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TESTIMONIALS -- BATCH #2
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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
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Hello Tom, I hope all is well. I just wanted to let you know what my husband thinks about your video. He thinks it's great. He watched it with our 9-year-old son. (I bought the video for my son.) My husband's 35 and has been playing basketball competitively since he was a young teen. He put your principles to practice and had immediate results. He's always had an amazing drive to the basket, but lacked a consistent shot. He believes if he would have had the instruction your video has provided, his basketball career would have been much better. I don't really play basketball but after watching your video, when I get on the court just playing with the family for exercise, people have asked if I played basketball anywhere, since I can make swish shots now. I think it's hilarious. I thought you might enjoy this compliment on your instruction.
-- J. Mitchell, Phoenix,l AZ
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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
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"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
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"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
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"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
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"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
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"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."
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"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
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"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
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"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
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(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
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"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!"
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"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
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"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
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"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)

Second Email from R. Keyser:
"Hi Tom, My daughter's shooting has improved dramatically. Her free throw percentage has gone up from 42% to 78%. She is struggling a little on shooting on the go, but her technique is much better. I am interested in your advice on group shooting drills."

Third Email from R. Keyser:
"Wanted to thank you for the video. Our CYO 8th grade team is undefeated (15-0 and ranked number one in the city ) and I believe one of the reasons was taking teaching the concepts of the video to my kids. Our field goal percentage has increased from 20% last year to 35% this year. Our foul shooting percentage increase from 30% to 65%. I would say these are remarkable improvements. The kids who the follow the method are improving dramatically and those who ignore me, well...

"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."

Fourth Email from R. Keyser:
"Here's some more. Sunday we had a extremely tight game which came down to free throws. With 2 minutes left (my daughter) Kendall got fouled and SWISHED both shots to tie the game. No rim pure net. We then scored a bucket to go two ahead and then one of my starters fouled out. The other team was in the bonus and didn't even come close to making the shots. This may sound corny, but I worked with one of the girls on Friday and Saturday. On the release, on the up force, you know the drill. Well, the other coach saw the girl I subbed in and immediately fouled her with 11 seconds to go. She stood calmly at the line and proceeded to SWISH the free throws to ice the game. Again pure net no rim. Talk about a high. One of the girls who doesn't play a lot but stuck with US on the basics. Of the 11 points we scored in the 4th quarter, 7 were from free throws. I cannot express how glad I am to have come across your video, and to see a girl of average ability apply the lessons is just unbelievable. This is something she will never forget. The coach from the other team said he never saw girls, let alone boys at this level shot free throws that well under pressure.

"We're in the championship on Thursday of one tournament and off to the Cities on Saturday. If I don't win another game it made my heart warm to see one girl be successful, and it's because of your video. It made clear to me on how to shoot. Keep up the good work.
Thanks again. I'm a disciple.
PS. Wake me up, I feel like I'm in a dream, but this is for real. "

Fifth from R. Keyser:
"Just wanted to let you know our team won the CYO city championship. We were 27-0. We got lots of comments on how we were a great shooting team. Kendall especially shined during the tournament. She shot lights out. Her shots were high and soft. One coach asked what the secret was? I of course mentioned your approach. Thanks for your help."

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