Shinhan Bank Incheon’s Go Na-yeon changed his shooting form last year. As he enters his fourth offseason and prepares for his fifth regular season, he is determined to improve on his shortcomings this offseason.
“I’m more desperate and eager than anyone else to use this off-season as a turning point. I’ll do it through gritted teeth.”
You’re on off-season vacation (at the time of this interview), how are you doing?
I’ve been taking a break since mid-March. At the beginning of the break, I traveled, and since early April, I’ve been building my body. I’ve been doing skill and performance programs at a place called StayFocus, and I’ve been going to the gym near my house. I also go to Bundang Business School (my alma mater) to work out.
This is my fourth off-season.
I think off-season training is always hard, but when I finally do it, I feel like I’ve survived it without dying (laughs).
How long has it been since you turned pro?
It’s not a long time, but it seems like a long time because it’s my fifth season. In the beginning, I had only the passion to work hard, but now I have anxiety because my peers are settling down, but I’m not there yet, so I started to build my body faster during my vacation.
What are you currently working on to establish yourself in the team?
I’m trying to work on my weaknesses with my teacher at StayFocus, and I’m constantly touching the ball, and I’m watching as much as I can, whether it’s men’s or women’s basketball.
Is there anything you focus on when watching game footage?
I probably pay more attention to the players in my position, so I look at the guys who are doing the big things like rebounding and hustle plays. I look at the timing of the shooters’ shots and their movements without the ball. I also look at the players who are playing good defense, their body language, and the timing of their body checks.
I even changed my shooting form last year.
Honestly, I thought I had a good shot until I was in high school, but when I came to the pros, I realized that I couldn’t shoot at all when I was playing with my sisters. (What do you mean by this?) My shot timing was late, and the defense was already there before I shot.
How did you change your shooting form?
I’ve always thought that my shooting form was something I needed to work on, but I procrastinated and changed it in the off-season last year. Before I changed it, my shooting form was more like a two-handed shot, but when I switched to a one-handed shot, my steps became much more concise. And I didn’t just keep playing during the season, I played with the changed form from the Futures League. It was awkward at first, but I gradually got the hang of it.
I’m also curious about what you hear from your manager and coach.
My coach tells me to always look for the shot first, regardless of the defense. He asks for instantaneous speed.
I’m sure you have a desire to play more as a professional.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t, but being greedy can make it harder, so I try to do my best to compensate for what I lack in my current position.
What are you making up for?
In a basketball game, you need to be explosive with and without the ball, so I’m working on my ankle strength, I’m working on my technique (like?) shifting my center of gravity and holding on to it, and when I’m shooting, I’m watching the defense and trying to get faster and more accurate, and when I’m feeling less confident, I’m watching plays that went well.
How are you going to work on your shot this offseason?
I’m going to utilize my pre-workout and nightly sessions to shoot from all angles and in all situations: coming back from under the basket, dribbling, moving, etc.
When you come into the game, what role do you want to fulfill?
I would like to be helpful on defense first, and I think that if I do the basics, the offense will come naturally. Furthermore, I would like to take bold attempts when I have offensive chances, and I would like to play a role in saving my teammates with assists.메이저놀이터
I will cheer for Go Na-yeon. Lastly, goals and determination.
I’m not a player who plays in the regular season because I don’t have a lot of faith in myself, so I’m trying to become a stable player in the eyes of the manager and coach. Next season, I want to play more often and become the player the team needs. I’m desperate and eager to do that, so I’m going to use this off-season as a turning point. I’m going to do it through gritted teeth, and I’d like to thank my family and fans for always supporting me. Please show your interest and support so that I can become a better player in the future!