Basketball Shooting Facility Opens in Saratoga Springs

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Since the publication of “Moneyball” in 2003, sports analytics are most often associated with baseball. But there are plenty of ways advanced technology and statistics can be applied to virtually any sport, especially basketball.

In Saratoga Springs, a new basketball facility called The Shot Spot has five shooting bays with Dr. Dish machines that can track shots by location and provide players with the data necessary to improve their game. The shooting machines have a corresponding app that allows players to log all of their training sessions and practices. The app then creates a visualization of where shooters are making (or missing) most of their shots. 

Although this type of technology might be commonplace in the NBA, it can be hard to come by for the average player. Hence, the creation of The Shot Spot, which opened just a couple months ago.

“I had seen this concept online, nowhere near here, and thought it would be something that would be beneficial to our area as it’s something that doesn’t exist much in general but especially around here,” said Shot Spot co-owner Scott Kindl. “A lot of people don’t even know that shooting machines exist, let alone use one.”

Kindl and his wife, co-owner Kelley Kindl, didn’t just acquire some shooting machines for their new business. They built the basketball courts that are now used for training, coaching sessions, and casual shoot-arounds. Kindl said the process took about six months.

“We had to cut the concrete floor, dig down to be able to install five basketball hoops properly, and then after that we put it in the flooring,” Kindle said. “I definitely had to spend a good amount of time researching stuff.”

The freshly built facility is now the third local business owned by the Kindls, Saratoga natives who also launched Trendsetters Barbershop and Sadie’s Hair Bar. Much like a salon or barbershop, the Shot Spot welcomes customers of all ages. 

“I don’t want people to think that we’re only here for advanced or elite basketball players,” Kindl said. “We want this place to be for everybody…you can come here on a date night if you want.”

Indeed, few things in life are more romantic than a perfect swish from beyond the arc.

The Shot Spot, located at 30 Gick Rd. (aka 40 Plaza Rd) Suite 115, offers both shooting bays and half courts for reservation. Pickleball courts, birthday parties, and basketball clinics are also available. For more information, visit www.theshotspot518.com.