Shooting Drills for Kids That Coaches Swear By

clutchcitytoronto
7 days ago
3 min read

Shooting is one of the most important skills in basketball. Kids who master it early gain confidence and have more fun playing the game. Coaches agree that consistent practice with proper technique makes a big difference. This guide shares shooting drills for kids that are easy to follow and highly effective.

Start with the Basics

Before practicing complex moves, make sure your child understands basketball fundamentals for youth. Focus on:

Hand placement: Keep the shooting hand under the ball and guide hand on the side.
Elbow alignment: The shooting elbow should point toward the basket.
Balance and stance: Feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.

Practicing these basics ensures kids develop good habits from the start.

Form Shooting Drill

Form shooting teaches accuracy close to the hoop. Steps:

Stand 3 to 5 feet from the basket.
Use only one hand to shoot, keeping the guide hand off.
Focus on follow-through and wrist flick.
Make 10 shots, rest, and repeat.

This drill reinforces proper technique and builds muscle memory.

Spot Shooting Drill

Spot shooting helps kids learn consistency from different areas.

Place markers around the key or three-point line.
Take 5 shots from each spot, concentrating on form.
Track makes and misses to monitor progress.

This drill teaches kids to shoot under control and from various positions on the court.

Catch and Shoot Drill

This drill simulates real game situations.

A partner passes the ball from different angles.
The player catches and shoots in rhythm.
Repeat 10 to 15 times from multiple spots.

Rep basketball training like this prepares kids for game pace and improves reaction time.

Dribble Pull-Up Drill

Dribble pull-ups are essential for kids moving into competitive play.

Start from the three-point line or mid-range.
Take two to three dribbles, then stop and shoot.
Emphasize balance and follow-through after the dribble.

This drill combines ball handling with shooting, reinforcing basketball skill development.

Free Throw Drill

Free throws may seem simple but require focus and consistency.

Have the player shoot 10 free throws in a row.
Track success and identify patterns like leaning or inconsistent release.
Add mild pressure by counting consecutive makes for a challenge.

Free throws teach patience, concentration, and scoring under pressure.

Shooting While Moving

In games, players rarely shoot while standing still. This drill helps kids:

Start from the baseline and jog to a marked spot.
Take a jump shot after stopping.
Repeat from multiple positions.

Adding movement builds endurance, balance, and real-game readiness.

Partner Competition Drill

Kids improve when practice feels like a game.

Pair up and take turns shooting from the same spot.
Keep score for motivation.
Winner gets a small reward or gets to choose the next drill.

Friendly competition keeps players engaged and builds confidence.

Target Repetition

Repetition is key for improvement.

Encourage at least 50 to 100 shots per session, varying spots and drills.
Track progress weekly.
Celebrate small improvements to reinforce good habits.

Rep basketball training ensures skills stick over time.

Incorporate Shooting into Team Play

Drills alone are helpful, but team scenarios improve decision-making.

Run scrimmages focusing on shot selection and spacing.
Encourage kids to call for passes and find open shots.
Reinforce good form even in fast-paced situations.

This approach blends skill practice with real-game intelligence.

Mental Focus Drill

Shooting is as much mental as physical. Kids can practice focus:

Pick a spot on the hoop to aim for.
Take 10 shots without worrying about misses.
Visualize success before each shot.

Building mental focus improves performance in games and during basketball skill development sessions.

Bottom Line

Shooting is a core part of basketball. Combining basketball fundamentals for youth, targeted drills, and rep basketball training ensures kids build accuracy, confidence, and game readiness. Using drills like form shooting, catch and shoot, and dribble pull-ups gives children the tools to succeed on the court.

Consistent practice, focus, and variety make shooting practice effective and fun. By incorporating these shooting drills for kids into regular sessions, young players develop skills they will use for years.