Most players think they’re getting better shooters.

They show up. They put shots up. They leave tired.

But here’s the question:

Can you prove it?

Johnnie played for me a couple of years ago. He put in a ton of time on shooting drills. He was almost always the first one to practice and the last one to leave.

He’d then go to a local gym and shoot some more.

You’d think this would have had a transformative effect on his game. Unfortunately, you’d be wrong.

Despite the countless hours he put in, his game never really improved. In my 20 years of coaching, I’ve seen other players have similar issues.

I believe multiple reasons contributed to Johnnie’s stagnation.

However, one interaction sticks out to me.

One day, he came up to me and told me he had spent 3 hours at the local gym on a day off.

I told him that was great, and then asked him, “How did you shoot?”

He replied, “Good.”

“What does that mean?” I asked him. “What percentage of your shots did you make?”

He looked at me like I had a third eye. He never took the time to track his progress, so he never knew if he was making any.

Don’t make the same mistake!

If you aren’t tracking your progress, you can’t say with any degree of certainty if your shot is improving.

The best shooters don’t just “get reps.” They measure, compete, and create pressure in their workouts.

Below are 3 simple shooting drills from The Breakthrough Basketball Shooting & Scoring System that you can do on your own that will help you do exactly that. Coach Jim Huber has used these drills with hundreds of college and professional players to help them become elite shooters from anywhere on the court. Add them to your workouts and see yourself improve!

Stop Guessing—Track Your Shots With These 3 Drills

Scored Basketball Shooting Drill #1 - 5 Spot Swish Shooting Drill (To Develop Soft Touch & Proper Arc)

This drill forces you to focus on how you make shots—not just if they go in.

How It Works:

Shoot from 5 spots.

• Both corners

• Both wings

• Top of the key

Shoot for 30 seconds at each spot. If you have 2 partners, use 2 balls and have a passer and a rebounder. If you’re with one other person, use 1 ball and have them rebound.

Track your score:

• Swish = 3 points

• Make (hits rim) = 2 points

• Miss = 1 point

Add up your total score at the end

Why It Works:

• Rewards perfect makes (swishes)

• Develops arc, touch, and consistency

• Creates pressure with the time constraint

Drill #2 - 20 Point Shooting Drill (Variable Shooting Drill)

This drill incorporates variable practice by mixing shot types, making it more representative of the game.

How It Works:

Start at the three-point line

On each catch, choose your shot:

• 3-point shot = 3 points

• 1-dribble pull-up = 2 points

• Attack the rim = 1 point

Rebound your shot and move to a new spot each time.

Track your time and reach 20 points as quickly as possible.

Why It Works:

• Builds decision-making under pressure as you choose what value shots you need.

• Can be done with a partner or solo.

• Forces you to shoot with pace and purpose.

Tip: When taking shots off the dribble, work on going both right and left.

Drill #3 - Two-in-a-Row Drill (Consistency Under Pressure)

Anyone can make one shot. This drill forces you to make back to back shots, raising the stakes of every make.

How It Works:

Shoot from 5 spots (corner → wing → top → wing → corner)

You must make 2 shots in a row to advance

If you miss, stay at that spot until you get 2 in a row

You have 2 minutes total to get all the way around and back (10 total spots)

After finishing all spots:

• Go to the top of the key

• Shoot as many as you can before time runs out

Your score is the number of spots you complete plus any additional makes at the top of the key.

Why It Works:

• Makes you deal with frustration when you get stuck at a spot.

• Simulates pressure (you can’t just have one lucky make).

• Trains your ability to lock in and deliver.

Final Thought

If you take one thing from this, let it be this:

Don’t just shoot. Train to improve.

That means:

• Track your makes

• Track your time

• Compete against yourself

That’s how average shooters stay the same, and serious players separate themselves.

Start using these drills consistently, and you’ll begin to see something powerful:

Confidence.

Not because you “feel” like a better shooter, but because you’ve earned it.

Want to Become a Great Shooter? Take It to the Next Level

If you’re serious about improving your shot, there’s only so much you can do on your own.

At some point, you need coaching, feedback, and game-like reps to really take the next step.

That’s exactly what you get at Breakthrough Basketball Camps.

At camp, you’ll:

• Get hands-on instruction from expert coaches

• Learn proven shooting techniques and footwork

• Compete in high-rep, game-speed drills

• Build confidence by applying skills in live situations

This is where players don’t just “get shots up,” they learn how to become complete scorers.

Or, if you want to keep building on your own as well, the Shooting & Scoring System is a great resource. It gives you structured workouts, drills (like the ones above), and a clear plan to keep improving every time you step in the gym.

Gain the Edge to
Stand Out on the Court

Breakthrough Basketball Camps help players improve their skills and decision-making while building the confidence to shine on and off the court. Trusted by over 150,000 players nationwide, our camps provide:

• Experienced coaches who know how to teach every level

• Skill development in shooting, ball handling, and all-around play

• Game-like situations that build confidence under pressure

• A positive, motivating environment parents can feel good about

• Beginner, Youth, and Advanced Camps - Ages 6 to 18

FIND A BASKETBALL CAMP NEAR YOU

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