Basketball is a fast-moving sport that requires speed, agility and the ability to make rapid decisions. During a game, a player must recognize an opportunity to score and instantly take the shot. Good basketball shooting drills develop ball-handling skills as well as quick reaction times. With practice, a player should be able to shoot accurately and consistently, even while under heavy pressure from the opposing team.
Proper Shooting Drill
California State University, Sacramento offers the following guide to shooting: A proper basketball shot requires a player to bend the knees halfway while gripping the ball firmly so that the dominant hand's fingertips are spread out on the center of the ball. The fingertips of the other hand should be in a supporting position on the side of the ball. Then the player should raise the ball above the head so that the arm forms a 90-degree angle at the armpit. The wrist of the dominant hand should be at a 90-degree angle to the forearm. Then, in one fluid motion, the player should extend the knees and forearm while snapping the wrist. After the ball is in the air, the player's wrist should follow through. To develop quick reactions, bounce or throw the ball to the player. The drill consists of having the player shoot the ball as quickly as possible, but not sloppily, using the proper form. Correct any mistakes. If possible, have a large number of balls on hand so you can feed them rapidly to the player.
Bank-Shots Drill
A bank shot occurs when the player bounces the basketball off the backboard and into the net. During games, bank shots often happen immediately after a player rebounds the ball following a teammate's missed shot. Train a player for this situation by having her stand underneath the basket, as far toward the edge of the court as possible. Give the player the ball and tell her to take 50 to 100 bank shots, one after another. Make sure the player stays under the net. This builds arm strength and develops a feel for quick shooting during rebound plays.
Team Free-Throw Drill
Free throws are relatively simple shots. The problem with free throws is that they often cause anxiety. Everyone at the game watches as the player lines up and takes the shot. To train players to focus when the spotlight is on them, have the entire team watch while one player at a time takes free throws. Put some pressure on the shooter to make the shots. For example, have the team run laps or run in place until the shooter makes several consecutive shots. This gives the shooter motivation to make the shots and teaches him how to perform under pressure. Once the shooter accomplishes the goal, switch to another player.
Member Comments