Shooting is the most important skill in basketball. Period.

Whether you’re trying to make a varsity roster or earn more minutes, the quickest way to stand out is by putting the ball in the hoop. But too many players fall into the same trap — practicing their shot without fixing the flaws that are holding them back. Thumb flicks, poor balance, line drives, inconsistent release… I’ve seen it all.

The good news? Most of those issues can be fixed. You just need the right drills, a plan, and a little persistence.

This post gives you 12 shooting drills to correct some of the most common mistakes we see in players of all levels. Think of these drills like your vitamins — pick the ones that target your issues and use them regularly. Over time, you’ll see cleaner form, better arc, and a more reliable shot when it matters most.

Watch the drills here:

Fix #1: Guide Hand Issues

Problem: Thumb flicking, pinky wrapping, or yanking the balance hand away.

Why it matters: Your guide hand is there for balance, not power. If it’s affecting your shot, your aim and consistency suffer.

Drills:

• Balance Hand Check: Start from the tuck position and raise into your shot slowly. Adjust the guide hand until you form a “T” with both thumbs. Repeat 15–20 reps.

  

• Pinky Wrap Fix: Move fingers closer together to eliminate the pinky reaching around the ball.

  

• Thumb Pinch Fix: Bring your guide hand thumb closer to your index finger. It should rest gently, not apply force.

  

• Mirror Shooting: Simulate your form shooting without the ball, watching hand placement in a mirror. Add the guide hand for balance only, then remove it and shoot one-handed to develop control.

  

Fix #2: Tension in the Shooting Hand

Problem: Gripping too tight with your shooting hand thumb.

Why it matters: Adds tension, affects arc, and flares the elbow out.

Drill: “Rest It” Shooting

• Hold the ball with your shooting hand and rest it gently in your thumb.

• You can do this lying down, sitting in a chair, or standing at the hoop.

• The key: don’t grip the ball — let it rest and roll off your fingers.

  

Fix #3: Balance & Footwork

Problem: Fading away, jumping sideways, or inconsistent footwork.

Why it matters: Bad balance leads to missed shots, even if everything else looks good.

Drill: Pause Shooting

• Start by cutting or curling off a screen, then come to a stop.

• Pause to gather balance. Focus on jumping straight up or slightly forward.

• Repeat until consistent. Then gradually speed up.

  

Fix #4: Head Movement on the Shot

Problem: Players follow the ball with their head instead of their eyes.

Why it matters: Excessive head motion throws off balance and causes misses.

Drill: Eye Focus & Chin Control

• Use a coach’s finger or a visual cue to train eye-only movement.

• Practice shooting with a coach holding your head steady or with your back against a wall to prevent leaning back.

  

Fix #5: Flat Shots & Lack of Arc

Problem: Line drives that barely clear the rim.

Why it matters: Flat shots have less margin for error and are easier to block.

Drills:

• Stop Shooting: Raise to your set point, pause, check positioning near your shooting eye, then finish the shot.

  

• Forehead Shooting Drill: Place a hand above the head to block overextension. This forces the shooter to bring the ball up and release with a better arc.

  

Fix #6: Late Release

Problem: Releasing the ball at the top of the jump or on the way down.

Why it matters: Reduces power and arc, slows down your shot.

Drill: Tuck, Set to Go

• Focus on releasing as you’re going up, not at the top.

• Use cues like “Shoot on the way up” and give reminders during workouts.

  

Fix #7: Slingshotting the Ball

Problem: The ball travels backward before going forward.

Why it matters: Causes a slow release and flat trajectory.

Drill: Compact Shot Drill

• Emphasize a compact motion from tuck to set to go.

• Place a hand in front of the player during the shot to prevent the ball from swinging back.

• Goal: keep the ball tight to the body and lift with control.

  

Fix #8: Bad Rotation or No Backspin

Problem: Knuckleballs or side-spin on the shot.

Why it matters: Poor spin leads to bad bounces and fewer made shots.

Drill: Lying Down Shooting

• Lay on your back. Hold the ball in your shooting hand.

• Extend, lock the elbow, snap the wrist for backspin.

• Add the guide hand once the shooting hand is consistent.

• Focus on “push, lock, snap” — and watch the ball rotate cleanly with backspin.

  

Find The Cure For What Ails Your Shot!

If you’re serious about improving your shot, don’t just shoot to shoot. Be intentional. Focus on form. Use drills that fix your flaws.

It’s okay if you have a flaw in your shot. What’s not okay is ignoring it. With repetition, you can turn this into 

These drills come straight from our Breakthrough Shooting & Scoring System with Jim Huber. It’s one of our most complete programs — over 5 hours of video, 14 progressive workouts, and 100+ drills for players at every level. Check it out & take your game to the next level!

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