This basketball workout is similar to the previous post’s shooting drill, but offers a more realistic shooting situation. One of my favorite things about this workout is it is useful for a coach in determining a player’s rough shooting range.
Have the player start one foot from the basket. Have the player step out from the basket with each made shot, and step in with each missed shot. Encourage jump shots – with slow placed drills such as this, players have a tendency to static shoot, meaning that they shoot the ball with feet on the ground, similar to a foul shot. For some players, jump shooting is more difficult and results in a reduced field goal percentage. Game situations, especially at higher levels, rarely result in a player being open enough to shoot without leaving the ground. Good shooting habits promoted in basketball training will allow players to develop better control when jump-shooting.
The drill is useful for a coach as your better shooters will tend to hang out around the 3 point line or just inside. This can give you a better idea of who you are comfortable shooting behind the arc. Some players who you know to be good shooters may have weak spots on the floor, for instance mid-range shots from the baseline. I find that some players who are accomplished 3 point shooters are mediocre mid to long range shooters, due to some players focusing excessively on the shot. Identifying any weaknesses in ability to shoot from anywhere on the floor should result in you prompting the player to shoot more from that spot on the floor, either in their own shoot-around time, or during this or other drills.