A basketball player that knows how to score inside, from the mid range and from the 3 point line is a player that will thrive in any system.

We know that finding great shooting drills can be hard, which is why we looked through the data from our app, the Practice Planner, to find the 23 best shooting drills that were absolutely loved by you, the coaches.

Scroll down to view the drills or fast forward to your area of need by clicking on any of the categories below:

Shooting Technique – Learn to improve form
Games Based Shooting – Use fun, competitive games to teach shooting
Game Ready Moves – Practice moves your players can use in a game
Team Shooting – Shooting drills to add to your next team practice

Technique

The Dell Curry Shooting Corrections Set

Why it’s Great
If it worked for Steph, surely it’ll work for your players right? Dell Curry himself breaks down 8 common shooting mistakes. For this reason, the Dell Curry set is one of our most viewed drills.
Setup
One common mistake young players make is not fully extending their shooting arm after releasing the ball. To fix this, players need to lie on the ground with a basketball.
Instructions
Players hold the ball in front of their face as if shooting. They should shoot the ball straight up and the ball should land straight back down, into their hand. Make 10 perfect shots in a row.
Coaching Points
– This drill can be done anywhere- even in your bed at home. Your players have no excuse not to work on it!
– Players that “short arm” the basketball by not fully extending will see the ball heading to their feet

Bonus: due to popular demand, we wrote another article detailing the 8 Dell Curry Shooting Corrections- read it here!

Perfect Shots

Why it’s Great
Shooting is an art- and perfection is needed from the very first moment you step on the court. Perfect shots makes a great warm up drill for your players to ensure they enter more complex drills with correct form and mentality.
Setup
Players stand along the baseline at the edge of the key. They should hold a ball in their shooting hand.
Instructions
Players aim and shoot the ball with their shooting hand only. Make 3 perfect shots in a row- the ball shouldn’t touch the rim, then take 2 steps back. Repeat once more.
Coaching Points
– Coach Drew of Coach Market (NCAA div 1 assistant) has a check list he runs through as he observes his players-
1. Are their feet set and balanced?
2. Is the right foot (for right hand shooter) slightly in front?
3. Is the elbow bent at 90 degrees and under the ball?
4. Is the shooting arm lined up with the right hip?
5. Is the right foot in line with the middle of the hoop?
6. Is the player looking at the rim?
7. Does the player follow through?
Take note of these 7 points each time they shoot.

1 hand set shots close to the rim

Why it’s Great
Bob Bigelow, former NBA player and current youth coach is a big believer in teaching the old school set shot. This drill is for players who are 3-8 years old and just beginning to learn shooting form. The set shot makes the movement more simple for players and easier for coaches to focus on technique.
Setup
Players line up in front of the rim, no more than 10 feet away. Coach Bigelow also recommends that for young kids coaches try to use a rim that is 8-9 feet high, and use a smaller size 4 (25.5”) basketball. This prevents players from making the number 1 mistake of chucking or heaving the basketball.
Instructions
Players take a set shot, aiming for the back of the rim. Run for time
Coaching Points
– Coaches shouldn’t focus on the makes or misses, but rather on the form- no chucking, make sure they are bending their knees, shooting with an extended follow through
– Players should rotate their hips slightly so that their shooting foot is in front- rather than being directly square on

If you want to know why Bob Bigelow advocates for these changes in more depth- check out our full length interview with him here.

180 pivot form shooting

Why it’s Great
In games, players are often having to quickly face the basket, find their balance, and fire off a shot- particularly off cuts from the middle or in the post. This drill practices this fundamental skill.
Setup
Players stand 10 feet from the hoop, facing away from the basket.
Instructions
Players pivot off the front foot, aiming to square up and fire off a jump shot as quickly as possible. Try to make 10 in a row and move around with each shot.
Coaching Points
– Make the drill more difficult by only counting perfect swishes. Also practice pivoting off both feet.
– This is a form shooting drill so don’t worry about elevating- focus on balance and a quick shot release.

1 Foot Hops into a shot

Why it’s Great
1 foot hops into a shot is a great way to stimulate receiving a pass without a passer. It forces players to learn how to “fight for their feet” and get into the rhythm of their shot.
Setup
Players stand at the free throw line with a ball.
Instructions
Players stand on one foot and hop 3 times. On the third hop they try to bring their raised foot down as quickly as possible and shoot. Make 20 and swap feet.
Coaching Points
– Once mastered, players can add variations, such as a one dribble pull up, to their shot
– An extra benefit of the hop is making sure players are activating their legs in their shot. Also make sure that they are stable and jumping in one spot.

Random Mikan

Why it’s Great
This re-envisioning of the classic Mikan drill adds an element of randomness into a proven layup drill. In games, players rarely attack the basket from the same angle each time, so this drill teaches them to be creative and have balance when finishing.
Setup
Players stand under the hoop with a ball.
Instructions
Players shoot a layup and rebound the ball. Repeat the drill on the other side of the basket. The two rules are: 1. players must alternate shooting between left and right hands 2. No two consecutive shots can be the same. Players must make 10 layups in a row or try to make 30 in a minute.
Coaching Points
– Examples of different types of layups include: two footed power layups, traditional layups, off footed layups, floaters, reverse layups
– The key to this drill is that players should always have their eyes on the rim

Games Based Shooting

Beat the Pro

Why it’s Great
This is a competitive shooting drill designed to push players to overachieve. NBA skills coach Don Kelbick designed this drill after coaching a mix of NBA and school/college prospects- using their records to encourage younger players to “beat the pro”.
Setup
Pick a game ready move to practice. This move should be repeatable and occur on the same side of the court each time, like a 1 dribble pull up. The coach rebounds.
Instructions
Players are given a set time (2 minutes) to make as many baskets with the game ready move as possible. The top scoring player for that session is “the pro”- record your results each week and everyone must try and beat the pro.
Coaching Points
– Repeat the drill on both sides of the court- sometimes this drill will reveal that a player is more comfortable going to one side
– Have a different version of beat the pro for your guards and your forwards- this drill can be done with any scoring move

2 player Basketball Decision Training (BDT)

Why it’s Great
Basketball Decision Training was designed by coach Oliver of the University of Windsor Men’s Lancers as a “system” to teach his players to read and react instantly to the defense. It teaches players to respond to a series of cues that mimic a game- a great drill for many motion offenses.
Setup
Players pair up with an assistant coach or another player. They start by standing on the perimeter with a ball.
Instructions
Player stand with the ball and are prepared to respond to one of the following cues in the other player:
1. Arms out- pass the ball
2. Step towards- drive and layup
3. Arms down- shoot
4. Jump to the side- drive, crossover and floater in middle
5. Hands out step towards- give and go
6. Hands out on drive- drive and kick
Run for a total of 20 made baskets and swap positions.
Coaching Points
– Ease the players into the progressions- teach one at a time with lots of repetitions
– Stress that its important to develop a quick reaction to the signal

2 Man Chaser Layups

Why it’s Great
Players will have to deal with pressure from defenders when attempting transition layups- this drill has them coming from multiple angles and teaches awareness and composure.
Setup
Players pair up. Pairs line up one either side of the key. 2 cones are set up at the wings. One player has a ball.
Instructions
Players sprint to circle around their nearest cones. The 3 defenders try and pressure the one player with the ball. After a shot, swap lines. Repeat for 25 team makes.
Coaching Points
– The on ball defender should start on the outside of the dribbler
– Players defending on ball should aim to provide pressure only (it is difficult to block from behind without fouling). The weak side defenders can attempt to block the ball.

2 Cone Contested layups drill

Why it’s Great
In transition, players need the strength and balance to hold off defenders and finish strong at the rim. This drill works just that.
Setup
Players stand facing each other at the free throw line. Two cones are placed on the wing, one at the half court line. The player above the free throw line has a ball.
Instructions
The player with the ball dribbles around the half court cone. They then pick a wing cone to run to. The defender runs around the opposite cone. The player tries to layup whilst being chased down by the defender. Run for 25 team makes.
Coaching Points
– Change up the angles of the cone to alter the type of help coming at the ball handler

Slalom Layups

Why it’s Great
If you’ve been watching the top 2 drills closely, you’ll realize that they all have something in common. These 3 drills were designed by games based guru Brian McCormick, and are fun, competitive ways to teach critical finishing skills.
Setup
Place 2 cones 15 feet apart at the free throw lines and half court lines. Players start at one end, one has a ball.
Instructions
The players weave in and out of the cones. Player with the ball tries to make a layup at the other end. Run for 25 makes.
Coaching Points
– To make the drill more difficult, increase the number of cones players need to move around
– You can also add an extra help defender under the basket to add to the challenge

Game Ready Moves

1 dribble pull up

Why it’s Great
This drill is a classic move that all players should have ready in their arsenal and is explained by coach Colin of Shot Mechanics.
Setup
Players stand along the perimeter with a ball
Instructions
Players spin the ball to themselves to stimulate a pass. After catching the ball, players take one dribble and pullup. Repeat for 5 makes each side.
Coaching Points
– The one dribble needs to be hard as it helps you beat the defender and rise up to shoot
– The dribble should take the player from the perimeter to just behind the free throw line

Reverse Jab Step Backs

Why it’s Great
This is another awesome move developed by coach Colin of Shot Mechanics. Great players like Kobe are able to consistently beat defenders simply by using footwork- this movement is all about fakes to get space.
Setup
Players stand in the wing area inside 15 feet with a ball with their back to the basket.
Instructions
After spinning the ball to themselves, players reverse pivot to the middle of the floor. They then jab step then take one dribble to step back and shoot. Make 5 on each side of the floor.
Coaching Points
– The stepback can be a simple one dribble or a crossover between the legs
– Work on finding the target as you retreat dribble to increase the speed of release

Turn Out Double Change Layup

Why it’s Great
NBA skills coach Don Kelbick designed this move as part of his wing perimeter player series. It is a great counter for defenders that aren’t beaten by the first step.
Setup
A coach stands at the top with a ball. A player stands under the basket. A cone is at the wing.
Instructions
Player cuts to the wing and catches the pass, turning out with an inside pivot. They explode off a first step, then hesitate. Crossover twice and drive to the outside and layup.
Coaching Points
– This move is reliant on the hesitation to freeze the defender. It is possibly even more important than a quick double crossover
– Once mastered, practice with a crossover step and an outside pivot.

Steph Curry Pull up

Why it’s Great
Former Utah and team Canada player Tyler Kepkay breaks down the secret to Steph Curry’s pull up- and it’s not just a simple 1-2 into a shot.
Setup
Players start at the half court with a ball. Cones are laid out at the wing to mimic a screen.
Instructions
The shooter dribbles to the wing position, then takes a hard inside out dribble with the inner hand. They then either take the shot or go around the cones to a 2 dribble pull up in the lane.
Coaching Points
– Foot work is important- during the inside out dribble the player must fake going outside the screen, then use their feet to move completely across the screen, driving the defender into it
– Run this pull up at full speed- even the run from half court is important because the hesitation before the in and out can freeze a defender.

Pick and Roll Split

Why it’s Great
Splitting the pick and roll is an advanced skill that requires great fundamentals. Once mastered however, it is a devastating move to a defense that jumps out against drivers.
Setup
Players start at the half court with a ball. Cones are laid out at the wing to mimic a screen.
Instructions
The shooter dribbles to the wing position and performs a crossover dribble. They then do an inside out dribble with the inside hand and crossover explode close to the screen. Pull up and score.
Coaching Points
– Players should recognize if the defender is jumping out as soon as they go past the screen
– The most important thing is to protect the ball, crossover low- also be careful not to lose it off the screener

Backdoor Footwork Counter

Why it’s Great
This drill is part of a series designed by Don Kelbick for high post players. After the high post elbow jump shot is mastered, this move will lead to easy buckets on overzealous defenders.
Setup
Place a cone at the elbow. A player stands under the basket, a coach stands at the wing with a ball.
Instructions
The player runs up to the elbow. They then sprint to the low block and catch the pass before immediately pump faking. Step through and finish with the inner hand.
Coaching Points
– Be careful not to travel on the step through. Hop step so both feet can be used to pivot.
– Master the midrange jumper first- it will leave the cut more open in a game.

Lebron Step backs

Why it’s Great
A stepback after dribbling between the legs is one of Lebron’s signature moves. It may look awkward but the diagonal step back can throw defenders off and create space.
Setup
Players stand in the wing in the midrange area, with a basketball.
Instructions
Players dribble stationary, then crossover between the legs, from inside to out. Gather and shoot. Make 10 going from right to left and 10 from left to right.
Coaching Points
– Emphasize that the movement is not just a step backwards but also sideways in the direction of the crossover
– Keep your eyes on the hoop at all time

Team Shooting

2 balls 3 shooters

Why it’s Great
This is a classic team shooting drill for a reason- it maximizes the number of shots taken with a limited number of balls.
Setup
Players form groups of 3, with 2 balls between them.
Instructions
The players with the balls take a jump shot. Players rebound and pass the ball to the open player. Run for 50 makes in 20 minutes.
Coaching Points
– Practice making accurate passes as well- try to rebound and outlet immediately and mix up one handed and two handed passes
– Not everyone can shoot 3’s- decide on where your players should shoot beforehand.

OSU shooting drill

Why it’s Great
This is a variation of the drill above designed by coach Ryan Holliday of Next Level Basketball. It is an efficient team shooting drill designed to incorporate game skills such as shooting off screens.
Setup
Players line up under the basket with basketballs. A player starts at the wing with a basketball, and another player stands at the top.
Instructions
The player at the top sets a screen for the player with the ball. They use it, driving middle, and dribble to the elbow to shoot. The screener flares to the corner and catches and shoots. Run for 25 team makes.
Coaching Points
– Make sure players run this drill at game pace
– They also need to use the screen properly and brush shoulders. DO NOT just go through the motions.

Chair work- elbows

Why it’s Great
This is another awesome drill by Next Level that gets in repetitions at a common shooting spot- the elbows. The use of chairs 1. allows for balls to be always there 2. activates the legs as players have to bend lower to collect the ball.
Setup
Place 2 chairs with balls on them at the elbows. 2 rebounders stand behind them. The shooter stands at the free throw line.
Instructions
The shooter runs past the elbow, fakes a backdoor cut, then curls around to get the ball from the elbow chair. Pick up and shoot. Run for 20 makes then swap shooters.
Coaching Points
– The footwork off the fake cut is vital- after faking, pivot off the upper inside foot to immediately run back. Don’t waste time bringing the outer foot around.
– If players are having difficulty picking the ball up from the chair, try rolling it out first before holding it.

Steph Curry Slot Shooting drill

Why it’s Great
The “slot” a position on the perimeter between the top and the wing is an area of scoring popularized by Steph Curry. This drill works on shooting from there and also doubles as a conditioning drill.
Setup
A player stands in the slot. A rebounder stands under the basket with a ball.
Instructions
The shooter catches and shoots, then runs to the opposite slot. After 4 makes, repeat the drill at the wings, and then the corners.
Coaching Points
– Players must not cheat by running straight to their point- they must circle the perimeter to shoot.
– Add a time element- give them a 2 minute limit to make 12 shots

Pinch Post Breakdown

Why it’s Great
This drill lets a team take shots from game spots at a fast rate. It also reinforces entry passing skills for players.
Setup
Players line up at the half court line with balls. Two players stand at the elbows.
Instructions
Players dribble and throw an entry pass to the player at the elbow. They then cut to the wing, catch and shoot. Repeat on the other side. Run for 10 minutes.
Coaching Points
– Add a defender (assistant coach) in front of the shooter to make sure the entry pass is accurate

#askCoachbase If you have a favorite shooting drill or have used any of these drills, leave a comment!

Comments

comments