Shoot 360 makes Canadian debut with Sherwood Park location

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The compete level of local basketball players just got a major boost.

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After testing its technology with founding members for about two weeks, Shoot 360 opened its first location in Canada at Unit 135 3001 Buckingham Drive in Sherwood Park on May 1.

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“This is a transformative moment for Canadian basketball. With the launch of Shoot 360 in Sherwood Park, we are poised to elevate the sport’s landscape and participation in Canada,” Fadi Smaidi, local Shoot 360 business owner and VP for Shoot 360’s Canada division business development.

Cameras set on top of the basketball hoops record three elements whenever a player makes a shot — the arch, the depth and whether the ball is tracking left or right. The screen will replay a video of the shot and show a coloured chart of how to improve. The technology is only found through the company itself or in the NBA. The tech is also used in training facilities owned by the Golden State Warriors, the LA Clippers, and Utah Jazz.

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“If all of those three elements are in the ‘green’, 90 to 98 per cent of your shots will go in. A perfect shot is 45 degrees, 11 inches and zero, which means it’s straight,” explained Smaidi, who is also a former Sherwood Park Rams coach.

Along the sides of the training courts are skills stations, where players can practice ball handling. Typical progression drills have been transformed into interactive games where the players throw the ball at big digital screens to test passing, dribbling, foot work, and more.

The hardwood floors even mirror what the NBA uses to ensure the bounce of the ball is perfect.

“When you come in, you’ll have a competitive edge because of the tech. It allows us to pinpoint certain skill sets and allows us to help players get better faster,” said head coach Blain LaBranche. “The players who come here on a consistent basic, when they step out on the court with their school teams, I think they’re going to start to really separate themselves and people are going to start to take notice.”

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Whether you’re new to the sport or you’re a seasoned vet looking to go pro, programming can advance and be tailored to the athlete.

“It’s phenomenal. I wish I had this when I was a kid. I don’t think you’d be able to get me out of here,” the coach said. “I started playing basketball in the sixth grade and I was the worst player and I was always picked last, but I just fell in love with the game. Basketball has allowed me to travel the world and I’ve played professional in Mexico and China. Basketball’s been a huge conduit for me to be able to give back to kids and if I can help kids fall in love with the game the way that I did, that’s a huge win for me.”

The business expects to work with junior highs and high schools and universities throughout Strathcona County and the Edmonton area, as well as elite clubs. Players have also dropped by from the University of Concordia, the University of Alberta, the Edmonton Stingers, as well as an elite U18 girls Edmonton club.

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“Our plan is to meet with more Sherwood Park schools and focus on them first. I’m a little competitive too. I’d like to see more Sherwood Park schools crushing it than in Edmonton. I want them to wonder why we’re so good in Sherwood Park. It’s because we have a secret weapon,” Smaidi noted.

The tech is already making an impact. Founding member and Jasper Place student Josh Kirsch has been playing basketball for eight years since he was in Grade 2. He wanted to try out the new business so he could get a new perspective and elevate his game.

“It’s really cool to see all of the technology rather than just the normal basket hoop,” Kirsh said. “In six sessions, my skills have improved so much. I played a game at lunch today and it’s like night and day from when I started.

The brand is eyeing a quick expansion across Canada and will also enter the Asian market this summer in Taipei City.

“We’re no longer just a hockey country, basketball’s growth and popularity are soaring in Canada and our national teams are poised to make an impact on the Olympics this year,” Smaidi added.

The local location already has 125 members signed up and it is estimate capacity for membership around 350. For information on hours, memberships and more, go to shoot360.com/sherwood-park.

lmorey@postmedia.com

X: LindsayDMorey 

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