Increasing shooting range is an important goal for any basketball player. While becoming a consistently successful 3-point shooter is not a realistic goal for all players, adding 2 to 3 feet of shooting range can make any player better. This can be done by practicing shooting technique diligently and effectively.
Step Back Drill
Start off 5 feet in front of the basket. Make two consecutive shots from 5 feet. Take one step back and make two consecutive shots from 6 feet. Keep proceeding in this manner until you can no longer make two consecutive shots from as far back as you can go. You should be able to approach the 3-point line in this drill.
Around the World Drill
Start off at the left baseline about 15 feet from the basket. Take five shots from the baseline and then move to the left elbow about 15 feet from the rim. Take five more shots from that spot. Move to the free throw line, the right elbow and then the right baseline, taking five shots from each spot. After you finish this around the world drill, reverse direction and go back the other way. Then move to the 18-foot mark and repeat the exercise.
Westhead Drill
Paul Westhead is a former college and pro basketball coach who preached a run-and-gun style of play that demanded excellent shooting. In this drill, pick a spot out about 12 to 14 feet from the rim and take five shots to get warmed up. Then close your eyes and picture yourself taking five shots successfully. Take five additional shots. Close your eyes and take five shots at the rim without opening them. Take five more shots with your eyes open. This drill will help build muscle memory and shooting form.
Fall-Away Jumper Drill
When you watch a high school, college or NBA game, you might notice some players taking fall-away jumpers. They are jumping up and back and letting the ball go as they approach the apex of their leap. The reason for this is to keep their shot from getting blocked. To perform this drill, start off on the blocks next to the lane on the side of the basket. Take five shots while falling away from this spot. Move back 3 feet and take five more shots. Take five more shots as you add five more feet to the shot. Then repeat the same drill from the left side of lane.
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