What do you look for in pregame warmups? For me, I always looked at the volume of shots we were getting versus our opponents. 

Last year, we played a team who shot free throws during pregame. By shooting free throws, I mean each player shot 1 and then they rotated. They dressed 13 or 14 players. In the course of the 5-7 minutes they did this, I saw each player take roughly 3 shots.

In the same time period, we were doing volume team shooting drills and actions. Our players took roughly 25 shots in that same period.

Did that give us an advantage when the game started? I can’t say for sure, but I’d like to think so.

If you asked most players what they want coming out of warmups, they’d say they want their shot to feel good. For that to happen, they need to shoot . . . with purpose and intention!

Pre-performance routines are critical for coaches and players. They are critical for games & practice, as Coach Jim Huber describes in The Breakthrough Basketball Shooting & Scoring System. 

Whether you’re a coach or a player, you can set your team or yourself up for success by what you do prior to performance. Here’s how. . .

For Coaches - Set Your Squad Up For Success

Pre-Game

• Create a pre-game warmup that maximizes the time available - If you believe in a dynamic warming or stretching, can your team do that prior to warmups so they have more time to warmup with a basketball?

• Use pre-game drills that get up a variety of shots - These could be catch and shoot shots. They could be off the move. They could be game-like shots with a defender. A mix is probably good. As we said, players want to feel good about their shot. Give them the chance to do so!

Pre-Practice

• Create a pre-practice routine for your players - Here’s an example I used. We did not require players to do this. If they wanted to hang in the locker room until practice started, they could. However, if they came out, they were expected to start working on the pre-practice list. It was a way to help them improve without a coach’s supervision.

Here’s another idea that’s proven effective with youth players.

Lead Your Own Development: How Players Can Create Effective “Pre” Routines

Hopefully your coach is doing some or all of the things listed above. If not, it falls on you to create your own routines!

Pre-Game

• Hone your form prior to pre-game - they are some form shooting drills you can do without a hoop. Take 3-5 minutes and go through some of those drills to groove your form.
• Visualize yourself making shots - numerous studies have shown the power of visualization. Find a quiet place before games and practices to “see” yourself knocking down shots.
• Shoot shots you’ll take in games - if your coach gives you time to free shoot before a game, take shots you’ll take in the game. 

Pre-Practice

• Have a plan - what do you want to get better at? If you’re not sure what to focus on, ask your coach.
• Work your plan - there’s a tendency for players to come out and waste time pre-practice. Be disciplined about your plan.

Start Your Journey to Being a ‘Bucket’: The Importance of Consistency

I recently heard someone describe the process of becoming a better shooter and scorer as a “marathon goal.”

That’s so true! It won’t happen overnight. Most players and coaches give up on it because they don’t see immediate results.

Those who persist are the ones who reap the rewards.

If you’re ready to leave the starting block and begin your journey towards being an elite offensive player, check out The Breakthrough Basketball Shooting & Scoring System.

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