When it comes to player development, consistency is everything. As a veteran youth basketball coach, I’ve seen firsthand how the best shooting drills help players gain confidence and accuracy. That’s why I use this structured daily plan for off-season workouts. It combines warm-ups, repetition, competition, and conditioning. In this post, I’ll break down each drill so you can easily implement them at your next practice.
4 Reasons Why Off-Season Workouts Matter for Youth Basketball Players
The off-season is where real growth happens. During the season, players focus on team systems and game prep. But in the off-season, they can focus on skill development.
Off-season shooting workouts help players:
- Refine technique without game pressure
- Build muscle memory through repetition
- Improve conditioning and stamina
- Develop confidence through self-paced progress
Even 30 minutes a day can make a huge difference. The players who improve the most aren’t always the most talented—they’re the most consistent. If you want results, the off-season is the time to commit to the best shooting drills and daily improvement.
Best Shooting Drills – Everyday Drills to Build Great Habits
Start with a 5-minute warm-up to get loose and locked in. Players begin with:
- 10 form shots from 8 feet
- 5 form shots from 15 feet
- The Flip Series: 10 shots per side (8–20 feet)
- Elbow-to-elbow shooting: 10 total shots
Coaching Tip: Encourage players to move with energy. These reps should produce a sweat.
Next is the Make 50 drill:
- 10 made 3’s from each of 5 core spots (corners, wings, top)
- Partner rebounding and tracking
- Goal: 80 total shots
This combination is one of the best shooting drills for building rhythm and consistency.
Pick 1 – Repetition Drills
After warm-up, choose one of the following repetition-focused partner drills:
1. 2 Minutes of 3’s
Players shoot for 2 minutes, making as many 3’s as possible.
- Can’t shoot from the same spot twice in a row
- Goal: 20 makes
This drill improves focus and shot variety under time pressure.
2. Beat the Pro
Players compete against a fictional “pro.”
- +1 for each make (no layups)
- -2 or -3 for each miss, depending on range
- First to 33 points wins
Use this to simulate pressure and decision-making.
Both are among the best shooting drills to improve confidence and mental toughness.
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Pick 2 – Competitive and Conditioning Drills
Choose two drills from the list below. These are excellent for simulating in-game stress and physical fatigue.
Best Shooting Drills – Competitions (Partner Required)
Curry Drill
- Pick 5 different spots
- Keep shooting until you miss 2 in a row
- Then move to the next spot
- Goal: 100 total shots
Nuggets Drill
- 5 different spots
- Make 3 in a row to move on
- Miss 2 in a row = sprint to half court and back
- Goal: 45 shots
Bird Drill
- 5 core spots
- Must make 2 in a row to move
- Finish with 2-minute timed shooting from top of the key
- Goal: 10 made 3’s from the top
Best Shooting Drills – Conditioning (Partner Required)
Knicks Drill
- Shoot 5 in a row, sprint to half court
- Then shoot 4, sprint again, then 3, etc.
- Switch with partner
- Goal: 50 total shots
Star Shooting
- Shoot in a star pattern across 5 spots
- Make 2 in a row at each
- Repeat the pattern 5 times
- Goal: 30 makes
These drills combine competition, cardio, and shot repetition. They are some of the best shooting drills to simulate game-like fatigue and focus.
Final Thoughts
The key to development is structure. Use this plan to build consistent mechanics and competitive edge in your team. Whether it’s warm-ups or high-intensity competitions, these are the best shooting drills to help youth players thrive.
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