College Basketball Shooting Drills

The proper mechanics for shooting a basketball are the same for all levels of the game. A college player can benefit from the same shooting drills as a high school, middle school or youth player. Shooting drills should emphasize proper technique and include shots from various locations on the court. Monitor your progress by keeping track of the percentage of shots you make during each drill, and try to improve over time.

Imaginary Shooting Drill

John Wooden, the legendary former basketball coach at UCLA, recommends performing the imaginary shooting drill to build power and stamina in your legs and to work on your shooting technique. You don't use a ball for the drill, so you can focus exclusively on your body mechanics without having to worry about making each shot. Stand with your toes on a line in your shooting position. When a coach or partner blows a whistle, take a perfect jump shot as if you actually have a ball. Move back to the line as quickly as possible and reset. Repeat on the next whistle. You can perform this drill on your own if necessary.

Form Shooting Drill

The form shooting drill helps you improve your shooting technique from a spot close to the basket, where each shot is relatively easy to make. Stand about a foot in front of the rim with your right-foot slightly ahead of your left, assuming you're right handed, and your shoulders square to the basket. Place your right hand behind the ball with your fingers spread and middle and index fingers pointed toward the rim. Place your left hand on the left side of the ball for support. Raise the ball above your head, slightly in front of your forehead with your right elbow flexed and aligned with your shoulder and your wrist extended so your shooting hand is under the ball. Extend your right arm and flick your wrist to shoot the ball with backspin, trying to make the shot without the ball touching the rim. Perform 10 repetitions, then repeat on the left and right sides of the rim. Gradually get farther away from the basket. Substitute "left" for "right" if you shoot with your left hand.

Elbow to Elbow Drill

The elbows on a basketball court are the corners of the lane on either side of the free throw line. When a teammate is trapped under the basket and can't get a shot off, she may pass you the ball at one of the elbows for an open jump shot. The elbow to elbow drill allows you to practice this shot. Start at the top of the key and have a coach or partner stand under the basket with a ball. Move along the arc of the key to one of the elbows and ask for a pass from the coach. Catch the ball at the elbow and take a jump shot as quickly as possible while maintaining control. After you shoot, move along the arc of the key to the opposite elbow as the coach retrieves the ball, then repeat. Continue alternating sides for a minute, trying to take and make as many shots as possible.