The 42 Shooting Drill is a simple, competitive way to build better shooters while adding pressure, pace and purpose to every rep. Players work from five spots, shoot a mix of 3-pointers, midrange shots, layups and free throws, then try to chase the perfect score of 42. It’s easy to teach, easy to track and tough enough to keep players locked in.
Why Coaches Should Use the 42 Shooting Drill
Every coach wants shooting drills that feel more like basketball and less like casual spot shooting. This drill does exactly that.
Players have to shoot from different areas, move with urgency and handle the pressure of a running clock. The scoring system also adds a fun wrinkle because one missed free throw can wreck an otherwise strong round.
The 42 Shooting Drill works well because it combines several skills in one short segment:
- 3-point shooting
- Midrange shooting
- Layup finishing
- Free throw focus
- Shot selection
- Conditioning
- Mental toughness
Players can’t just coast through this drill. They have to make shots, move quickly and stay sharp at the free throw line when they’re tired.
How to Set Up the 42 Shooting Drill
Use five shooting spots around the floor. Coaches can use the corners, wings and top of the key, or adjust the locations based on age level and gym space. At each spot, the player shoots:
- One 3-pointer worth 3 points
- Two 2-pointers worth 2 points each
- One layup worth 1 point
Each spot is worth 8 total points. Since there are five spots, players can earn up to 40 points before heading to the free throw line.
After completing all five spots, the player shoots two free throws. Each perfect swish is worth 1 point, which brings the maximum possible score to 42.
42 Shooting Drill Scoring System
The scoring system is what makes this drill fun, focused and a little frustrating in the best way. Here’s the breakdown:
- Made 3-pointer: 3 points
- Made 2-pointer: 2 points
- Made layup: 1 point
- Swished free throw: 1 point
- Made free throw that hits the rim: 0 points
- Missed free throw: minus 10 points
A perfect round from the field gives the player 40 points. To reach 42, the player must also swish both free throws.
That’s a tough task, which is the point. The drill rewards shooting skill, but it also rewards concentration. Players have to finish the workout with two clean free throws under pressure.
Why the Free Throws Matter
The free throw rules make the drill more than a standard shooting workout. A made free throw that hits the rim doesn’t help the score. A miss costs 10 points. That turns the final two shots into a real test.
Players might fly through the five spots and feel great about their score, then get to the line and realize the drill isn’t over. They have to slow down, lock in and shoot with touch. It’s a great way to teach players that free throws matter most when they’re tired.
Coaches can also use this as a teaching moment. Players need routines. They need rhythm. They need to breathe, balance and believe in their form.
How to Run the Drill in Practice
This drill is timed for two minutes, so players need to work quickly without rushing their mechanics. A simple practice setup could look like this:
- Split players into small groups.
- Put one shooter at a basket.
- Use one or two rebounders if available.
- Start the clock for two minutes.
- Track makes and points out loud.
- Rotate players after each round.
If coaches have several baskets, this drill can run as a station. If gym space is limited, use it as a competitive finisher at the end of practice.
The two-minute clock keeps the energy high. Players have to balance speed and shot quality, which is exactly what coaches want in a strong shooting drill.
Coaching Points for the 42 Shooting Drill
The best version of the 42 Shooting Drill comes from clean details. Players should move with purpose, but they can’t let the clock force bad habits. Focus on these coaching points:
- Get feet set before every shot.
- Shoot from spots within the player’s range.
- Use game-like pace between attempts.
- Finish layups strong and under control.
- Track the score honestly.
- Treat the free throws like game-winning shots.
Shot selection matters here. The two 2-pointers should come from areas where the player can shoot with confidence. Younger players may need closer spots. Older players can stretch the range and challenge themselves with pull-ups, floaters or game-speed midrange shots.
How to Adjust the Drill by Age Level
The 42 Shooting Drill can work for almost any team if coaches adjust the range and expectations. For younger players, move the 3-point shots closer or use a designated “deep shot” instead of the actual 3-point line. Let them shoot short corner jumpers, elbows and layups so they can build confidence.
For middle school players, use the standard five-spot setup but allow flexible 2-point attempts. The goal is to keep them moving, scoring and learning how to shoot under light pressure.
For high school players, keep the full scoring system and two-minute clock. Coaches can make it even tougher by requiring the two 2-pointers to be different types of shots, such as one catch-and-shoot jumper and one one-dribble pull-up.
Add Competition to Keep Players Engaged
This drill naturally creates competition because every player is chasing 42. Coaches can post scores, create a leaderboard or have players compete in small groups. Try these simple competition ideas:
- Best score of the day wins.
- Players must beat their previous personal best.
- Teams combine scores for a group competition.
- Players who miss both free throws owe a quick sprint.
- A perfect 42 earns a team reward.
Competition keeps players connected to the drill. It also gives coaches a clear way to measure improvement over time.
Final Thoughts on the 42 Shooting Drill
The 42 Shooting Drill gives coaches a quick, competitive way to train shooting, finishing and free throw focus in one short workout. It’s simple enough for youth teams, but challenging enough for advanced players who want to chase a perfect score.
Add it to practice when your team needs better shot discipline, sharper focus and more pressure-packed shooting reps. Players will love chasing 42, and coaches will love how much skill work fits into two fast minutes.
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