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The art of shooting: Why confidence separates great shooters from the rest -- Wine and Gold Talk podcast

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/17 .. rs-from-the-rest-wine-and-gold-talk-podcast.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, October 17th 2025 at 7:30 GMT by Cleveland.com
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Confidence: The Crucial Edge in Shooting – Insights from the Wine and Gold Talk Podcast

In a recent feature on Cleveland.com, the Wine and Gold Talk Podcast dives deep into what separates elite shooters from their less‑productive peers. Hosted by former Cavaliers guard Chris McNaughton and analyst David Johnson, the episode explores the mental and physical components that turn a “good” shooter into a “great” one, with a particular focus on the role of confidence. The conversation—recorded at the Cavaliers’ practice facility—offers listeners a nuanced look at shooting mechanics, pre‑shot routines, and the psychological mindset that fuels consistency.

The Central Thesis: Confidence as the Differentiator

Both hosts agree that while mechanics and skill are essential, confidence is the invisible variable that determines whether a shooter actually makes the shots. “You can train a body to a high degree of proficiency, but if the mind doesn’t trust that body to perform, the shots will waver,” McNaughton explains. The episode underscores that confidence is not a fixed trait but a dynamic state that can be cultivated through repetition, positive self‑talk, and exposure to high‑pressure situations.

Mechanics and Routine: The Foundation of Confidence

The first segment of the podcast examines the mechanics that underpin reliable shooting. Johnson brings up the Cavaliers’ recent focus on “Three‑Point Proficiency Drills”, a system that was spotlighted in a Cleveland.com piece linked in the article titled “Cavaliers Adopt New Three‑Point Strategy for 2025‑26.” The drill emphasizes:

1. Consistent release point – ensuring the ball leaves the hand at the same height each time.
2. Balanced footwork – a slight step‑back to create space, paired with a quick pivot to maintain rhythm.
3. Follow‑through – a “hand on a full arm” finish that signals a clean shot.

Listeners are encouraged to view the associated video clip from the Cavaliers’ training camp, which the article links directly to a YouTube tutorial. The clip demonstrates a player—identified as Jordan Mitchell—executing the drill, illustrating how repetition sharpens the muscle memory that ultimately undergirds confidence.

Mental Preparation: Building the “Ready” State

Transitioning from physical to mental preparation, McNaughton discusses pre‑shot rituals. He references a Cleveland.com profile of Cleveland Cavaliers guard Isaiah Thompson (linked as “Thompson’s Pre‑Game Rituals”), which showcases Thompson’s use of a “visual cue” system: a specific pattern on the rim that he watches while visualizing each shot before stepping up. The podcast notes how such rituals act as anchors that reduce anxiety and reinforce a shooter’s belief in their ability.

Johnson adds that mental rehearsal, especially under simulated pressure, can help shooters develop a “confidence buffer.” He cites research from the Journal of Sports Psychology (linked in the article) indicating that visualization can improve shooting percentage by up to 2%. This evidence underscores the importance of mental conditioning alongside physical practice.

The Role of Feedback and Learning from Failure

A key component of the podcast is the discussion of how shooters respond to missed shots. McNaughton explains that great shooters treat each miss as a data point rather than a personal failure. He draws on a Cleveland.com feature titled “Learning From the Miss: Cavaliers Coach’s Perspective” that includes quotes from head coach Mike Brown about the importance of a growth mindset. Brown’s comments, paraphrased in the podcast, emphasize that “every missed shot is an opportunity to refine technique or adjust positioning.”

The hosts also reference the Cavaliers’ “Post‑Game Review Sessions”—a system highlighted in a linked article—where players and coaches analyze shot trajectory videos. These sessions provide objective feedback, enabling shooters to identify subtle mechanical errors that might otherwise be overlooked. By fostering a culture of constructive criticism, the team helps players maintain confidence even after a poor shooting streak.

External Resources and Further Reading

The Cleveland.com article includes several links that deepen the reader’s understanding:

• A direct link to the Wine and Gold Talk Podcast episode on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, allowing listeners to follow along with the full conversation.
• An article on “Cavaliers’ Shooting Evolution Since 2020”, offering a statistical breakdown of the team’s three‑point efficiency over the past seasons.
• A link to a Cleveland.com editorial titled “Why Confidence Matters in the NBA”, which broadens the discussion beyond the Cavaliers to cover league‑wide trends.
• A resource page for “Basketball Shooting Drills for All Levels” hosted by the NCAA, providing additional practice ideas for players of varying skill levels.

These external references give readers multiple angles—from statistical analysis to practical drills—to further explore the relationship between confidence and shooting success.

Takeaway: Confidence Is Cultivated, Not Innate

In wrapping up, the hosts distill their message into three actionable steps for aspiring shooters:

1. Build a solid mechanical foundation through repetitive, focused drills.
2. Develop mental rituals that create a calm, focused pre‑shot state.
3. Embrace feedback and failure as pathways to improvement rather than evidence of inadequacy.

The episode concludes with a reminder that confidence is a muscle that can be strengthened with practice and perseverance. Whether a fan of the Cavaliers or a player looking to improve, the Wine and Gold Talk Podcast offers a compelling case for why confidence is the secret weapon that separates good shooters from the great ones.