Although basketball is a team game dependent on ball handling, passing and defense, you can't overstate the importance of great shooting. Players who can shoot well will force the defense to make changes in the way it covers people and will open things up for other teammates. It's important for all players to work on their shooting so they can improve and become greater threats on the court.
Baseline Shooting Drill
One of the best ways of getting open for shots is to remain on the move throughout your team's offensive possession. Players who continuously run will eventually wear down the defense. That practice requires that a player is in excellent shape and that he can sense when his opponent is getting tired.
To get in better shape. Start off at the top of the key and then run to the right baseline. At that point, your coach passes you a ball and you need to get off a quick shot. Sprint to the opposite baseline, take another pass and then launch another shot. Run back to the top of the key and repeat the drill. After you complete the second round, run to the opposite baseline and back and then complete the drill again.
Around-The-World Shooting
Start at the right baseline, about 18 feet from the basket. Take five shots from that spot, concentrating on form and follow through. Move to the right elbow, which is about 5 feet to the right of the corner of the free-throw line and take five more shots. Move to the top of the key and take five more shots from that spot.
Do the same from the left elbow and the left baseline. Complete this circuit again before you leave the floor at the end of practice. Record your results in a notebook every day and track your progress.
Layups and Free Throws
Missed free throws and layups are the bane of any coach's existence. Players need to work on converting their layups and making their free throws so they don't throw points away and then lose games that should have been won.
Take 10 free throws before the start of practice. Then do five layups with each hand. Shooting a layup with the opposite hand should be a shot that players make four times out of five. To have a better chance that the player makes those shots in the game, he has to make them in practice.
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