Here are four basketball shooting drills to become a better shooter.
We all know the golden rule for improving your shot: practice, practice and… more practice.
But, you gotta train smart – as well as hard – if you want to maximise your improvement.
These drills are here to help you do this.
Shooting drill #1: Form shooting
INSTRUCTIONS
Make four shots from each of the marked spots.
Think of this as taking free throws from short range.
Don’t jump, but fully extend your elbow and flick your wrist, using your normal shot form.
HOW DOES THIS DRILL HELP?
When I first started playing basketball, I never took form shooting seriously.
I WISH I had. I would have improved much faster.
It allows you to focus on your shooting technique and smooth out errors in your form.
It’s kind of like a warm-up for your jump shot.
Now, this is the FIRST thing I do before putting up normal shots. Whether it’s a workout or a game.
No, I’m not saying form shooting will magically solve all your problems.
But what it will do is allow you to focus on your shooting technique and increase your accuracy…
Both on the day AND in the long run.
BONUS TIPS FOR THE DRILL
- Even though you’re close, still put arc on your shot
- Focus on shooting the same way every time
- Take a couple steps back if you feel like you’re too close
Shooting drill #2: Mid-range game
INSTRUCTIONS
Take four shots from each of the marked spots.
Give yourself a point if you make the shot, and an extra point for a swish.
HOW DOES THIS DRILL HELP?
The mid-range is the bread and butter of shooting.
Even if you don’t shoot this shot often in games, it still demands practice.
A solid mid-range shot forms the foundation of an accurate shot from further distances.
BONUS TIPS FOR THE DRILL
- Keep your feet at least shoulder width apart, to make sure you shoot on balance
- Make sure you only use your non-shooting hand to keep the ball in place, without interfering with the shot
Shooting drill #3: Off-the-dribble game
INSTRUCTIONS
Take one dribble forwards to the right and shoot. (Footwork: your final steps should be left foot then right foot)
Take one dribble forwards to the left and shoot. (Footwork: your final steps should be right foot then left foot)
Repeat this, taking ten shots from each side.
Again, give yourself one point for a make, and an extra point for a swish.
HOW DOES THIS DRILL HELP?
This is all about improving your shot off the dribble.
This is one of the best types of basketball shooting drills if you want to become a scorer.
As well as this, you’ll be practicing the footwork mentioned in brackets.
Over time, this will help you increase the speed of your shot release.
BONUS TIPS FOR THE DRILL
- Focus on getting the ball in your shot pocket quickly and securely when you pick up your dribble
- Make sure to be careful of your footwork so you don’t do an illegal travel (don’t take more than two steps with the ball in both hands)
- Record yourself to assess your mistakes
NOTE: Your shot pocket is the area by your waist where you hold the ball at the start of your shooting motion.
Shooting drill #4: Three point shooting
INSTRUCTIONS
Start at the left corner and take a shot. Then, get the ball and take a shot from the next spot.
Repeat this until you reach the right corner. After this, you’d make your way back to the left corner spot by spot.
The aim is to make as many shots as you can in two minutes.
HOW DOES THIS DRILL HELP?
This drill trains your ability to shoot from deep range in game situations.
You won’t have ages to stare at the rim.
Also, you will get more tired as the drill progresses, training your endurance.
BONUS TIPS FOR THE DRILL
- The shot power should come from your legs (If you force it from your arms you’ll lose accuracy)
- Make sure to keep a high arc on your shot
- Try not to let your technique get worse as you get tired
For a full workout of basketball shooting drills, here’s the FREE Hooper Boost Shooting Workout.
With consistent training, it will improve your shot from close, far, from a standstill AND off the dribble.
