Eight Keys to a Quality Shooting Workout

Whenever I put together a shooting workout for a player, I always make sure I have the following components...

Get these types of shots:

• catch-shoot shots: spot up

• cut-catch-shoot shots: cutting into the shot

• off-the-dribble shots

• quick penetration shots: when a player catches the ball and immediately explodes into his/her move, when the defender is running out and out of control.

• shot fake penetration shots: when a player shot fakes on the catch to get the defender leaning, then explodes into his/her move.

• shots from the players' operational area: As a coach, you must chart every possible shot and area that each position will get in your offense; then make sure to devise drills in these areas.

• Finish at the Rim shots: the ability to finish drives is critical to the efficiency of your offense. Have a coach defending at the rim and contesting the shot/fouling the player; players must be able to finish through contact and length.

Get Game Shots - From Game Spots - At Game Speed:

• Game Shots: being ready, from proper spot & distance
• Game Spots: from the operational areas mentioned above
• Game Speed: work with a 2-second rule; ball must be released withing 2 seconds after the catch.

Demand "PERFECT FORM" on all Shots:

• Perfect Feet: "10 toes to the rim" will properly square a player up
• Perfect Follow-Thru
• Constant emphasis on footwork & balance
• Remind them that the "quality of the feet will determine the quality of the shot."

Contest All Shots: A coach should contest all practice shots taken. Most shots in a game will have a defender near or running at the shooter.

Chart All Shots Taken: Keeping track of all makes and misses has added a higher level of concentration to our shooting workouts and allows a player to measure his improvement.

Never Miss 2 In A Row: We try to put a little pressure on the shooter by asking him to focus at such a high level that he/she will never miss two in a row. We have found that this keeps a player from "just shooting shots" and creates a higher level of concentration during his/her workout.