Basketball Shooting Drills To Practice With Your Kids This Summer

Remember the thrill of hitting your first basket? That’s the joy of summer basketball! It’s not just about keeping the kids busy; it’s about watching them grow, shot by shot. Whether they’re aiming to be the next LeBron or just have fun, summer is the perfect time to enhance their skills with some home drills. The following drills are designed not just to improve their shooting but to cultivate an understanding of the game’s finer details.

Stationary Drills

Fundamentals of Shooting Form: Teach your kids the proper basketball stance: feet shoulder-width apart for balance, knees slightly bent for agility, and the ball gripped firmly in the shooting hand, the guiding hand supporting the side. Stress the importance of aligning the elbow directly under the ball for accuracy, with the shooting arm forming an “L” shape at the elbow. The follow-through, where the wrist is fully flexed, snapping down like a gooseneck after the release, is crucial for adding a gentle backspin to the ball, which helps it glide smoothly through the hoop.

Stationary Free Throws: Free throws are about precision under pressure. Have the kids practice breathing techniques to calm their nerves and focus on the rim. They should visualize the ball going through the hoop, reinforcing positive outcomes that can enhance performance during actual games.

Stationary Layups: Layups require understanding the backboard’s sweet spots. Show them how aiming for the top corner of the square on the backboard can increase their chances of scoring. This drill also helps in developing soft hands, which is essential for reducing the ball’s momentum as it hits the backboard.

Stationary Jump Shots: Jump shots from behind the three-point line are not just about distance but also about arc and timing. The higher the arc, the greater the chance of the ball dropping into the basket due to the favorable angle of descent. Encourage your kids to practice their vertical leap as they shoot, which will help them get their shots off over taller defenders in real games.

Dynamic Drills

Spot Shooting: This drill is not only about hitting shots from various points but also about quick feet and quicker decision-making. Use each spot to teach kids about the importance of court spacing and timing. Explain how moving without the ball and finding open spots on the floor are critical in real games.

Around the World: This popular game is excellent for endurance and learning to shoot under fatigue, mimicking late-game situations where every shot counts. It also helps players learn to adjust their shooting technique slightly from different angles and distances, which is invaluable during games.

Contests

Around the World Race: Make this drill a race against time to simulate game-time pressure, teaching kids to maintain focus and accuracy even when tired. This can dramatically improve their performance in actual gameplay situations.

Horseshoes: This fun game is great for practicing unusual shots and angles, which can come in handy during a game when the usual shooting form isn’t possible. It encourages creativity and adaptability—key traits of a skilled basketball player.

Knockout: Fast-paced and competitive, Knockout is excellent for practicing quick releases and rebounding. It’s about more than just making shots; it’s about hustling for the rebound and positioning oneself correctly under pressure.