The key to being confident and ready to play is a well-rounded pre-game shooting routine. The right drills can sharpen your skills, help you with your shooting form, and instill consistency. So, whether you’re a beginner or have been playing for years, here are 6 of the best basketball shooting drills to incorporate into your warm-up routine. These basketball shooting drills for individual shooting will allow you to concentrate on the form, accuracy, and rhythm to give you your best performance on the court.
1. Spot Shooting Drill
Spot shooting drill is a staple drill to practice accuracy from various areas of the court. In this drill, you shoot from five key spots—corners, wings, and top of the key. Take five shots from each spot and concentrate on how your form and footwork are. Try to hit at least 70% of your shots before moving on to the next spot.
Why it’s Effective: Spot shooting targets different angles and distances to help build muscle memory for game-like situations. This is one of the best shooting drills for basketball players who want to become a consistent scorer from any position on the floor.
2. Catch-and-Shoot Drill
This catch-and-shoot drill mimics in-game shooting situations when you catch a pass and shoot quickly. If training alone, use a basketball return system or have a partner pass you the ball. Catch the ball with your shooting foot ready to step into the shot and keep your balance while you do it. Do 10 shots from various areas around the perimeter.
Why it’s Effective: This is one of the best basketball shooting drills as it is a simulation of real game scenarios that helps quick-release shooting and reaction time. That’s especially useful for players who are frequently in spot-up situations during games.
3. One-Dribble Pull-Up
Add the one dribble pull-up into your pre-game routine to help you score off the dribble. Start at the three-point line; take one hard dribble toward the basket, and pull up for a jump shot. Alternate between using your left and right hands for the dribble and take shots from different spots on the court.
Why it’s Effective: This drill helps develop balance, footwork, and timing. It’s a great addition to your pre-game warm-up, as it mirrors situations where defenders close out quickly, requiring you to take a dribble to create space.
4. Free Throw Shooting Drill
In close games, it can be the difference maker: consistency from the free throw line. For this drill, you take a set number of free throws (usually 20–30) and try to make 80 percent of them. Imagine game scenarios where each shot is important and incorporate some pressure into it.
Why it’s Effective: Pre-game routines often overlook free throws, but they are important. This best shooting drill for basketball helps you build confidence and consistency, so you don’t lose your composure when the pressure is on.
5. Transition Shooting Drill
Transition shooting should be a part of your routine to simulate fast-break scoring opportunities. Run from half-court to the three-point line, get a pass, and shoot quickly. From various spots around the perimeter, repeat this, attempting to keep your speed and rhythm as you shoot.
Why it’s Effective: This drill will help you condition and be able to shoot better when you are fatigued. This is one of the best transition shooting drills for the basketball player looking to improve transition play efficiency.
6. Mikan Drill
For most players, the Mikan drill is a great drill to work on touch around the basket and footwork. Stand under the basket and do quick, controlled right-handed and left-handed layups. Try to keep your eyes on the backboard and use the correct footwork for each side.
Why it’s Effective: The Mikan drill is a classic way to improve your finishing close to the hoop, though it’s simple. It helps build muscle memory for high-percentage shots that can be important in games.
Wrapping Up
If these six individual shooting drills basketball are incorporated into your pregame routine, you will see a big difference in your performance. The drills vary from drill to drill, from working on quick releases to improving form to building consistency under pressure. Tailor the routine to your needs and strengths, dedicating time to the areas where you want to see the most improvement.
