Let's take the typical one-handed form shooting drill.

Almost every player growing up over the last 50 years has done this drill. When I played, I used to do this drill at the beginning of every practice and workout.

But I think this is where coaches and players screw up...

This is the only version of the one-handed form shooting drill they use. And they spend too much time on it.

As quickly as possible, I believe that you should progress to adding the guide hand next to the ball. However, you don't let the guide hand touch it. It's just inches away.

From my personal experience and talking to many coaches and players, the tension in your upper body feels different when you add the guide hand. For me, the tension was located mostly in my shoulders.

Even the position of your body parts has subtle changes including your fingers, feet, hips, and shoulders. This makes your shot slightly different.

Visually, it might even be hard to notice the changes. But as a shooter, you can certainly feel it.

And feeling and rhythm are a major component of becoming a great shooter!

When you add the guide hand, your body position and the feeling is much more comparable to the shooting form that you will use during the game.

If you've attended one of our Breakthrough Basketball Camps, you might already be aware of this shooting form progression. This has been a staple with our shooting drills.

Here's the one-handed form shooting drill with the guide hand next to the ball:

Should You Ever Do the One-Handed Form Shooting Drill With No Guide Hand?

Absolutely! I don't think you throw the baby out with the bathwater.

It still serves a purpose, especially when first teaching young players how to shoot.

When trying to teach the player how to properly position the ball and follow through, removing the guide hand is helpful at the beginning.

You just want to focus on the release of the shooting hand.

You want to eliminate possible distractions when teaching shooting form.

However, with players over the age of 15, I mostly use the one-handed form shooting drill with the guide hand.

Breakthrough Camps for Better Shooting and Offensive Skills

If you're interested in developing better shooting technique and the high-level confidence to become a great shooter, you can check out our shooting camps.

Even if you don't need much help with your shooting, we have hundreds of skills camps that focus on all aspects of your game.

You can view the camps across North America and even view camps by state. There are different types of camps for different age levels and skill levels.

Breakthrough Basketball Camp Schedule

What do you think? Let us know by leaving your comments, suggestions, and questions...

Comments Most Likes First   Oldest First   Newest First Laurie Bevington says: 2/28/2020 at 2:25:59 PM Thank you for the tips. I am againin a league, coaching after 14 years absence. I do love improving, and he;lping others to improve. Your drills and motivational coaching I find very positive and inspire me to an another level of play. I am grateful for your commitment and the love of the game and sharing that knowledge with me. I wish you a great season and fun with all the youngsters you come in contact with. Thanks! Laurie Bevington Like     login   register

Leave a Comment Name : Email (not published) : Thirteen plus three is equal to?  (Prevents Spam) Answer :  Load New Question Comments : Leave this Blank :