SHOOTING DRILLS
Purpose
2 Person Basketball Shooting Drill helps to improve and forces Players to take shots from all the areas of the basketball court.
Setup
Players pair up with 1 ball and each takes a basket.
Drill Instruction
- Player 1 makes a pass to Player 2 who is in the right corner.
- Player 2 catches and shoots and then cuts across to the left-wing.
- Player 1 rebounds and passes to Player 2.
- Player 2 continues to cut and take shots from all 5 points of the Star around the basket (see diagram) while Player 1 rebounds and passes on each attempt.
Coach’s Emphasis
Have Players compete in this drill by counting their score /5 out loud and competing against their teammates for the best score every time they run this drill. An excellent drill when 2 players want to shoot around.
Purpose
2 Ball Indian River Drill helps to improve shooting, passing, conditioning & player communication to win more games.
Setup
5 players take one hoop, setting up in the following formation; Player 1 on the left elbow, Player 2 at the free-throw line, Player 3 at the right elbow, Player 4 at the right-wing and Player 5 at the left-wing.
Drills Instruction
- Player 1 makes a chest pass to Player 2 who takes a foul line jump shots, grabs the rebound, and fills behind Player 3.
- Player 3 makes a chest pass to Player 4 who swings the ball to Player 5 who swings the ball to the next player inline 1
- The pass and shoot cycle continues.
Coach’s Emphasis
Encourage speed, as this is an excellent conditioning drill. Count made shots, and if you have enough players have 2 groups compete against one another for first to 10 made shots.
Purpose
Curl Cut Shooting drill teaches Players to shoot coming off screens.
Setup
2 lines on the baseline, 1 ball in each line.
Drills Instruction
- The player in Line 1, makes a curl cut towards the passer in Line 2.
- Line 2 passer passes to the cutter from Line 1, who takes a hook shot.
- The passer then makes a curl to cut Line 1 and also takes a baby hook.
- Players get their rebound and give it to the line that passed it to them.
After 2-3 minutes, move the shot from a hook to a 6-foot jump shot, then elbow jump shot, and eventually a three-point jump shot.
Coach’s Emphasis
For energy, split the group into two teams, competing against each other.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjymIrb-76A
Purpose
Beat the clock drill teaches players to shoot under pressure in a competitive oriented situation.
Setup
Paired up with 1 ball at each hoop.
Drill Instruction
- Put 5:00 on the scoreboard or watch and start when the drill begins.
- Player 1 makes a pass to Player 2 who is in the right corner, 3 point shooters, shoot 3s, other shoots 15-foot jump shots.
- Once Player 2 has made 5 shots from the corner, rotate with player 1
- Player 1 shoots until 5 shots are made.
- Player 2 moves to 2nd spot, right-wing, and after each player has made 5 shots, both move to the center, left-wing, and then left corner.
- The objective is for each team to make all 50 shots in under 5:00
Coach’s Emphasis
Have Players compete in this drill by counting their score 5 out loud and compete against their teammates for the best score every time they run this drill. An excellent drill when 2 players want to shoot around.
Purpose
Develop players shot inside the key. Simulates a cut from the low block to an open spot, or a shot out of set inbound play.
Setup
From 2 lines of 2-3 players on the baseline positioned at the corners of the key. A player at the front of the 1st line with 1 ball and the second player in the 2nd with 1 ball
Drill Instruction
- A player from 2nd line does a curl cut to the dotted line in the key, showing a target for the passer and ready to catch and shoot.
- A player from the first line passes to the cutter, who catches, shoots, and rebounds their shot.
- Shooter gives the ball to the 1st person in line while the passer makes a curl cut ready to catch, shoot, and rebound.
- Continue, increasing speed and distance from the hoop as players become more comfortable.
Coach’s Emphasis
Teach Players to show a high target, catch the ball high, and not bring it down for their shot. As the players cut, they should create space with their arms and legs to make themselves open in a high traffic game situation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px6g9M-sexI
Purpose
Improve ability to shoot off a V-cut or screen from the low block
Setup
Players form groups of 3 and each takes a basket.
Drill Instruction
- Player 1 makes a pass to player 2 who is at the left-wing.
- Player 2 catches the ball while swinging through and squaring up and takes a shot from the wing.
- After the shot, Player 2 makes a V-cut
- Players 3 gets the rebound and passes to Player 1.
- Player 1 passes to Player 2 for another shot.
- Use 2 balls for higher repetition and efficiency.
- After Players has completed 8 shots, switch passer and shooter.
Coach’s Emphasis
Players should plant the inside foot and make a front pivot to properly square up. Encourage players to stay on balance as they get tired from making hard cuts.
Purpose
Improve shooting technique in a catch & shoot situation, similar to a kick-out from the post to the wing.
Setup
Players from 2 lines on the baseline, one player at the right elbow.
Drill Instruction
- When Coach says Go, Player 1 in the right line, passes to the Player 2 at the elbow.
- After passing Player 1 runs towards the shooter, with 1 hand up, waving at the shooter in an attempt to bother Player 2 as they take a shot.
- Player 2, gets their own rebound and gives the ball back to where the pass came from, and to the back of the other line
- After waving, Player 1 continues to the left elbow where Player 3 in the left line throws a pass to them for a shot.
- Player 3 also runs out and waves at the shooter and continues to the right elbow for a shot.
- Drill Continues
Coach Emphasis
This drill works best as a team competition, with the focus on making shots, to a total shot of 50. Emphasize to players that when their elbow is in, they will only miss shots based on distance long or short instead of left or right.
Also, an excellent drill to incorporate into a pre-game warm-up for focus, and muscle memory.
Purpose
Teach the fundamentals of shooting form to your players.
Setup
Form 1 line of players each with the ball, facing coach
Drill Instruction
- Coach gets players full attention and teaches the 4 key fundamentals to proper shooting from B.E.E.F
- B for Balance. Off-balance shots are low percentage shots. Players should get feet set, in a proper shooting stance to make more shots.
- E for Elbow. Elbow should be directly under the ball, to produce a straight consistent shot.
- E for Eyes. Eyes should be focused on the target, just below the back of the rim
- F for Follow Through. Players should hold their follow through and emphasize shooting out of the phone booth.
Coach’s Emphasis
Also read : How to Become a Better Shooter in Basketball ( B.E.E.F method )
Have players mimic the motions of B.E.E.F while being taught, then have your players do another shooting drill at full speed while focusing on fundamentals.
Purpose
A player who can come off a screen as a threat to shoot, OR rip through to the other side for a more open jump shot – is a dangerous offensive player
Setup
2 lines on the baseline, 1 ball in each line
Drill Instruction
- A player in a Line, make a curl cut towards the passer in Line 2.
- Line 2 passer passes to cutter from line 1, who catches, rips through, and takes a line dribble jump shot back in the direction they came. Passer then makes a curl cut to line 1 and also catches, rips through, and takes a one-dribble jump shot back in the direction they came from.
- Players get their own rebound and give it to the line that passed it to them.
- After 2-3 minutes, move the shot from a 6-foot jump shot, then elbow jump shot, and eventually a three-point jump shot.
Coach’s Emphasis
You can also split the group into two teams, competing against each other.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LE0eAkuMifM
Purpose
Creates the habit of squaring up to the hoop in the triple threat position.
Setup
Players form 3-4 lines on the baseline facing mid-court, each player with a ball
Drill Instruction
- SQUARE UP- When coach says Go, Players throw a soft backspin pass to themselves at a 45-degree angle.
- Players take 2 steps, catch the ball and pivot off the right foot, holding the ball in a low triple threat stance ready to shoot
- Players then throw another soft backspin pass to themselves at the opposite 45-degree angle.
- Players take 2 steps, catch the back and pivot off the left foot, holding the ball in a low triple threat stance ready to shoot.
- Players continue the drill to midcourt and go to the back of the line by running around the playing area and allowing the next group to begin.
- SQUARE & SWEEP – When coach says Go, Players throw a soft backspin pass to themselves at a 45-degree angle.
- Players take 2 steps, catch the ball, and pivot off the right foot, holding the ball in a low triple threat stance ready to shoot.
- Players then sweep the ball aggressively from side to side, protecting the ball from a pesky defender.
- Players then take 1 dribble in the original direction.
- Players then throw another soft backspin pass to themselves at the opposite 45-degree angle and continue the drill to midcourt with the square & sweep.
Coach’s Emphasis
Triple Threat is when a player is an athletic stance with the ball near their hip, ready to pass, dribble or shoot. Players must develop this stance as a habit every time they touch the ball unless in a back to the basket post situation.
For shooting, use examples of great shooters and ask your players to envision them catching the ball on the wing before taking a jump shot.
This drill will make your players better shooters, but more importantly better basketball players.
Purpose
Improve free throws, and rebounding by replicate ng a game situation.
Setup
Players line up at the free-throw line with 3 players on offense, and 3 players on defense. One payer on offense will be the shooter.
Drill Instruction
- Player 1, shoots the first of a 1 & 1 free throw.
- If a player 1 makes the shot, Player 1 shoots the 2nd
- I f a player 1 misses, the ball us alive and the rebound is up for grabs.
- After Player 1 shoots the 1 & 1, all Players rotate clockwise into new roles, and positions for the drill.
- To make the drill more competitive, give 1 point for each made free throw, and 1 point for each rebound.
Coach Emphasis
Use Free Throw From Fundamentals.
On the Defense, Rebound stay low, and create space, before jumping for the ball.
Purpose
Use the shooting fundamentals, taught and trained, in a competitive situation. A fun way to end a practice that will have players enjoying the idea of competing against their favorite player – and one day beating them!
Setup
1 Players at each hoop, with a basketball.
Drill Instruction
- When Coach says Go, Player 1 begins the shooting game with the below rules. Made Shot =2 points for Player. Missed Shot =3 points for Pro. Play to 12. No layups shot must be 10 out (based on age/level of player.)
Coach’s Emphasis
Finish your practices with the players smiling, wanting to practice more, and work on their fundamentals so that one day they can beat the pro!!
Have players choose their favorite player as their pro, and again, just have fun with it.
Purpose
Improve player communication & shooting.
Setup
Players form 1 line of 3- 4 players at the top of the key with 1 ball, and 1 player in the corner.
Drill Instruction
- When coach says Go, Players in both positions shoot and get their own rebound.
- Players must pass back to the spot they shot from.
- There is no determined order of which player goes to the corner or stay at the top of the key. This is entirely up to verbal communication between the players.
- To put pressure on the communication and drill, try to have 2-3 teams competing against each other with the first to 12 winning with the game.
Coach’s Emphasis
Let your players do all the organising on this. Some will prefer to shoot from the top of the key (most) but someone has to fill the corner, or the shooter will have no one to pass to.
A great drill when players are struggling with communicating during offensive or defensive game situations.
Purpose
Shooting Drill that teaches Players to take shots after moving without the ball at the game speed.
Set up
Players make groups of 3 up with 2 balls at each basket. If need be, can make groups of 4 with 3 balls.
Drills Instruction
- Player 3 shoots and follows the shot to get the rebound.
- Player 1 makes a pass to player 2 who is in a triple threat position, ready to shoot.
- Player 2 catches and shoots and then follows the shot to get the rebound.
- Player 1 runs out to a new spot ready to catch and shoot.
- Player 3 passes own rebound to Player 1 and runs out to a new spot anticipating a pass from player 2.
- Player 2 grabs rebound passes to player 3 and drill continues.
- Run Drill of 30 seconds with players keeping score and then switch to pull-up jump-shots, a three-pointer, or other variations.
Coach’s Emphasis
Have Players compete in this drill by counting their score out loud and competing against their teammates for the best score every time they run this drill. An excellent drill when 2 players want to “shoot around”, or ass beginning to every practice.
Purpose
Improve player’s ability to shoot the 3 point shot in a high pressure situation.
Setup
3 Groups of 2 each take hoop, each pair with one ball behind the 3 point line.
Drill Instruction
- Players 1 take a 3 point shot, follows got grabs own rebound, and passes out to partner Player 2, who also shoots, rebounds and passes.
- All 4 groups begin at the same time and count each made shot.
- Teams compete with the first team to 5 winning the round.
- Players then rotate and compete again, with each pair shooting from each spot.
Coach’s Emphasis
As players get tired, make sure players use their legs to get the ball high in the air on a 3 point.
Purpose
Improve player’s ability to shoot from a full sprint, great drill for teams wanting to play in transition.
Setup
2 players at each hoop, with one ball.
Drill Instruction
- Player 1 starts at the Right Wing and takes a jump shot.
- Player 1 backpedal to half court and then sprints forward anticipating a pass from Player 2 who is rebounding and passing each shot.
- Player 2 makes the pass and again rebounds the shot.
- Player 1 backpedals to half court after each shot and moves across the court to take a total of 10 shots.
- Players then switch.
Coach’s Emphasis
Make sure players are going full speed to also get conditioning out of this drill.
Purpose
Shooting drill that improves the player’s ability to shoot off the dribble.
Setup
Players make groups of 4 with 2 balls at each basket. Line of players on the baseline with two Players at the top of the key each with the ball.
Drill Instruction
- Player 2 cuts from the Right Block to the Right Wing.
- Player 1 passes to player 2 who squares up to the hoop.
- Player 2, makes a pump fake and dribbles to the basket aggressively, then pulls up for jump shot.
- Player 2 follows shot, gets own rebound, and goes to the top of the key to make a pass to next Player in Line.
Coach’s Emphasis
Attack the basket on the dribble with the intent to get to the basket.
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Purpose
Improve player technique on free throws. A teaching exercise so that players are shooting free throws with the proper fundamentals.
Setup
Players from 1 line on the baseline, facing the free throw line, facing & listening to Coach.
Drills Instruction
- Coach emphasizes key points about shooting free throws and proper fundamentals.
Coach’s Emphasis
Find the Nail with one foot, to position player well at the line.
Bend legs deeply on the shot.
Spread the hands wide over the ball.
Elbow up
Follow through until the ball goes through the net.
Keep eyes riveted on the Net.
Conduct the same routine every time.
Purpose
Improve shooting footwork and practice game situation shots.
Setup
Players pair up and each takes a basket. If the need has 2 groups at each hoop.
Drill Instruction
- Player 1 makes a pass to Player 2 who is at the right elbow.
- Player 2 takes two steps forward as they receive the pass and in one motion bring the ball up and shoots.
- After the Shot, Player 2 cuts to the opposite elbow.
- Player 1 rebounds and passes to Player 2, who again shoots and cuts to the opposite elbow.
- Repeat until Shooter has made 6 shots and then switch.
Coach’s Emphasis
Players should plant the inside foot and make a front pivot to properly square up.
Purpose
A drill that allows players to work on all game situation shots.
Setup
2 pairs of players at each hoop, each pair with the ball in the line.
Drill Instruction
- Player 1 takes a shot and gets his/her own rebound
- Player 1 then passes to Player 2 who takes the same shot as Player 1 and goes for the rebound.
- Player 1 now chooses a new spot on the floor, and a new type of shot to take (Rip and one dribble, shot fake first, etc..).
- Player 2 then replicates whatever Player 1 has just done, and the drill continues.
Coach’s Emphasis
Teach players this drill as one to use competitively with one another in the off season.
Purpose
Improve the ability to shoot off a V-cut or screen from the low block.
Setup
Players pair up and each takes a basket. If the need has 2 groups at each hoop.
Drill Instruction
- Player 1 makes a pass to Player 2 who is at the left-wing.
- Player 2 catches the ball while singing through and squaring up and takes a shot from the wing.
- After the shot, Player 2 gets its own rebound and passes to Player 1.
- Player 2 cuts to the opposite wing, read to catch, swing through, and shoot again.
- After each player has completed 8 shots, switch passer and shooter.
Coach’s Emphasis
Players should plant the inside foot and make a front pivot square up.
Purpose
Step and Shoot drill Have players focus on shooting form and B.E.E.F principles without detracted by made or missed shots.
Setup
Players pair up and make 2 lines facing each other, 20-25 feet apart.
Drill Instruction
- Player 1 makes a bounce pass to Player 2
- Player 2 takes two steps forward as they receive the pass and in one motion brings the ball up and shoots toward Player 1.
- Player 1 catches and again makes a bounce pass to Player 2.
- Continue the drill for 60 seconds and switch
Coach’s Emphasis
Take the time to look at each individual player form and make sure they are following the B.E.E.F shooting Principles Balance, Elbow-In, Eyes on Target, and Follow- Through.
Also read : 5 Simple Basketball Shooting Drills To Shoot Better!
Purpose
A great drill for working on game situation dribbling & shooting. Lots of variations for this drill by changing dribble moves, shots type, and shot location.
Setup
Form 1 line with all players on the sideline near ¾court.Each player with a ball. Place 3 cones in a line towards the far side of the court with the last cone positioned at the wing, 45 degrees from the hoop.
Drill Instruction
- Player dribbles through the cones, making a crossover dribble of the coach’s choice at each cone (spin move, behind the back, through-the-legs, etc.)
- Once the player gets to the final cone, they make a hard cut towards the hoop and take a shot of the coach’s choice (lay-up, elbow jump shot, 3 pt shot, etc..)
- After shooting, the player gets their own rebound and does a zigzag dribble pattern on the other side of the court again making moves off the coach’s choice.
- The player continues to the back of the line and goes through the exercise again.
Coach Emphasis
Teach players to shoot while tired, similar to game situations. This drill is not effective when players “go through the motions”.
Mix-up the dribble-shot-dribble combinations i.e spin-moves, layups, behind the back.
Purpose
Focus on Screening and Moving without the ball to get open for jump shots and backdoor opportunities by slipping the screen. A great drill to simulate one of your offensive sets.
Set up
One line of players at the top of the key, each with a ball On line on the wing with no-ball. Once coach at the other wing ready to receive a pass and throw a pass.
Drill Instruction
- The player at the top of the key passes to the Coach 1 on the wing and sets a screen for 1st player in the line on the wing.
- Players receiving the screen make a fake cut to the baseline then comes high off the screen towards the free throw line ready to catch and shoot the pass from Coach1.
- The Player rebounds this shot and goes to the back of the line at the top of the key.
- Simultaneously, the screener “slips” back door and receives a pass from Coach 2 for a lay-up.
- The screener rebounds the layup and gives the ball back to Coach 2 and goes to the back of the line on the wing.
Coach’s Emphasis
Screens are most effective when the players receiving the screen wait for the screener to set, and then make a read on their defender on how to best use the screen to get open.
Make sure players cut wait, fake their defender, and then cut hard to the ball.
Purpose
Shot builder drill improves shooting technique, shooting fundamentals, and shot muscle memory.
Setup
Players from groups of 3 and make a small triangle around 1 hoop, with a player at each block, and the other an equal distance from the hoop.
Drill Instruction
- Coach stresses the importance of having the elbow in on the shots.
- Player 1 holds the ball with the hand on the underside, slowly raises ball into an elbow-in shooting position, and using one hand only, take a short shot.
- Player 2 & 3 repeat, with each player going one at a time.
- Each group of 3 takes 3 shots from their spots, players, move back 1-2 steps and repeat.
- Once each player has taken 3 shots from all 3 spots, players move back another 1-2 steps and repeat.
Coach’s Emphasis
Shooting fundamentals are hard to change. This drill teaches players that power in their shot comes from their legs and wrists, as opposed to an elbow out the launch of the ball.
Emphasize to players that when their elbow is in, they will only miss shots based on distance long or short instead of left or right.
Also, an excellent drill to incorporate in a pre-game warm-up for focus, and muscle memory.