Film Study: The Key to Carmelo Anthony Jumpshot Rhythm & Consistency

Los Angeles Lakers movement & skill expert Dr. Raj, DPT explains Carmelo Anthony shooting technique with a specific focus on the three-step approach and sequence he uses to to generate rhythm and consistent mechanics prior to elevating into his jump shot | Film Study: The Key to Carmelo Anthony Jumpshot Rhythm & Consistency
| Los Angeles Lakers skill analysis
For reference, I’m a movement and mechanics coach, sports scientist, DPT (doctor of physio), strength and conditioning coach, researcher, mindfulness clinician and owner of 3CB Performance -providing sports medicine, performance, and mindfulness services online and in-person at clinics in West LA and Valencia, CA.
Feel free to hit me with questions and/or you can always find me on my website or follow on social media:
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Website: www.3cbperformance.com/
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Here’s a table of contents:
- 0:00 Carmelo’s elite shooting
- 0:19 What do you see?
- 0:32 Melo's 3-part setup
- 0:52 Sequence adaptability
- 1:13 Inside the arc
- 1:37 Rhythm Reset
- 1:54 Why does he do it?
- 2:15 Closing thoughts (stay tuned for another vid!)
- 2:43 Thanks for watching
Script:
Hey it’s Raj from 3CB.
The Lakers’ Carmelo Anthony has been superb from beyond the arc this season, hitting 39.3% of his 3’s on 6.2 attempts per game.
When watching Melo’s jumper, there’s something I noticed he does consistently on his catch and loading sequence whenever he has the time to do it. Before I explain it, what do you see?
What I see is that Melo consistently sets up his jumper with a three-pronged methodical and synced setup.
When he’s shooting in rhythm on the catch, he bends forward (trunk flexion) while bringing the ball low and swinging the right leg to quickly tap his toes prior to going vertical. He adapts the sequence to different situations as well - whether it’s a corner jumper, when adjusting his catch or on the move .
It’s not just on 3’s either, he’ll do it on the face-up (he moves his foot back and outwards to create space for the toe-tap), off the dribble (forward lean, ball low, right foot toe tap), and even on turnarounds (as he’s rotating - forward lean, ball low on the gather, right foot toe rap).
When Melo needs to reset - like off a pump fake in this example - he’ll bring the ball down and past his right hip - in an almost exaggerated movement - while stepping back with the right foot and then into the same trunk flexion, ball to knee, toe tap sequence
Why does he do it? This sequence generates a rhythm and consistency that optimizes everything after it - scientifically known as neuromuscular priming. It gets you into the movement flow which allows the mastery and training of the movement skill to take over. It’s also why players have a free throw routine or baseball players have a routine when they get into the batter’s box.
Carmelo harnesses the technique to his advantage in multiple situations - true master of his craft - and that adaptable rhythmic optimization is one of the key things he’s added and emphasized over the years with his jumper. Additionally, he’s also added something called the “sweep and sway” technique which I’ll detail in a video in the near future.
If you want to learn more about that technique immediately, take a listen to episode 3 of my Skill Science podcast alongside the elite PD Web which you can find on Spotify or Apple.

[@3cbperformance]

If you appreciate the videos , please hit the thumbs up, sub, shares, questions, and comments. To support this content and gain access to more benefits (immediate video access, bonus articles, videos, and podcast episodes), head over to my patreon: www.patreon.com/3cbperformance

[@Mattheo-gv5ve]

I never noticed that before.

[@buggah_man]

It's great that Melo is able to get into his rhythm so often. Sometimes it hurts him because he's overly dependent on this rhythm though. Especially from 3. Sometimes he forces himself to get into this dip and "toe tap". This slows his shot down which causes him to take more contested shots. Everybody wants that rhythm but most great shooters are able to break it and adjust when necessary. Nice breakdown

[@3cbperformance]

Thanks. You will see him modify that rhythm when he's closely guarded (especially on the face-up, an example of that in the video) but there's also a give and take with rhythm shooters where they'd rather take an extra split second to get into it and have it be more contested rather than vice-versa. Melo has that balance down pretty well because once's he's in rhythm, the contest doesn't matter that much to him.

[@jmgonzales7701]

@@3cbperformance yeah melo would take the split second to get in his rhythm, he relies on his quick jumpshot to negate the contest.

[@Maws92]

I also noticed that he checks the line as well which I'm sure plays a small part in this too

[@3cbperformance]

He definitely looks down at the line especially when's shooting off the move (like that first example vs Houston)

[@watchnofacee]

He only does that half the time. When he’s in direct rhythm he doesn’t even care where he is he’s pulling water 💯

[@vaishnavnegi9640]

Although I'm 5'11, I was so affected by Melo, I tried to emulate his moves. Though it's hard to do most of his post moves on dudes taller than me.

[@3cbperformance]

Yeh you probably want to pick and choose the right situation

[@vaishnavnegi9640]

@@3cbperformance But that footwork and poise, everyone can learn something from that and also those smooth calculated mechanics.

[@3cbperformance]

@@vaishnavnegi9640 100%

[@jmgonzales7701]

plus its hard to do his form because of his long arms

[@alkebulanlion6198]

Melo was so clutch against the wolves. One the best looking jumpers amazing video gotta add this to my game.

[@3cbperformance]

That 4 point play may have saved the game too. Lakers were really floundering at that point

[@zetadarko1637]

Muy bien video gracias por los subtítulos en español, podrías hacer otro sobre su movimiento de Melo 🥺🙏🙏🙏

[@jkg_1985]

#STAYME7O 😤😤

[@joshuacasillas7709]

NBA where awesome happens

[@SansibarRacing]

Hi Raj, I tried to play your podcast episode 3 that you refer to in this video, but the stream won't load either in Apple podcasts or Amazon music. I receive an error 'no source'. Any way to still listen to it? Thanks!