Purpose: To improve shooting technique and confidence through a competitive shooting drill. The competition and pressure will help the shooter become more poised and confident. Drill: This is a 2-person shooting drill with one player shooting and the other contesting the shot (without touching ball or shooter). The shooter takes three consecutive shots: a 3-pointer, a 2-pointer from anywhere outside the lane, a 1-pointer from anywhere inside the lane. The shooter can use any move to get open … [Read more...]
Power Layup Drill
Purpose: To develop the drop step, pump fake, and power layup. Drill: 2 basketballs and 2 players per basket. Place a basketball on each block. O1 begins by stepping to the ball and picking it up off the ground. Upon grabbing the ball, he performs a drop step, two pump fakes, and then shoots a power layup. O2 grabs the rebound and places the ball on the vacated block. After shooting, O1 moves to the other block, picks up the ball, drop steps, pump fakes twice, and shoots a power … [Read more...]
Dribble, Stop and Jump Shot Drill
Purpose: To work on shooting the jump shot off the dribble. Develop the skill of executing the pull-up as a help defender is closing in. Drill: O1 begins by dribbling toward the free throw line. X1 cuts over to a good defensive position between O1 and the basket, forcing the pull-up shot. O1 stops and shoots the jump shot. X2 retrieves the rebound, passing out to O2 and the drill continues. Lines rotate clockwise. … [Read more...]
Conditioning Free Throw Drill
This is a good free throw drill to utilize when you are stressing conditioning, particularly in the preseason or early season. Divide the team as desired at the available baskets in your gym. The rules are simple and as follows: Each time a players steps to the line, he will shoot a one-and-one (or bonus) situation. If he misses the first attempt, he runs 2 laps around the gym, sprinting the sidelines and jogging the baseline. Because he missed the front end of the one-and-one, he does not get … [Read more...]
Go Up Strong Shooting Drill
Purpose: This drill helps instill the habit of strong ball control on layups. Many players lose the ball and/or lose control if they are bumped even just slightly on the shot. This can cost points and you cannot count on the officials seeing every bit of contact. Drill: Split into 3 groups at a basket. Group O1 will line up facing the basket from any angle/spot on the court. This spot should be changed frequently when doing this drill. Another group (O2) starts near the basket, while group O3 … [Read more...]
Sprint Shooting Drill
Purpose: To practice shooting a jump shot in a fast break situation at game speed. Drill: Nine players and six basketballs are needed, though you can use less if necessary. All six passers (O) have a basketball. On 'Go', the three X's run their fast break lanes. The three passers pass to the player in their lane. The three shooters shoot, get their own rebound and then fill the three passer spots. After passing, the three passer's sprint out in their respective lanes down the court for a … [Read more...]
56 Made Competitive Shooting Drill
Purpose: To have players shoot from a wide range of spots on the basketball floor in a competitive situation. Drill: Place a group of players at each basket with one basketball. Two baskets minimum. Players in each group begin at spot 1 and shoot only from spot 1 until eight shots are made. The shooter must hustle after and get his own rebound and then pass to the next shooter in line. After a group makes eight shots from one spot, they move to the next spot. This continues until the group … [Read more...]
Worst Free Throw Shooter Drill
Purpose: To increase free throw shooting percentage by rewarding the winners. Drill: Players will divide into pairs. Use as many baskets as possible and a basketball for each pair. One partner shoots free throws against the other. Each player in each group will shoot 10 free throws (if you desire, change number shot to your preference). Ties are broken by shooting one free throw at a time. For the winners, practice is over and they can go home. The losers must stay and pair up again. The drill … [Read more...]
Jump Shot Relay
Purpose: To teach players to shoot with a focus and coolness in a competitive situation. Beyond shooting, this drill also incorporates passing and dribbling. Drill: Place 2 lines at the elbow on one end of the floor. The first player in each line has a basketball. On a signal from the coach, each player dribbles to the elbow on the other end of the floor (any spot can be used as the designated shooting spot, however). Upon reaching the shooting spot, the player should attempt to score with a … [Read more...]
Make 10 In a Row Shooting Drill
Work on shooting form, technique, and muscle memory with this simple shooting drill. Focus on 'making' the shot and develop good habits. Shoot at one spot until you make 10 in a row. Have a partner rebound and pass the basketball. The amount of total shots and spots can be adjusted as needed. Work on being active, stepping into the pass/shot, and utilizing great footwork. Develop good shooting habits with repetition. Choose to switch shooters and/or penalize yourself if you cannot make 10 in … [Read more...]