I recently listened to a podcast with Zach Chu, a former Pacers assistant and current head coach at Radford University. Coach Chu is one of the foremost experts on basketball analytics.

In the interview, he said the most important factor in determining wins & losses is shot selection. . . but it can also be hard to manage.

Let’s be honest — as coaches, we’ve all had moments where we cringe at a shot our player takes. But what if there was a way to take the guesswork out of shot selection? What if we could prove — with hard data and real reps — who should have the green light to shoot in games?

That’s where the concept of Green Light Shooting comes in. Popularized by former Arkansas women’s coach Mike Neighbors, this approach allows players to earn the right to shoot specific types of shots in games based on their performance in objective shooting drills.

Players who earn the green light get to shoot more during games. Players who don’t have more limitations on the shots they can take.

You then reassess players on a weekly basis to give players a chance to earn their “green light.” 

The result? A culture of accountability, motivation, and much better shot selection.

The best part is, this system works at all levels. In fact, it’s been a huge part of the success of Georgia State Champion Coach Bob Martin within his Screening Game Offense.

In this post, you’ll see five proven drills to help you implement a Green Light Shooting System in your program — and build a team of confident, accurate shot-makers.

Each drill has a target score, based on a varsity boys basketball team. Adjust the number based on your team’s age and experience.

3 Reasons Why You Should Use a Green Light System

Before we dive into the drills, let’s break down the 3 biggest benefits:

1. Your best shooters take the most shots — because they’ve earned it.

2. Every player improves — because now they’re motivated to work toward that green light.

3. Data driven decisions - in this day and age, it’s important to validate your coaching decision with data. A green light system does just that.

Better shooters + Better shot selection + Better Clarity = More Points — and yes, More Wins.

5 Green Light Shooting Drills

Drill #1: 14 in 90

Source: The Relentless Pressure System With Mike Hilmer

Purpose: Identify true perimeter shooters

Green Light Benchmark: 7 spots achieved in :90

Players must make 2 shots in a row from 7 different three-point spots around the arc. Each spot is worth 2 points, for a possible total of 14. After hitting all 7 spots, players go back to the top of the key and shoot as many threes as possible in the remaining time — adding to their total score.

Why it works: This drill quickly separates shooters from non-shooters. Anyone can make a single shot. Good shooters can make consecutive shots under time pressure.

Drill #2: Big Shot

Source: The Breakthrough Basketball Shooting & Scoring System

Purpose: Simulate pressure shooting

Green Light Benchmark: 40+ makes across 5 spots (each make worth 1)

The player stays at each of the 5 perimeter spots (corners, wings, top) and keeps shooting until they miss two in a row. Once they do, they move to the next spot.

“Big-time players hit big-time shots in big-time games.”
This drill adds subtle game-like pressure, forcing players to focus, reset, and respond to misses. Can they avoid the dreaded two-in-a-row slump?

Drill #3: Spin Outs

Source: Becoming A 3 Dimensional Scorer With Tim Schuring

Purpose: Reinforce technique, rhythm, and footwork

Green Light Benchmark: 21+ makes in 3:00

This solo drill teaches players to spin the ball out, catch, square up, and shoot, moving to a new spot after each shot. It emphasizes technique — sticking the landing, maintaining rhythm, checking your frame. It’s a great way to incorporate shooting off various types of pivots.

“Don’t get so focused on the makes that you lose your technique.”
This drill builds shooting habits under fatigue and helps players monitor their mechanics while working independently.

Drill #4: 2-Minute Drill

Source: The Flow Motion Offense With Matt Lewis

Purpose: Track shooters daily with competitive urgency

Green Light Benchmark: 20+ makes in under 2 minutes

Set the clock for two minutes. Players try to make 5 shots from 5 perimeter spots — 25 makes total - before the time is up. The faster they reach that number, the better their time. If they don’t finish, their score is the number of total makes.

Daily tracking builds accountability and motivation.
Your best shooters will make it consistently. Others will be motivated to work until they can. Track their time/makes — and make it a badge of honor to beat it.

Drill #5: 55 Shooting

Source: The Breakthrough Basketball Shooting & Scoring System

Purpose: Develop complete shooters

Green Light Benchmark: 37+ points

At each of the five spots, players shoot:

• 2 catch-and-shoot threes (worth 3 points each)

• 2 one-dribble pull-ups (left & right, worth 2 points each)

• 1 finish at the basket (worth 1 point)

That’s 5 shots per spot × 5 spots = 25 shots total. 55 would be a perfect score

This drill tests versatility, footwork, finishing creativity, and ability to shoot off the dribble — all in one. Passers and rebounders are also challenged to deliver on-target passes and stay engaged.

Closing Thoughts: Let the Data Decide

I’m a big believer that clarity creates confidence. A Green Light System gives your players that clarity — they know where they stand, and exactly what they need to do to earn the right to shoot.

And for you as a coach? No more arguments, guesswork, or gut feelings. The numbers speak for themselves.

If you want to develop shot-makers, motivate your players, and build a team that values quality shots, these 5 drills are your blueprint.

“Better shooters, better spacing, better offense. That’s the Green Light effect.”

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