Ray Allen arrives at the arena three and a half hours before the game.
You could say he is almost always the first player in the gym.
After fifteen seasons, he still follows the same routine every time to prepare himself for the game.
He shoots from five different spots on the floor and has to make five shots from each one:
the two corners, the two wings and the top of the key.
He starts close to the basket, then moves two steps farther out, continues from mid-range, shoots from the old three-point line and finally from behind the three-point line.
Between each shooting series, he also makes five free throws.
Altogether, the routine adds up to approximately 150 made shots, completed in around 20–30 minutes.
Most of the shots are taken from a stationary position.
Allen always begins in a low, balanced shooting stance. He calls for the ball and is fully prepared to shoot before receiving it.
Every shot is taken at game speed and with complete concentration.
There are no tricks and no sensational methods.
Just accuracy, timing and sound fundamentals.
That is how Ray Allen became one of the best shooters in the game.
His excellence was no accident.