How to Teach a High School Player to Shoot a Basketball

A lot of things in basketball you just can't coach. You can't teach height, you can't teach athleticism and you certainly can't teach a player to be naturally gifted. Shooting is a different matter. At nearly all levels of basketball, a good coach is behind every good shooter. Consistent shooters rely on sound fundamentals that, when executed properly, will reflect in both a player's shooting percentage and his point production.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 folding chairs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Demonstrate the technique and proper fundamentals behind shooting a basketball properly. Explain that the left foot should be slightly in front of the right for right-handed shooters, the elbow should be close to the body and only the fingertips should be touching the ball. Inform players that their shooting hand should be directly underneath the basketball to serve as a "platform," while their off-hand should barely touch the ball. Tell players their bodies should be squared to the basket and their knees bent with feet shoulder-width apart. The elbow on the shooting arm should form an "L-shape" and point toward the hoop. Players should jump in the air to rise over defenders and release the ball at the highest point of their shot, snapping their wrist. Players should keep their focus on the front of the rim and not watch the flight of the ball.

    • 2

      Lead players through the Partner Shooting Drill. Players will complete the drill in groups of two trying to be the first player to score 21 points. Each made 15-foot jump shot is 2 points, while shorter shots off the backboard are worth 1 point. Pass the ball to each player one at a time. Players must shoot the ball from wherever they are standing when they receive your pass.

    • 3

      Place two folding chairs parallel from each other, one on each side of the lane for the One-on-One Shooting Drill. This drill encourages players to elevate when they shoot. Instruct players to make a pump-fake when they receive the ball then drive to the folding chair. Stand in front of the player as he shoots and wave your arms to distract him to force him to focus on his shot.

    • 4

      Instruct players to run the Fast Break Jump Shot Drill. A pair of players should make two quick passes to one another while running the length of the court. Whichever player receives the ball at the three-point line should shoot the ball, practicing good fundamentals.