Shooting Tips

Form Shooting

From youth to professional players, it is important to master close shots before moving on to more advanced shots. Start a few feet in front of the basket and focus on improving shooting form. Focus on follow-through by flicking your wrist and hold your follow-through until the ball goes in the hoop.

  • Keep shooting elbow under the ball.
  • Keep guide hand relaxed and on the side of the ball; it should not impact the ball on release.
  • Keep eyes on the target. Pick the front of the rim or back, whichever you like most.
  • Flick wrist on release to get backspin.
  • Hold follow-through ("goose neck").
  • Keep shooting close until you are comfortable.
  • Use this video to help.

Spot Shooting

Pick 5 spots around the lane. Take 10 shots from each spot, focus on consistency and rhythm. Track your makes to measure improvement over time.

  • Square your feet to the basket.
  • Keep the same routine with every shot.
  • Focus on arc and backspin rotation.
  • Be on balance; don't fall side to side or backward.
  • Pretend you are in a game and take smart game shots.

Free Throw Routine

Develop a consistent pre-shot routine at the free throw line. Take a deep breath, dribble the same number of times, and visualize the ball going through the net before each shot.

  • Use the same routine every time.
  • Breathe and relax shoulders.
  • Visualize the ball going through the net.
  • Take your time.

Game Speed Shooting

Practice shooting off the dribble and off the catch at game speed. Move around the perimeter, catch-and-shoot, or pull up after 1-2 dribbles to simulate game situations.

  • Square up to the hoop on each shot.
  • Focus on quick pullups with good form.
  • Take well balanced shots.
  • Use different attacking movements.

Ball Handling & Dribbling

Stationary Ball Handling

Practice figure-8s through your legs, around-the-world circles, and quick hand exchanges. Keep your head up and eyes forward while maintaining control of the ball.

  • Keep head up, eyes forward.
  • Use fingertips, not palms.
  • Low, quick dribbles.
  • Use different speeds and power.

Cone Dribbling

Set up 5-6 cones/objects in a line and practice dribbling through them using crossovers, between-the-legs, and behind-the-back moves. Focus on changing speeds and protecting the ball.

  • Change your pace and direction.
  • Protect ball with your body and off hand.
  • Explode out of moves.

Two-Ball Dribbling

Dribble two basketballs simultaneously to improve hand coordination and ball control. Practice alternating dribbles, simultaneous dribbles, and different rhythms with each hand.

  • Develop equal strength in both hands.
  • Maintain control and rhythm.
  • Keep dribbles low and tight.

Full Court Dribbling

Dribble the length of the court using your weak hand. Focus on speed, control, and keeping your head up to see the floor. Build confidence with your non-dominant hand.

  • Push the pace with weak hand.
  • Keep head up, see the floor.
  • Change speeds and directions.