from your "swish" method of shooting, I was quickly able to get her back on track. In less than five minutes, she was hitting shot after shot after shot.

"Obviously the young lady was pleased but not nearly as much as I was. I can not wait to get on the court with my teams and begin using the "swish" method of teaching. I am running a special fundamentals session once a week this summer and plan to feature your video. I will be recommending my parents purchase a video for their own players.

"Thank you once again. I am looking forward to reading your shooting newsletter."
-- S. Kottkamp, Claremont,CA

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Tom, First off let me thank you. After my freshman season 2 seasons ago, my JV coach, ECR, gave me a link to your website, and told me I needed to completely change my shot. I worked hard during that off season, and in my sophmore season, last year, I became the varsity teams starting point guard, and I was easily the best shooter in the league. I shot over 50% from the 3 point line. Like I said, I give you alot of the credit for my incredible change. Since the season ended, I've been working with alot of my teammates on changing their shots. I've made every player read your articles, and all of them have been improving."
-- Adam C

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Tom, as I wrote in Feb that my son had won the Utah district Knight of Columbus Free-throw contest by making 21 out of 25. I've been practicing your techniques for the last year. He recently won the State contest March. It was a very competitive contest with 4 young boys age 13 that had qualified for the state contest. You are allowed five practice shoots and can start anytime most boys shoot a couple than go ahead and start the 25. That's what the first boy did he made his first two then told the judges that he was ready.

"There are five judges watching and about 120 people -- parents and youngsters from other age brackets. The first boy made 20 out of 25. Very respectable and very hard to beat considering the amount of tension and stress that it caused the next participant to try to match or beat his score. The next kid did just that, he made 22 out of 25. My son Matt was next. He calmly came to the line and started shooting his practice shoots. He only made 1 out 5. It didn't look like his shot was on. He then started, he made the first, missed the second, made the third, and missed the fourth. He then settled himself down and proceeded to shoot 21 in a row to make 23 out of 25 to win the contest The last participant started out well but lost his concentration in the middle of shooting and ended up making 19 out 25.

"All the young boys I believe to be very good shots and the only thing I noticed was that my son shots had more arch on them then the other boys. I believe your tape has instilled the belief in his ability to shoot."
-- A. Trujillo, Utah

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Remember the little 9 year old Nicholas from this summer? His grandpa, I told you, invented the matchup zone. Anyway, he is shooting the deciding free throws in a gameSaturday, his dad told me today. They have a stripe for them that is 12 feet for free throws. Nicholas goes up there and moves to 15'. The ref tries to get him to move in. Nicholas won't do it, then hits two swishes from the 15. On the way home he says " Ya know, Dad, I just shot those like that shooting coach showed me at that clinic this summer. That made them easy. That clinic really helped me with my shot!". His dad told me to tell you that when I talked to you."
-- R. Harris, Indianapolis

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Dear Tom: I am very excited about using your video as an excellent teaching tool for my daughter and myself( really helps if the coach can demonstrate the swish)! After nearly an entire season of struggling with a 2 handed shot, my daughter decided to spend a few hours with me at the playground. What a difference in her accuracy,consistency and confidence! I am very interested in attending your shooting clinic when you come to Staten Island, New York. I am also trying to form a girls summer league team, college level players who want to become great shooters. You've got me ... nothing but net!! Thanks for sharing breakthrough skills teaching that are readlily learned and used to be a great shooter."
-- Future Swish Method Coach, R. Waldchen, New Providence, NJ

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Tom, Here, briefly, is another success story. I'm assisting at Trinity Christian School of Cedar Hill, Texas this season. The team is ladened with Seniors (who can't shoot) and Sophomores (who also can't shoot.). One of the girls, a junior, called me at 11:30 p.m. to plead with me to work with here on her shot. She has not been receptive until this point. As a barometer, when I begin working with her, she was 10-for-40 on threes. We have had two 2-hour sessions.

"Here is what she's done since those sessions:
Game 1 (after working with her) 1-for-3 on 3's
Game 2 (after working with her) 6-for-12 on 3's
Game 3 (after working with her) 6-for-11 on 3's
Game 4 (after working with her) 2-for-4 on 3's

"Don't ever stop believing that the method you've taught WORKS!!

"I've got two kids from Jon's college that are pleading with me to work with them over the Christmas holidays."
-- L. Singleton, Dallas, TX

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Tom, My daughter, Lisa (age 15), significantly improved her shooting this past season with your method, although she still has a tendency to use her hands rather than the upforce to propel the ball. Also, if she feels rushed, the swish method is quickly abandoned!

"I was interested in your comments below about kids under 11, because my son, Matt (now age 9) participated in the clinic last summer and has totally embraced the swish method. He's become incredibly accurate... his hands are relaxed, he has a strong upward arm thrust, he uses his legs for up-force, he has a high arch, and nice ball rotation. Moreover, he's become very critical of the NBA players he see's on TV ("His shots too flat"... "His hands aren't relaxed"... etc). He remembers all your comments at the clinic about players you've coached and observed."
-- G. Taylor, Washington state

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Tom, I loved your articles. It is amazing, it is truly a communication and understanding mechanics-thing more than a total retooling of the shot process. It was great for my players, a much less pressurized way of shooting. Instead of forcing themselves to straighten their elbows and break their wrists, they are concentrating on pushing the shot up with their entire body and watching it come down through the hoop.. It just flows, a great transition for young players from the launching, two-handed, chuck-and-duck, to the balance and lift from the balls of your feet to the tips of your fingers.

"Your techniques really HELP...when i tell them they get to use their whole body, more like a shot putter than trying to throw a big old basketball like a baseball with one little arm, their confidence goes WAY up that they can some day be one-handed shooters."
-- D. Killer, Phoenix

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

Three comments from a young man named Rougie in Louisiana - he came to a clinic I put on in southern Calif.)

#1, February 1st:

"I didn't make the TEAM! All i know is that they passed up the person that has the most control of direction and arc. I have worked on your method CONSTANTLY! and you know what? ... IT Works. i have already seen improvements. I'm starting to tell people i made up this method! (...just joking!) THANKS"

#2 March 24th:

"I think it's coming together!

"Eureka!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just came home from a game and I had 16 points and the best part is that I arrived late for the game! I've been really working hard on your method and I think everything is coming together!

"At times i just wanted to quit and thought your method was for perfect people only. But as time progressed, i knew that it was only a matter of time until i broke free of the barrier of bad shooting. A couple of weeks ago I shot a perfect shot and tried to tell myself what i did so could do it over and over. iI worked. My awarenes is what helped me the most. Thanks!"

#3 March 30th:

"MY friend has always been a better shooter than me until I practiced your method. I have gotten a pretty good idea of how to shoot the rock. I wrote this email to tell you that today my friend and I shot hoops today and neither of us have been practicing as much as we usually do. So we were a little a rusty. It was a surprise to me that I shot much better than he did. When he shoots, the ball goes toward the rim like a bullet. Because of his lack of ark his shot is not as repeatable as mine. During the whole time we practiced I noticed that he never got his usual rhythm. I did! All I had to do was remember the technique that you had showed me and within minutes I could predict my future swishes! Thanks Again!"

Back to top...

WNBA Player Testimonial

From Kate Starbird, WNBA player:

"When I showed up to play basketball at Stanford in 1993, at age 18, Tara Vanderveer, the head coach there, told me right away that my shot needed to be changed. I'd never been really coached in that area and I'd developed my own form, which had some obvious faults. However, I had spent so much time working on it that I'd been able to achieve a reasonably high percentage and no one had tried to make me change. After a few weeks of practice at Stanford, Tara told me that it was probably too late to change and decided to let me keep my old ways. She told me I would never be a pure shooter, but I had good aim and that was enough.

"I had pretty good results with that shot throughout college. However, the pros were a different story. As my competition got better, quicker, and faster, I found that I had less and less time to "aim." I had trouble getting my shot off at all, and my percentage had gone way down on the ones I did put up.

"After two seasons struggling in the WNBA, I began looking for ways to improve my game. One afternoon in late 2000, I ran into Tom Nordland at Maples pavilion at Stanford while I was waiting for an evening pick-up game. He introduced himself and offered some advice on improving my shot. Recalling Tara's statement 7 years before that it was already too late for me to fix my shot, I was very hesitant to follow Tom's example. After shooting poorly the next afternoon while concentrating on the new techniques, I decided that I would retain my old ways. I went off to play overseas and didn't see Tom again for several months.

"Lucky for me I ran into him again. In late February of this year, with just over 2 months before WNBA training camp, I saw Tom again and decided that I should give his shooting techniques another chance. We worked together about 5 times in two months, focusing on a quick, high release and using the energy from my legs to control my shot. I allowed myself some time for the adjustment, and tried not to worry about missing my shots while I learned the new form.

"After a couple of weeks, I started noticing the results. My shot was much faster than it had ever been before, enabling me to get it off before my defender could get to me. My percentage began to climb steadily. I noticed that the spin on the ball was correct for the first time in my life and that I finally had a nice, highly arced shot.

"I showed up for training camp in May with renewed confidence and a much improved pro game. My coaches quickly noticed that I was shooting more and shooting better. I've seen my minutes, points, and percentages all go up over the first third of the season. Yesterday, I started my first game in 2 years. I've improved a lot of areas of my game over the past off-season, but working with Tom and learning this new shot are the most important factors of my success this year.

"I think Tom's coaching can be extremely helpful to players at all levels. The techniques he teaches can be learned and mastered quickly, with only a few coaching sessions. He also coaches the mental side, how to be more focused and how to trust oneself. And he works with you to develop a practice routine. His "Swish" video can be a great tool for individual players and for coaches who'd like to learn how to teach this method of shooting. Finally, and most importantly, it is never too late (or too early) to learn the right shooting technique."
-- Kate Starbird, WNBA player with the Utah Starzz
(Stanford All-American 1996, 1997; Naismith College Player of the Year, 1997)

Back to top...

NBA and College Coaches' Testimonials

"Your tape is something every NBA player should have. I would be glad to endorse your film for you as I know it would help NBA or college players to realize the necessary mechanics for successful shooting. Obviously the NBA is aware of the failing skill as shooting percentages continue to drop. What you offer is something sorely needed."
-- Pete Newell, Sr., legendary coach, his teams have won NCAA and NIT Championships, Coach of the gold-medal-winning USA Olympic Team in 1960 with Oscar Robertson and Jerry West. He has spread basketball wisdom across the globe with clinics in Europe, Central & South America and Japan and he runs an annual Big Man Camp in Hawaii.

"Just a note to say hello and to thank you for sending me your excellent video & workbook on shooting. After reviewing both, I definitely feel they would help anyone who is interested in improving their shooting touch and fundamentals. I feel [Swish] is one of the best shooting videos I have ever seen. CONGRATULATIONS on your personal success, and putting together such an outstanding (useful) video."
-- Bill Sharman, Boston Celtic Legend and Special Consultant to the LA Lakers
(Bill is considered to be one of the greatest shooters of all time!)

"The proof is in the pudding - look at the stats! I've made a major improvement and expect to improve more by continued working with Tom. His technique is different from most shooting coaches. He does a combination of form (technique) and the science of repeatability. It really works!"
-- Dale Davis, NBA power forward, Portland Trailblazers (former Indiana Pacer)

"I am thrilled with what Tom Nordland has done with me. His coaching method is amazingly simple, easy to apply, and the results are easy to see. Anybody can improve their shooting with his approach."
-- Adam Keefe, NBA power forward, Golden State Warriors (formerly Utah Jazz)

"Working with Tom Nordland has improved my Jump Shot and Free Throws more than I could ever have imagined. He is a phenomenal shooting coach!"
-- Mark "Mad Dog" Madsen, Stanford All American, Los Angeles Lakers #1 draft pick

"Every NBA team should hire you as their shooting coach!"
-- Jim Barnett, longtime NBA player, former Golden State Warrior, one of the better shooters in the NBA, and now TV Analyst for the Warriors

"I think it [the Swish video] is excellent. I would recommend it highly for players and coaches on any levels."
-- Lute Olson, University of Arizona (National Champions)

"Coaches and players have been searching for the secret to great shooting for as long as the game has been played. Tom has managed to simplify the technique that is both understandable and practical in its usage. This video can be a great tool for anybody looking to learn how to shoot."
-- Mike Montgomery, Head Men's Basketball Coach, Stanford University

"After 30 years of coaching at the Division I level, I've discovered the finest shooting coach in my basketball career. Tom Nordland's video, 'Swish -- A Guide to Great Basketball Shooting,' simply demonstrates the keys to success for shooting a basketball. If you're a beginner, Tom will build the foundation and focus for career-long shooting success for you and your team-mates. Don't miss a clinic if Tom is speaking and demonstrating. He'll excite you with his outstanding teaching methods."
-- Stan Morrison, long-time head coach at USC, Univ. of the Pacific, and San Jose State, and member of the 1959 NCAA National Champ, Univ. of California at Berkeley, now Athletic Director at Univ. of Calif. Riverside

Back to top...

Special Coaches' Testimonials

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"The `Swish' Method of shooting the basketball has certainly accelerated the learning process for my girl's basketball team. Being a teacher and a coach, I can really appreciate the approach this method uses to teach the art of shooting. It not only tells you how to teach shooting - it teaches you how. I have spent 28 years coaching and have every available video on shooting, but none of them teaches how to achieve consistency and accuracy like Swish does. My girls learned more in the first hour than what used to take months."
-- W. Slobik, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Tom, I have known your friend (and long time basketball coach) Oda Phillips for many years and have always respected his knowledge in basketball. Over the years he has offered me many tips and suggestions to improve my coaching strategies. Your video on shooting has been one of the best tips he has ever given me. My only regret is that you did not make the video 40 years ago. I sure could have used it. I am now 55 years old with over 40 years of basketball playing and coaching experiences under my belt. I think of all those players over the past 40 years that could have benefited from your teaching technique. My shot is going to improve but most importantly, my teaching philosophy will be greatly improved thanks to your video, your swish workbook and your swish shooting guide.

"For your information, I began working for the defense department schools for the past thirty five years, the last twenty five years in Germany. For the past ten years, the TV Bitburg girls I coach have consistently been one of the strongest youth teams in Germany. Last year they won the German school championship and the German club championship for girls ages 15, 16, and 17.

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"SWISH is one of the most thorough 'how to' shooting videos available today. The step-by-step instructions and drills can benefit anyone - from the beginner to the player looking for a more consistent shot."
-- Stan Kellner, Author of the book BEYOND THE ABSOLUTE LIMIT, and the video THE ABSOLUTE SHOOTING METHOD

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"The excellent shooting video, 'Swish,' is a unique and innovative approach to mastering the skills of jump shooting and free throws. It was a pleasure for me to experience first hand, through Tom's coaching, just how easy it is to learn to shoot the jump shot. Having been a hook shooter and two-handed set shooter during my playing days, I was amazed at how quickly and efficiently a successful transition was made to becoming a competent jump shooter. As a coach and senior citizen, I can highly recommend this shooting video as a highly valuable resource for improved shooting at all ages and basketball skill levels."
-- Paul Rundell, member of 1955 U.S. Pan American team and former Head Coach for 17 years at San Francisco State

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Tom Nordland showed me how great shooting happens and how mastery of this skill is now possible for all players of the game of basketball, at all ages. His Swish Method is an easy and very coachable technique. I recommend it to any player or coach."
-- Gary Colson, Asst. Athletic Director, Univ. of California Santa Barbara, former Head Coach at Pepperdine, University of New Mexico and Fresno State University

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"I'd like to congratulate Tom on his great shooting idea for basketball - the Swish Method! As someone who reads dozens of manuscripts and previews countless videotapes relating to shooting a basketball, I must say his method separates itself from all the others. His coaching goes to the heart of shooting."
-- Dr. Gordy Scoles, formerly with Championship Books& Videos in Ames, Iowa, the "World's #1 producer and distributor of instructional videos and books for Coaches and Athletes

Back to top...

Prior Testimonials for the "Swish" Video

Tom, I am impressed with the effect your video had on my 9 year old son's game. He recently completed his first season of organized basketball, and scored 48 of the teams 108 points. He instantly bought into the video (it was perfect for him as he's a visual learner) and from then on almost every shot he made was a swish (and I have the home video to prove it!). Everyone commented on his form and how smooth and natural his shot was. Reese will continue to get better, but he was far and away the best shot of any player on the court in every game!
-- W Hand, Richardson, TX

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

Dear Tom, I wanted to let you know how much we have enjoyed learning from your amazing video. My son Jesse has watched it many times and is applying the lessons there into his shooting style. He has changed his shot dramatically and is becoming more and more consistent. At a recent basketball camp held by coach Craig Carse at MSU-Billings, Jesse won the free throw shooting contest for his age group. He made 38 out of 50 shots. His closest rival and friend only made 32. He had always won before Jesse watched your video.

Today at a camp at Sky View High School in Billings, Jesse was chosen player of the day. He made 4 three pointers in a game that lasted only 16 minutes. He called me on the phone to tell me he was "on fire." Jesse and I want to thank you for the help you have given him through your video. It has really opened our eyes to what it takes to be a good shooter. We're also enyoying watching basketball games more. We're watching for the great shooters with a high arc and soft touch like yours. Jesse is 12 years old (starting 7th grade). Thanks again for sharing your basketball knowledge with us."
-- S. Bronson, Billings Montana

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Hello, I purchased your video about 5 weeks ago. I must say that it is hands down the best money I have ever spent. The enjoyment i have in Basketball has rocketed. I think you know why =) >

"I don't play for any school team, to tell ya the truth I just began playing basketball two years ago. I play mainly pick-up game and various intramural leagues in the area. I might not play on an official team, but I am well versed in many aspects of basketball fundamentals and plays. In one of my 3 on 3 leagues, I play with two of my best friends. We have 13 set plays, which basically is a combination of post-up plays, backdoors, pick & rolls (a lot of these). I basically took elements of a 3 man game, and strung them together so if one option does not work, it can easily flow into the next, most plays have 4 options, and most of them are very dependent on defense reaction and such. We aren't the most talented bunch, but we hardly ever lose do to good execution.

"In any case, I watched your video, followed it step by step, and I practice some of the "drills" every time before I play. I am shocked by how great it has changed my game. Before you, my game was basically low-post, high-post turn and face, or pick and roll. I felt very confident of most of my game except shooting from any considerable distance. I could drive good enough to get my man to play off me. After that my effectiveness dropped because opponents would play far off me on any pick and rolls, or screens to free me for shots.

"After your video it has all changed. I now get the ball of the screen, jab step toward baseline and pop a jumper, SWISH. I will drive right, step back and pop. I find myself taking jumpers more then anything now. And making them with great success. And since I have proven my shot in game situation, my game to the basket has exploded. In a recent game I got the ball with my man playing off, I faked the shot, he respected, and jumped. With a wide open lane to the basket, probably forcing the man to come off my teammate and allowing a pass. I instinctively took a step dribble to my right and drained the jumper.

"As you suggested I kept track of how i shot on the floor before the video. And then i just recorded myself earlier this week. I transfered it into percentages, and I am hitting uncontested 3 pointers and just inside the arc in amazing 48% percent better. From 32%, to 80%. I've hit jumpers with men all over me, with hands in my face.

"You know what, I give up, I CANT explain in words how happy i am over this video, it has changed everything and I enjoy basketball so much, no longer am i ashamed to shoot around. Thank you, this style is just amazing. The wierd part is, there was nothing to it. Just shoot early, same arm motion, and get that ball high.

"It's amazing the look on my opponents face, when i fling a jumper high over there outstretched hand. I personally don't even know how these things go in, they just come down and swish like i have never before. "
-- B. Miller, Lino Lakes, Minnesota

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"A note to tell you how much I enjoyed your shooting video and to inquire about your availability for private coaching.

"Where was this video the summer before my freshman year in high school? Then, I remember in the gym one day a college player telling me that I had to develop a jump shot if I wanted to play basketball. So, I went to the public library trying to find a book on how to shoot a basketball - to no avail. The best the library had to offer was a book with photos of Jerry West shooting a ball. I went into the gym that summer and wasted a lot of time "practicing" my shot, really not knowing what to do or how to go about it.

"Anyway, I didn't make the freshman team, to this day, even at age 44, a sore spot. If your video and supporting workbook were available then, I would have an excellent resource to turn to, a resource that explains in simple and clear language how to shoot a basketball and lays out a clear methodology for developing a shot. It makes so much sense and it's easy to follow. If I had your video as a youth, knowing how to shoot a basketball would not have been such a mystery.

"I ordered your video on a Friday,and it arrived the next day. Talk about fast service. When it arrived, I was on the way out the door, but, anxious to see what your video had to offer, I put my things down, and popped your video in the VCR. The next day I looked at your video again and read through your workbook. Then, I went to the gym. I played a little with jumping, getting a feel for my up force, connecting it to my release, letting my up force do the work so that my release was relaxed. I played with shooting various heights, noticing that the higher I shot, the more my ball fell into the basket. I worked on my release, trying to develop a constant release. (For me, the hardest step) Anyway, I was swishing my jump shots from the free throw line. Even as I moved back, I let my up force do the work, and I was hitting my target. I even played with the free throw, starting straight, then bending down and then up, in one motion. My free throws went in, and I felt more balanced and stronger.

"Anyway, it worked. And I liked how easy your video lays things out. It was great."
T. Mullaney, San Francisco

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"We love your tape and our son is showing dramatic improvement! In the first game after merely viewing your tape and discussing it, Trevor scored 16 points, including 3 3-pointers! It was like magic. Trevor is a great defensive player but prior to this would get rid of the ball as soon as he got it because he was afraid to shoot (his success rate was pretty low). We are very excited and thank you very much."
-- M. Bacon, Great Falls VA

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"If I'd had gotten something like this when I was growing up and just learning the game, I'd have considered it one of my 'Best Christmases Ever!' (Of course, we didn't have VCR's yet!)

"Looking forward to spending time with my 7 year-old watching and learning from the video."
-- C. Gilbert, Aurora Colorado

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Hello Tom, Just a quick note re: the Swish video. I have been in the gym using the techniques myself. I love the sound. I hear the cords rip more than I ever have. I have been in with my daughter and she is hittiing with more accuracy."
-- Brian Adams, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

A 2nd memo from Brian:
"Good Morning Tom, By all means use the "Swish" comment. We have our high school kids using he method. At last Friday's practice we ended with free throws. 11 players-10 free throws each. Our goal was 70% (77 made free throws). We had a total of 81 after 10 kids. The 11th player was 8/10. A total of 89/110.(80.9%) We can only hope this carries over into our games."

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"I really did enjoy your shooting clinic. It makes me think about my mechanics and the points you talked about whenever I am not making my shots regularly. My dad taught me to shoot the same way you teach. He later found your website and said that he liked what you had on there. I think he said he read the minimum of the top of the backboard for your arch. When he found out you were coming to Texas, he said he was going to take me to your clinic.

"I now really notice everyone's shot and tell my dad what they might be doing wrong like not enough legs, not enough arch or their shooting hand isn't relaxed. (The bounce in the wrist.) I think it's cool to watch the pros shooting style also. My dad would tell me to watch Mullin of the Pacers in the playoffs, but he didn't play much. I also watched a guy in college named "Pepe Sanchez". We would tape lots of games and watch the players' form in slow motion."
-- S. Escamilla, Texas

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Good to hear from you. Basketball season is upon us here. I am coaching my son in 6th grade this year. We have been working on his shooting much of the summer. It has improved tremendously. He uses the Swish method all the way. His main problem is his height. He is on the small side but he can shoot over me now when I am in his face using the Swish method. I even have him close his eyes to shoot much of the time and there is not much difference in his shot. I am really glad we got your video.

"I have been following your travels around and I am hoping that some day you come close to Lancaster. I tell everyone about your video and I am going to be highly suggesting to the kids that on my team this year. I think it is the only way to shoot!!!!

"Well, my son and I are going out to practice in the driveway now. Keep in touch."
-- Coach D. Berndt, Lancaster, PA

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Dear Tom, I wanted to let you know how much we have enjoyed learning from your amazing video. My son Jesse has watched it many times and is applying the lessons there into his shooting style. He has changed his shot dramatically and is becoming more and more consistent. At a recent basketball camp held by coach Craig Carse at MSU-Billings, Jesse won the free throw shooting contest for his age group. He made 38 out of 50 shots. His closest rival and friend only made 32. He had always won before Jesse watched your video.

"Today at a camp at Sky View High School in Billings, Jesse was chosen player of the day. He made 4 three pointers in a game that lasted only 16 minutes. He called me on the phone to tell me he was "on fire." Jesse and I want to thank you for the help you have given him through your video. It has really opened our eyes to what it takes to be a good shooter. We're also enyoying watching basketball games more. We're watching for the great shooters with a high arc and soft touch like yours. Jesse is 12 years old (starting 7th grade). Thanks again for sharing your basketball knowledge with us."
-- S. Bronson, Billings, Montana

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

(Next are comments returned to us on a Questionnaire given out after a clinic:)

Tom: If you saw periods of remarkable learning happening, please describe:

RC: "The realization that some of the most often prescribed teaching techniques actually work against a good shot."

Tom: It's my feeling that with my Method, learning happens quickly and players start shooting better immediately. If you saw this happening, please write about what you saw:

RC: "I was stunned at how simple the shot process was, and how easy it is to learn and teach!"
-- R. Crawford, Apple Valley, Minnesota

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Dear Mr Nordland, I am amazed by what you taught me in just 50 minutes. I went outside and took jumpshots from all over and missed just one. I learned not to complicate things as i was doing before. I have been turned into the great, solid, consistent shooter I wanted to be.

"Your video showed me more about shooting than i have been ever been shown in my life. Before i got your video i was complicating everything in my shot by worrying about little things like grip or where the ball should be when I start. After i watched your video everything seemed so simple like you said. My dad who is a VERY knowledgable former basketball coach and still is a huge fan of basketball, was very impressed. Thank you very much Mr. Nordland. Thank you and best swishes to you."
-- L. Stanton, Chicago

"P.S. I don't think i will be worried about my shot when high school scouts come to games anymore. Thank you!"

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Thanks for thinking about me and writing. My shooting is going great. I have learned not to push the ball on free throws but to have an arch. It really works. I have made almost 80% of my free throws. I am also coming along w/ my shooting. Again the arch method is working. I am feeling great about how I am shooting. I have even learned the reverse lay up. My dad taught me. He said if I made one in a game we would go to Dairy Queen. Well I tried one tonight but it didn't go in. I am also improving on my 3 point shots!!!! I am also doing good on my driving to the basket. Well I'll just say the long and the short of it. I am improving.

"And to answer the last question you asked me. I feel great on the Bball court. And when ever I make a good play or a hard basket, I always smile. Well I g2g to bed. See ya."
-- R. Gunderson, Plymouth, Minnesota

P.S. A note from her dad:

"By the way, a few weeks ago my daughter was in a game and scored 20 of the team's 30 points in a 30 to 27 victory. She made 14 of 17 free throws. The next game she made 8 of 8. Her best tournament. We talk about your methods regularly."
-- B. Gunderson

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Tom...thanx for putting this video together. I have seen some significant improvement in my sons shooting ability in a very short period of time. He is 13 years old. Going through the growing pains of his bones growing faster than his muscles which makes him a little gangley and not as strong as some of the other kids. Consequently, his set point still starts at the chest level, like a lot of the younger shorter players learn to shoot. However, he is learning to use his legs for power instead of arms. I think by spring his muscles will catch up to his frame and he will be able to put the whole system to the test.

"I knew this system would work. While in the service(Is it 20 years ago already?), I injured my ankle playing hoop. On the road to recovery, I would shoot using mostly leg power without a jump and release on the way up. I had to shoot with more arc to reach the basket. I found that when I returned to playing and added jumping to this technique I was hitting significantly more with less effort. This went against the grain of what I had been doing through high school and college basketball."
-- P. Stryjek, Schenectady, NY

---------------------------- Back to top -------------------------------

"Tom, I love your video. The problem I'm having is teaching my daughter not get her left hand involved in the shot. We've been working a lot of repetitions from 2 - 4 feet using the release point drill. When she gets her left hand involved in the shot, that is she flicks that as well as the right, she loses control. Can you give me advice on where we should place her left hand, the guiding hand on the ball ?

"We are starting to see improvement. When there is no pressure and she can take her time, her stroke is better. Also we've been analyzing other players in her league and can id those having problems and why.

"Also, my shot has gotten better. Before I could make 75% of my free throws. Now, it's in the range of 85%+ and that's only from 1 week of using the video and techniques.
Thanks for the video."
-- R. Keyser, Euclid, Ohio (retired CYO coach)

"Concerning my daughter Kendall, I believe she has shown the most improvement. She is our best shooter on the team. She is on average making 8 of 10 from the line, and shooting about 40% from the field. Where she struggles is shooting on the go. I've tried to teach the jump stop when she is moving fast and this is starting to click. Do you have any suggestions ?

"I also have parents who believe squaring to the basket is making your shoulders parallel to the basket, where I teach them to open up as you have instructed. Am I correct ? Kendall has has opened her body to the left when shooting foul shoots which I believe squares her right side to the basket. I assume this is correct also.

"Sorry for the lengthy note but your video is tremendous, I believe If had this video when I was young I would of been a great scorer not just an average scorer. To prove the value of the video to the team, I've gone to the 3 point circle and made 10 of 10. This is making a statement. Keep up the good work. I'm also getting lots of coaches asking me to instruct their kids. I believe its because of your instruction. Thanks again."