Top 5 Basketball Shooting Drills for Team Practices

Shooting is the most sought after skill in the modern game of basketball. A team that can shoot at a high percentage can neutralize another team's size and strength. Elite college and pro level teams are trying to find players who can shoot the three. Below are 5 basketball shooting drills that will help your team make more shots. Let’s get into it.

The evolution of the three point shot in basketball

3>2. It took a while for everyone to catch on and I know this might frustrate some old school coaches out there. The three point shot has revolutionized the game of basketball. Teams historically would pound the ball inside to their tallest and strongest players. Every coach would ask their team to play “inside out”, thinking this was generating good offense. The three point shot has flipped this thinking on its head. If you have Jokic, Shaq, or Kareem on your team, please throw the ball into the post. Other than those types of players, your team should be trying to generate quality three point shots. Once your team can not only create but make these shots, the driving lanes and post up opportunities become even more open. This is due to the defense being spaced out and connected to all the shooters on the team.

An ESPN article does a great job of explaining how the post up has had a resurgence of efficiency this season, largely due to the three point revolution. Teams are so deadly from three that the only post up they will take is a clear mismatch. Building the fundamentals is important and even though we don’t want teams chucking bad shots up from three, coaches need to understand the value and gravity of this shot. Even if your team struggles to make them.

Shooting Drill 1: Double Pass Partner Exchange Shots

This two person drill is great for a team practice or skill workout. This drill works on quick reaction time into a contested shot. Coaches can put their own spin on this drill (play live 1v1 after the exchange, etc) or leave it as a shooting drill.

Drill set up:

• Divide team up into groups of two players. You can divide into groups of three and rotate the third player if needed.
• Each player will have a ball. Two balls for each group.
• One player will be one big step inside the three point line. If they take one big step backwards, they will be outside the three point line.
• The other player will be one step in front of the basket. If they take one big step backwards, they will be underneath the basket.

Drill execution:

• The player one step inside the three point line is the offensive player. They will hold their ball, waiting to make a bounce pass to their partner.
• Their partner, one step outside of the basket, will be dribbling the other ball. They are starting the drill on defense.
• The defensive player will dribble their ball and whenever they want to start the drill, they will make a chest pass to their partner.
• The offensive player, holding their ball, will make a bounce pass right after the defensive player throws them a chest pass.
• This exchange (one bounce pass and one chest pass) starts the live drill.
• Once the offensive player receives the pass from their partner, they must take a big step behind the three point line and shoot.
• The defensive player, who has a slight disadvantage, is trying to contest and block the shot of the offensive player.
• The defensive player can contest the shot with their ball but their ball cannot leave their hand.
• Once the rep is finished, switch roles or rotate if the group is three players.

Drill focus areas:

• Offensive players must react quickly and move behind the three point line to be in position to shoot.
• Defensive players must deliver a quality pass and contest the shooter without fouling.
• Shooters should remain balanced after the big step backwards.
• Contesters should only leave their feet and jump once the shooter has started shooting. Do not fall for pump fakes, this will make the shot easier for the shooter.
• Coaches can create constraints for the drill. (No dribbles for the shooter, live 1v1 after the exchange, etc.)

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Shooting Drill 2: 2v1 Blind Start Closeouts

The best teams punish two on one situations. Teams have a guard, big, or team tactic that creates an advantage. Once that advantage is created, two on one scenarios arise. This shooting and closeout defense drill will help your two on one offense and defense at the same time.

Drill set up:

• Divide your team into groups of three. Groups of four can be used if needed.
• One ball will be used for each group.
• One player will start with one foot in the lane.
• The other two players will be in the corner and wing. On the same side of the floor. These two players will have their backs turned to the basket.
• The player with one foot in the lane will start with the ball.

Drill execution:

• The player in the lane with the ball is on defense. The other two players are an offensive team.
• The player with the ball will make any kind of pass they want. As lofty or slow as they want. They will alert the offensive players the pass is approaching, since their backs are turned.
• After their pass, the passer plays defense. The other two players on offense.
• The offensive players must turn and locate the ball
• The offensive team then tries to make a three point shot. You can move the players in closer based on skill level.
• The offensive team has one pass they can use. If they pass the ball twice, the defensive player gets a point.  
• If the offensive team misses a shot, the defensive player gets a point.
• Play to a target score of defensive points. Rotating spots after every rep.

Drill focus areas:

• Offensive team turning quickly and locating the ball under control.
• Defensive players sprinting after the pass and trying to cause confusion for the offense.
• Defensive player using fakes and stunts to force the offensive into indecision.
• Offensive team reading the defensive closeout and making the extra pass to their teammate or shooting the open shot.
• Coaches can move the offensive team to different locations on the floor. (wing and wing, corner and wing)
• Coaches can add constraints to the offensive team. (one dribble, no dribble, can cut to the basket, etc.)

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Shooting Drill 3: Ball Roll Closeouts

This drill is similar to drill one above. The difference is how the drill starts. In this variation, the offensive player triggers the start of the drill with a low pick up. This drill helps players shoot quicker. If your team is struggling to get shots off in games, this is the drill for you.

Drill set up:

• Divide your team into groups of two. Groups of three can be used if needed.
• One ball will be used for each group.
• One player will start with the ball outside the three point line. The other player involved in the drill will be on defense and will start two steps inside the three point line.

Drill execution:

• The offensive player outside the three point line will start with the ball. The defender will be two steps inside the three point line. The defender will be facing the offensive player with the ball.
• The offensive player will begin the drill by rolling the ball on the floor in a figure eight pattern.
• When the offensive player puts two hands on the ball, the defender can leave their starting spot and contest the shot.
• The offensive player is trying to shoot the ball quickly, the defender is trying to block the attempt.
• After the shot or block, change roles. Play to a target score of makes or stops.

Drill focus areas:

• The offensive player has to remain low and quickly go from the low position to their shot. This is helping build the exchange from dribble to shooting pocket.
• The defensive player is on their toes, reacting quickly to when the offensive player puts too hands on the ball. This is helping the defender contest shots under control.
• Coaches can add constraints  to the drill. (no pump fakes, defense has to contest with the left hand, etc.)

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Shooting Drill 4: Race to Corner Closeout Drill

Sprinting into a catch and shoot shot is a tough skill to learn. This is not a skill that is prioritized in traditional practice, but should be. This situation happens a lot in games. Players tend to jog instead of sprint because sprinting has the potential to speed up their shot. This drill is great to intentionally speed up their shot so they’re comfortable spriting in games.

Drill set up:

• Divide your team into groups of three. Each group will have one ball.
• Set up two cones. One a step off of the baseline out of bounds and one where the three point line breaks.
• One player will be out of bounds, where a player would inbound the ball for a baseline out of bounds play.
• The other two players will be standing on the lane line, facing the corner.

Drill execution:

• The ball starts with the player that is out of bounds. They are a team with the player who is furthest away from them out of the two remaining players.
• The other two players are racing to the corner. The player furthest from the inbounder is a team with the inbounder.
• Once the furthest player starts to run to the corner, the drill starts.
• The player standing next to them must run and touch the cone on the baseline before closing out to the shooter in the corner.
• Once the shooter is in the corner, the player inbounding will throw the ball to the shooter.
• Once the shooter receives the ball, they must shoot a three pointer before the defender closes out.
• The defender is touching the cone and sprinting to the corner to try and block the shot without fouling.
• Once the shot is taken, rotate spots. Play to a target score of makes or stops.

Drill focus areas:

• The offensive player must sprint from the starting spot to the corner. Once in the corner they must turn their hips quickly to face the basket to shoot.
• The defender must react to the offensive player and touch the cone and contest the shot. Finding the proper angle to contest the shot without fouling.
• The inbounder must throw an on time and on target pass, right in the shooting pocket.

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Shooting Drill 5: Step-back Trigger Advantage Drill

The step-back has revolutionized the game of basketball. Players must have this skill to play at advanced levels, even though this move is being used by younger players. The separation and deceptiveness of a step-back allows the offensive player to create space to shoot. The best players utilize this move to shoot but also to fake a shot and step through to the basket or draw a foul. This advantage drill is in a closed environment, allowing them to make mistakes while still developing the skill.

Drill set up:

• Divide your team into groups of three, groups of four if necessary. The fourth player will rotate in after every rep. All groups have one ball.
• One player will start on defense, right inside the three point line.
• One player will start on offense, dribbling a ball outside the three point line.
• One player will be on the block of the same side as the offensive player.

Drill execution:

• The player with the ball initiates the start of the drill by performing a step back.
• Once the step back is performed, the defender can now leave their spot and play live defense.
• The offensive player can shoot, or pass to the third player who is on the block.
• If they pass to the player on the block, it is a live 2v1 against the defense.
• Coaches can decide if the starting offensive player must find a way to shoot a three (advanced players) or they can cut to the basket and finish anywhere (less advanced).
• Once a shot is taken, the rep is over and players rotate spots.
• Play to a target score of makes per player.

Drill focus areas:

• Players can take their time performing the step-back, since the defense is not live. This allows players to work on this move and understand how much space they need to create in order to get a shot off.
• After the step back, players must read the close out defender. If the defender is very aggressive, fake the shot and draw a foul or use the third player. If the defender is late and space is created, shoot the shot.
• Defenders must be on their toes and react to the step back. This drill is great for on ball defense since most advanced players will have a step back in their game.
• Defenders should stay on their feet after the step back, contesting without jumping on a pump fake. If they leave their feet to contest, make multiple efforts to finish the play with a stop.

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Takeaway: The 5 best basketball shooting drills for team practices

Shooting is a super valuable skill and should be prioritized in practice. Designated time to work on all things shooting is important and shouldn’t be overlooked. Static shooting without a decision or defense can be valuable but should be limited. Shooting paired with decision making helps not only the offense but the defense as well. A lot of shooting is done before the shot is taken. Practicing live reps will help your team fine tune the pre shot process. Value your team pushing through mistakes and going full speed. Encouraging mistakes will instill confidence in your shooters!