Are you looking for a structured way to improve your finishing and shooting consistency? Whether you are a player looking to level up your game or a coach searching for effective practice plans, the Magic 20 drill is a high-repetition, timed shooting drill designed to sharpen your skills under pressure. This drill focuses on essential shots, from layups to elbow jumpers, requiring you to make every shot before you finish the clock.
What is the Magic 20 Timed Shooting Drill?
The Magic 20 is a timed shooting drill where a player must complete a circuit of 20 made shots. The goal is to finish the circuit as quickly as possible, allowing players to record their times in a notebook and track their improvement over weeks and months.
For younger players or shorter practice segments, you can also run a “Magic 10” version, where you make one of each shot instead of two.
The Magic 20 Shot List
To complete the full Magic 20, you must make two of each of the following shots:
- Right-Handed Layups: Don’t just stand under the rim; drive in to simulate game speed.
- Left-Handed Layups: Focus on proper footwork and finishing with your off-hand.
- Right-Handed Mikan Drill: High-repetition finishing near the rim.
- Left-Handed Mikan Drill: Developing touch on the left side.
- Reverse Right-Handed Mikans: Improving your ability to finish on the opposite side of the rim.
- Reverse Left-Handed Mikans: A great challenge for younger players to develop coordination.
- Right-Side Bank Shots: Shoot from approximately 8 to 9 feet out, using the glass.
- Left-Side Bank Shots: Mirror the right side to ensure balanced scoring ability.
- Right Elbow Shots: Step out to the high post for a mid-range jumper.
- Left Elbow Shots: Complete the circuit with shots from the opposite elbow.
How to Run the Drill Successfully
The beauty of the Magic 20 is its simplicity. Here is how to execute it:
- Make to Move On: You cannot move to the next shot until you have successfully made the required number of baskets for your current station.
- Stay Focused: Because the drill is timed, it forces you to maintain your shooting form even as you get tired.
- The Finishing Touch: Once you have completed all 20 shots, head to the charity stripe and shoot five free throws to finish the workout.
Why Track Your Time?
Coach Collins emphasizes the importance of writing down your results. By keeping a record of your best times, you create a “roadmap” for your development. If it takes you four minutes today, your goal should be three minutes and fifty seconds next week. This “beat the clock” mentality simulates the pressure of a real game.
Take Your Coaching to the Next Level
If you found the Magic 20 drill helpful, there are many more resources available to help you become a better basketball coach. From comprehensive practice plans to 1-on-1 mentoring, checking out specialized coaching platforms like TeachHoops.com can provide the tools you need to lead your team to a state title.
Latest Posts
- Basketball Coaching Mindset: 5 Lessons from a Proven Winner
- Free Throw Drill: Build Game-Winning Confidence in Just 30 Seconds
- Mastering the Back Door Cut Drill for Game-Changing Offense
- Youth Basketball Coaching Tips: Why Great Coaches Teach More Than X’s and O’s
- 5 Ways to Manage Social Media Impact on Youth Basketball
