We got inside the mind and philosophy of the German master of the art of shooting, discovering some of his distinctive cornerstones.

Interview by Overseas | Cesare Milanti | Gianmarco Pacione

Photo by Begum Unal

Swish. You read it, you hear it. In a metronome's symphony, the ball finishes its arc shrouded in the net. Everybody picks up that sphere hoping to hear it “always”.

For somebody, it's a “never,” for most people, it's a “usually,” and for elects, it's an “often.” For Andreas Obst and those whom the shooters’ Genesis has touched, like God creating Adam in Michelangelo’s masterpiece, it’s a never-ending cycle.

Dissecting a shooter’s mind is no easy task. Better to leave them the stage, since they are not afraid to take it when the pass comes on the three-point line. Follow the bow.

Origins - Where, when, how a shooter is born

There’s not really a specific moment when I said, “I’m going to be a great shooter.” I just enjoyed shooting all my life. Since I started playing basketball, I have been shooting in my grandfather’s backyard. I was shooting every weekend there, and I enjoyed it. I had it in my DNA. Shaping my shooting form was really important for me. As time went by, I started thinking about how I could improve my shooting as levels got better: youth level, third league, second league, Bundesliga, EuroLeague…

I tried to imitate a lot of shots I was watching on TV. That’s what everybody does, right? Having some idols and imitating them: Dirk Nowitzki, my favorite player back then. Shooting-wise, I was a big fan of Ray Allen and Reggie Miller. I used to pick him a lot on 2K. When shooting became more precious and important to me, I started watching more EuroLeague, and I looked up to names like Jaycee Carroll or Kyle Kuric. Then, Steph Curry came in and changed the game with his playing style. I tried to absorb everything I could: the off-screen shooting from Jaycee Carroll and Kyle Kuric, and the off-dribble shooting from Steph Curry. But even today, there are a lot of players I take examples from. It’s a never-ending learning.

Repetition - Rome wasn’t built in a day, shooters neither

There are different types of shooters. Some need a stable position before they shoot, while others can vary it in the air a little bit. I’m kind of stable, but sometimes I’m also able to make off-balance shots, falling back as my upper body is strong and my mechanics are the same up there. The most important is trying to get a lot of repetitions and practice in getting over the limit and challenging yourself on situations that are really unusual for yourself. Things you probably won’t do in the game, but that could help you in some situations. When it’s required. Not sticking only with normal shots helps. Sometimes trying to do some crazy stuff or get out of your comfort zone, and being ready to adapt to a specific situation, make the difference.

Flow - Feel yourself at ease, like that wrist

It comes as a flow, during the game. In practice, it’s a mechanic aspect, but it doesn’t go from the beginning as I sit under the basket and see what the defender is giving me. I try to figure out where the screen is set, and how the defense is reacting to it. Should I curl really tight? Can I go out straight to the three-point line? How’s the pass coming? Those are the things I ask myself first. I always try to be in low standing when I come off the screen, so I can curl a bit and make things easier for me. At that moment, I make sure I already know where my defender is positioned. I have a small look behind my shoulder, looking at all angles. When I have a small step advantage, I know I can probably come off with my formal footwork: inside foot first, external foot second. Then, I get the ball up real quick while I still check if the defender is closing out. When I come off the screen and I’ve already realized I have a small room of advantage, getting my shooting mechanics ready is always the most important.

Focus - You can’t bank it in if you’re not in there

I look at the next play, at what’s coming. Transition defense is crucial in basketball, and when I get back I already look at how to match up. The three-pointer happened, the shot is in the past. I’m happy, but it happened. The focus is now on defense, that book is closed. Basketball is a short-memory game: you can’t stick too long with what happened before. Whether that situation was good or bad, it doesn’t matter: you have to be ready in the present and think over your head.

I’m focused on my shooting movement, and being ready for the small details you have automatically practiced for many years. I don’t have a special thought. I’m calm, relaxed, focused. I try to take my shot confidently, without any double thought. I like to stay in the moment.

It’s all about that momentum. The pass is coming and you already have a stance. You’re prepared mentally and body-wise. The ball is coming in the right position and you have a short window, but you can get it off. That’s what you work on. That’s a shot you don’t take normally during a game, but sometimes the situation requires it to be that way. It can help you. That's why you get more comfortable with it: you did it before and you’re effective.

Confidence - Only shooters miss the shots they take

A shooter may be quiet or loud but must be patient. Sometimes you have some gravities, but it doesn’t mean you hit the ball every time, because people know you’re a good shooter. They try to take shots away from you. Most importantly, shooters must be confident all the time. You’re going to miss some shots, you’re going to have shooting slumps or games where you shoot 0-7, 0-8, 0-10. It’s gonna happen. But it doesn’t matter, because you know the amount of work you’re putting in. It’s gonna deliver in games.

It’s a positive kind of pressure. You feel it by enjoying it because you feel the team’s trust. When you’re smaller, you dream of being able to be in such a situation, having the shot for the win or tie the game. When you watch your heroes play basketball and get the buzzer beater, you’re imitating them on the court, wishing to live the same emotions. That’s a privilege. It’s a joy to have this kind of pressure.

Legacy - Shooters stay even once the music’s over

I want to be remembered as one of the best shooters in Europe, but not only that. I’ve been lucky enough to have great head coaches who have taught me basketball well: how to play the pick-and-roll, and how to facilitate or create out of the pick-and-roll. Play the right way, attack the basket, and even try to put my mark on defense. I’m not the perfect complete player, but I have some skills in every movement, not only as a shooter.

There are days when you might not feel it. But at some point, it will all pay off. And that makes practice enjoyable too: you enjoy getting to the gym, shooting, and trying to get a better feeling with the ball and with the motion flow. It’s a great feeling because it gives you confidence and so much excitement that you come out with great vibes. Being ready for every game, for what’s coming next in the future: that’s what I enjoy doing.