Basic Shooting Drills

Non-Dribble shooting

There is an endless variety of drills you can do. Here are a few examples of drills you can do without dribbling. Most of these can be done on your own by simply spinning the ball to yourself or passing the ball of the wall. If there is you can get a coach, parent, friend, or partner to do these drills with you or rebound for you it really speeds things up! It is always more helpful to shoot with a partner (you get off more shots in a shorter time period, as well as having someone to push you and coach you). You will also see many of the same drills are done off of the dribble. Refer to the basic or advanced shooting guides for additional guidance. All these drills can be done by yourself or with another player. Simple take turns or use different hoops if there are multiple players.

Spot shooting

Shoot jump shots off a catch from each of the 7-spots from various distances (10 ft, 15 ft, 20 ft, 25ft). Typically aim to make or attempt a certain number of shots.

Move series

Shoot jump shots from various spots and distances using a move prior to the shot. See the moves section for examples and descriptions.

Variations: jab step to jumper, fake spin to fadeaway, through the legs step fake, jab step to fadeaway, head fake to jumper, up and under, and more

Position to position

Move quickly from one spot to the other shooting off of a catch. Sometimes it helps to use cones as markers. Typically aim to make or attempt a certain number of shots.

Variations: Wing to Corner, Elbow to Elbow, Curl to Fade

Beat the pro

Select a spot on the court to shoot from. Take a jump shot (if you are shooting by yourself you will need to go grab your own rebound and place the ball wherever you are shooting from). After the shot run to half-court (or full-court), then come back and take another jump shot. You receive 1 point for a made basket, if you miss the “pro” (your imaginary competitor) gets 2 points. First to ten wins

Pick-up the ball

Place balls in various place on the court (can place balls on chair if you prefer), sprint from ball to ball, quickly squaring up and shooting.

 

Off-the dribble shooting

Similar to drills done off a catch, there is an endless variety of drills you can do off the dribble. You can do these drills using a non-dribble prior to putting the ball on the floor, you can use a dribble move, you can shoot from various spots and distances, use obstacles, and more. The possibilities really are endless. The key in doing off-the dribble drills is to align them as closely to in-game situations as you can. They should be done at game-speed and no repetitions should be wasted. Refer to the basic or advanced shooting guides for additional guidance.

 

Spot shooting

Begin from one of the 7-spots around the three point line. Beginning in the triple threat position take on or two dribbles then shoot a jump shot. Focus on creating as much space as possible on the dribble. Be explosive with your first step. When you shoot the ball concentrate on jumping straight up with balance and bringing the ball right to your shoulder (rather than up through your waist where the defense can swat it away – reference the advanced shooting guide). Shoot jump shots going right and left from various distances (10 ft, 15 ft, 20 ft, 25ft) .

Variations can include 1 dribble right, 1 dribble left, 2 dribbles right, 2 dribble left

Move Series

Shoot jump shots from various spots and distances using a move prior to the shot. You should intiate each from just outside the three point line See the moves section for examples and descriptions.

Variations: There are a million variations here are a few: Short step long step then one dribble. Jab step left, 1 dribble right. Jab step right, 1 dribble left. 1 dribble left, crossover to the right, 1 dribble right crossover to the left. 1 dribble left, step-back. 1 dribble right, step back. Pump fake, dribble left. Pump fake, dribble right. You can also use all the different individual moves (see the moves sections for more examples).

Position to position

Move quickly from one spot to the other catching, taking one dribble, then shooting and moving to the next spot. Sometimes it helps to use cones as markers. Typically aim to make or attempt a certain number of shots.

Variations: Wing to Corner, Elbow to Elbow, Curl to Fade

Beat the pro

Take a jump shot off of one or two dribbles. (if you are shooting by yourself you will need to go grab your own rebound and place the ball wherever you are shooting from). After the shot run to half-court (or full-court), then come back and take another jump shot. You receive 1 point for a made basket, if you miss the “pro” (your imaginary competitor) gets 2 points. A typical game means that the first to ten wins.

Half court (or full-court) moves

Begin at half-court or on the other end of the court. (If you are doing full court variation then dribble towards the hoop using a few moves and changing speeds frequently until you get to half court). Just above the top of the key, make one move then shoot off the dribble. Check the moves section for examples and description of moves