KIRKLAND, Wash. — A new facility in Kirkland offers high-tech training for basketball players of all levels.
Shoot 360 employs interactive technology to help athletes perfect ball handling, passing and shooting.
"A lot of kids love playing video games. Why not be active doing it?" said owner Rodney Stuckey.
The Kent native was a standout on the high school court, helping lead his Kentwood team to the 2004 state championships.
After college, he became the 15th overall pick in the draft and played in the NBA for ten years.
He believes Shoot 360 is the future of training for younger athletes.
"It's just a fun environment, it's exciting, and people love this place," he said. "Also when they're here, they're getting better. Just seeing that makes me happy."
Players have a choice between working out on shooting courts or skill “cages.” There, they practice ball handing and passing skills, guided by digital screens.
"There are interactive games, but we also have drills - the same ones you'd be doing in a camp and the same ones the professionals use,” said Shoot 360 manager Marcus Hinton.
Eight half-courts feature baskets, shooting guns, and sophisticated cameras that track arch, depth and angles of shots.
The information is immediately available and tracked on an app, giving players instant feedback. They can also “play” against members at other Shoot 360 locations, as the system records their baskets.
Shoot 360 doesn’t replace human interaction, though – floor coaches like Hinton help players adjust their footwork or elbows, and “coach them up” as needed. There are also personal and group training sessions available.
"Like anything, it takes reps in order to master something,” Hinton said.
Players can book time through monthly memberships or individual sessions, and game levels range from beginner to expert.
Shoot 360 is also available for parties and corporate events.
Shoot 360 | 10842 117th Pl NE in Kirkland | Open seven days a week. Hours of operation vary.
First-timers can sign up for a free session.
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