In recent weeks, the spotlight has shifted to Angel Reese, a standout player in the WNBA, and a concerning statistic has emerged that has raised eyebrows among fans, analysts, and coaches alike.

Despite her impressive rebounding and defensive prowess, Reese’s shooting efficiency has come under scrutiny, especially when it comes to her layup attempts.

Data shows that her field goal percentage on layups is a staggering 31%, making it the worst among all players in the league. This alarming statistic has sparked widespread discussion about her offensive game and what can be done to improve her finishing skills near the basket.

Reese’s struggles with finishing around the rim have become a talking point, especially given her reputation as a versatile and athletic forward.

Known for her aggressive rebounding and defensive tenacity, many expected her offensive game to be equally polished. However, her inability to convert layup opportunities at a high rate has become a noticeable weakness.

Coaches and teammates have observed that she often settles for contested or awkward shots, which significantly lowers her success rate. This inefficiency not only affects her individual scoring but also impacts her team’s overall offensive flow.

The numbers are stark: out of all the shot attempts Reese takes near the basket, only about a third are successful. This means that a significant portion of her opportunities are wasted, allowing opponents to quickly transition into offense and capitalize on her misses.

Her shooting percentage on these high-percentage shots ranks at the bottom of the league, which is unusual for a player of her caliber and athletic ability. Many wonder whether her technique, decision-making, or confidence at the rim is contributing to this poor conversion rate.

One of the primary reasons behind Reese’s low layup percentage is her tendency to attempt difficult or overly contested shots. When she drives to the basket, she often encounters double teams or physical defenders who challenge her shot. Instead of opting for a softer or more controlled finish, she sometimes forces the issue, resulting in missed layups or turnovers.

This aggressive approach, while indicative of her confidence and fearlessness, can also be a double-edged sword if it leads to inefficient shot selection. Improving her ability to read defenses and choose higher-percentage shots could be key to boosting her scoring efficiency.

Another factor that may be contributing to her struggles is her footwork and body control in tight spaces. Finishing at the rim requires precision, timing, and balance — skills that can separate good scorers from great ones. Some analysts have pointed out that Reese occasionally misjudges her angles or struggles to maintain composure when encountering contact.

These small technical issues can make the difference between a successful layup and a missed opportunity. Working on her footwork, improving her balance, and developing better touch around the basket could help her increase her conversion rate.

Psychological confidence also plays a significant role in a player’s shooting efficiency. When a player is struggling with their shot, it can become a mental barrier that affects subsequent attempts. Reese, known for her fierce competitive spirit, might be battling a confidence issue when it comes to finishing around the rim.

If she begins to second-guess her shots or feels increased pressure to score, her execution can suffer. Coaches and trainers emphasize the importance of mental resilience and routine, encouraging her to trust her skills and stay aggressive without overthinking her attempts.

The impact of Reese’s poor layup percentage extends beyond her individual numbers; it influences her team’s offensive rhythm and scoring potential. When she misses high-percentage shots, her team often faces longer offensive possessions and missed opportunities to build a lead.

Conversely, her teammates may become hesitant to feed her in certain situations if they sense her struggles at the rim. As a result, her inefficiency could be limiting her team’s overall effectiveness on offense, especially in tight games where every possession counts.

Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. First, technical adjustments in her finishing technique are essential. This could involve working with her coaches on her footwork, developing a softer touch, and practicing finishing moves that minimize contact and maximize accuracy.

Drills focused on finishing through contact, adjusting angles, and working on her hand-eye coordination can help build muscle memory and confidence. Additionally, film study can be used to analyze her shot selection, helping her identify when she’s forcing difficult shots versus when she’s making smart decisions.

Mental conditioning and confidence-building exercises are equally important. Visualizations, routine development, and positive reinforcement can help Reese overcome psychological barriers.

Her trainers might also incorporate drills that simulate game-like pressure situations, enabling her to practice maintaining composure and making split-second decisions. Building mental resilience will be crucial for her to convert more of her near-close shots and to regain her scoring confidence.

Furthermore, team strategy adjustments can play a role in improving her efficiency. Coaches might design plays that create easier scoring opportunities for Reese, such as pick-and-roll options or isolations where she can attack the basket with less defensive help.

Creating a system that capitalizes on her athleticism while minimizing contested shots can help her improve her success rate. Additionally, encouraging her to take more high-percentage shots and less risky attempts will be vital as she works to regain her scoring efficiency.

The broader context of her struggles also highlights the importance of holistic player development. While Reese is known primarily for her rebounding and defense, her offensive game still has room for growth.

Improving her finishing at the rim will not only boost her individual stats but also make her a more well-rounded threat. This, in turn, can open up more scoring options for her and her teammates, making her an even more valuable asset on the court.

Critics and fans have expressed concern about her current shooting struggles, but many also emphasize the importance of patience and ongoing development.

Every player goes through slumps or technical hiccups, and Reese’s athletic ability and work ethic suggest she has the tools to turn things around. With targeted practice, mental reinforcement, and strategic adjustments, she can elevate her finishing skills and improve her overall field goal percentage in the near future.

In conclusion, Angel Reese’s recent statistics reveal a significant area for improvement in her offensive game, specifically her layup efficiency. While her physical tools and defensive prowess are unquestioned, her current 31% success rate on layups is a glaring weakness that could hinder her team’s success if not addressed.

The good news is that with focused training, technical refinement, and mental resilience, Reese has the potential to transform this weakness into a strength.

As she continues to develop her game, fans and analysts will be watching closely, hopeful that she can turn her struggles into an opportunity for growth and become a more complete player at the highest levels of women’s basketball.