Youth Basketball: 3 Competitive Shooting Drills That Make a Difference

The following shooting drills are designed to improve any player’s ability to score on the basketball court. Overseen by legendary basketball coach Kelvin Sampson, these drills have been used in high school, college, and NBA practices alike and are particularly effective at the youth level as well. In addition to focusing on shooting and layups, each drill places an emphasis on fundamental aspects like passing, communication, and spacing the floor/balance.

4 Minute, 15 Second Shooting Drill

Here’s a tremendous continuous drill perfect for warm-ups. Whether at the youth or high school level, you can do this drill for as long as you want. Start by sprinting down to the baseline 3-on-0. The middle player should start his or her pass to the left side before dishing to the right side player for a right-hand layup.

As the right side person attempts his/her layup, the left side person continues to the elbow area for a jumper. Meanwhile, the middle player gets a jumper as well. Altogether, there will be a layup and two jumpers. Remember, two players always remain on the opposite end as passers. They join the drill on the way back as outside players. The middle person continues on (down and back) and doesn’t serve as a baseline passer.

An NBA team should make 110 shots in 4:15. Every shot counts. College teams should make between 105-110. As for the youth level, let’s find out. Attention Coaches: After running this drill, let us know how many shots your players made in 4:15. Comment below and leave your tally to compare with other teams around the country!

Two-Minute Shooting Drill

Put two minutes on the clock. Start by having your players go to four baskets with two balls at each basket. This is a competitive shooting drill designed to get players a ton of shots in a short period of time. Best of all, players get to compete while doing it.

Shoot two balls at each basket and start off at the elbows. Each basket will go up against the other remaining baskets. Whichever basket has the most made baskets at the end of the two minutes wins the drill. If you lose, the entire losing team hits the baseline for sprints.

Remember: Shoot the ball, get the rebound, throw it to the person behind you, and then go to the same line you came from.

Magic Elbow Drill

The Magic Elbow Drill works on players curling into shots. One of the best ways to get someone a shot is to come down the floor on transition and a player screens down on the weakside of the floor, opening up a curl, catch, and shoot for a teammate.

Put two players or coaches just inside the elbows (to ensure players always go around the elbow when catching and shooting). Simply, a passer feeds a shooter curling around the elbow for a catch and shoot. Shooters should always get their own rebound. Once you pass, you turn into the shooter and sprint out immediately.

The previous clips can be seen on Championship Productions’ DVD ”Daily Dozen Shooting Drills for Youth Basketball” featuring Kelvin Sampson. To check out our entire collection of shooting-oriented DVDs, click here.