7 Basketball Shooting Skills You Need To Master

Getting better at basketball is all about dedication and practice. Drills are the bread and butter of a solid training routine, helping you build skills that translate directly into game performance. The key is to practice consistently and focus on the details. With a focus on shooting, dribbling, passing, and overall agility, these drills will help you refine your technique, build muscle memory, and gain the confidence needed for clutch moments in a game. Let’s dive into some fundamental drills that will take your basketball skills to the next level.

Shooting Form

First up, we need to nail down the basics of shooting form. Proper form is crucial for consistency and accuracy. Start close to the basket to focus on your mechanics without worrying about distance.

Hold the basketball correctly with your wrist locked and your hand behind the ball. Begin with the ball in your shooting pocket, which can be in front of your hip or ribs. From there, bring the ball up to your forehead to your release point. Repeat this motion several times to create muscle memory. On the final repetition, dip your hips into the shot, follow through, and snap your wrist to ensure a high, arcing shot. Remember, the goal is to develop a fluid, one-motion shot.

Maintaining a Consistent Flow in Your Shot

Next, let’s work on maintaining a consistent flow in your shot. Many players struggle because they don’t get low enough, relying too much on their arms. This drill will help you engage your entire body in the shot.

Stand just in front of the free-throw line with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your chest up, shoulders back, and back flat. Squat down, touching the ball to the ground, and then explode up into your shot. The key here is to get low and use your legs to generate power, making sure your chest stays up and you maintain balance throughout the motion.

Dribble into Shot Drill

This drill focuses on transitioning from dribbling to shooting, which is vital in game situations. Start by getting low and dribbling the ball through your legs. On the third dribble, bring the ball to your shooting pocket and go straight into your shot.

This drill teaches you to maintain control and balance while dribbling, then quickly transition to a shooting stance. Practicing this will help you develop the ability to shoot accurately even when you’re moving or under pressure.

Reverse Pivot Jab Drill

Now we’re getting into more game-like scenarios. The reverse pivot jab drill is great for improving your footwork and shooting off the move. Start anywhere on the court, toss the ball up, and catch it with a jump stop. Immediately reverse pivot, jab step, and go into your shot.

The key is to jab forward with your foot, bringing the ball across your body while keeping it protected. This move should be quick and decisive to create space from your defender and get off a clean shot.

Curl Drill

The curl drill helps you practice shooting off screens and moving without the ball. Start in the corner, toss the ball up to about the wing area, and come off an imaginary screen. As you catch the ball, step into your shot with your inside foot.

This drill emphasizes the importance of footwork and balance. You need to be smooth and efficient, catching the ball in stride and going straight up into your shot. Practicing this will make you a more dangerous off-ball player.

Curl and Fake Drill

Building on the previous drill, the curl and fake drill adds an element of deception. Start the same way, coming off the screen, but this time, perform a shot fake before stepping through for a real shot.

This drill helps you develop the ability to read defenders and create scoring opportunities. The key is to sell the shot fake by bringing the ball to your forehead and using your eyes to make it convincing.

Transition Three Drill

Finally, let’s practice transition threes. In modern basketball, being able to hit a three-pointer in transition is a valuable skill. Start at the top of the key, sprint to your spot (corner, wing, or top), catch the ball, and shoot.

If you have a partner to pass you the ball, great. If not, you can toss it to yourself and get into position. The focus here is on sprinting to your spot, catching the ball with your feet set, and quickly transitioning into your shot.