Basketball Shooting Training
- Mark Aquino
- Feb 13
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
If you are searching for basketball shooting training, you are probably looking for one thing.
Consistency.
Maybe you can make shots in practice but not in games.
Maybe your form feels different every day.
Maybe you are putting in time but not seeing results.
Shooting is not about shortcuts.
It is about habits repeated the right way.
I have coached shooters at every level, and the ones who improve are not always the most talented. They are the ones who train with purpose.
What Basketball Shooting Training Should Focus On
When I work with players on shooting, I am not chasing volume.
I am chasing repeatability.
Good basketball shooting training focuses on:
● Consistent mechanics
● Balance and footwork
● Shot preparation
● Confidence built through repetition
If your foundation is strong, range and speed come later.
Start With Your Feet and Balance
Before I ever talk about the hands, I look at the feet.
Shooting starts from the ground up. If your base is inconsistent, your shot will be too.
I focus on:
● Balanced stance
● Feet set before the shot
● Smooth dip and rise
● Landing in control
When your lower body is consistent, the rest of the shot becomes easier to repeat.
Hand Placement and Release Matter
Once the base is solid, I move to the hands.
Basketball shooting training should always reinforce simple, repeatable mechanics.
I look for:
● Shooting hand centered under the ball
● Guide hand staying relaxed
● Clean release
● Natural follow through
I am not trying to force a perfect looking shot. I want a shot the player can repeat under pressure.
Research-backed guidance on skill repetition, coordination, and movement quality in sport is outlined by the National Federation of State High School Associations.
Train Close Before You Train Far
One of the biggest mistakes I see is players shooting from too far away too soon.
I always bring players in close.
Close range shooting allows you to:
● Feel proper mechanics
● Build confidence
● Reduce unnecessary tension
● Create consistency
If you can shoot well from close range, distance becomes easier to add later.
Quality Reps Beat High Volume
More shots do not always mean better shooting.
In basketball shooting training, quality matters more than quantity.
I would rather see:
● Fewer shots
● Full focus on every rep
● Proper setup each time
● Short breaks when needed
Rushed reps build rushed habits.
Related: How to Practice Basketball Alone
Game-Like Shooting Builds Confidence
Once form is consistent, training needs to connect to the game.
Even when working alone, I encourage players to:
● Dribble into shots
● Practice stopping before shooting
● Focus on shot preparation
This helps players trust their shot in real situations.
Related: Skills, IQ and Gameplay (13 and Up)
How Often to Work on Shooting
Shooting can be trained often, but it still needs structure.
For most players, I recommend:
● Shooting work three to five times per week
● Sessions lasting 30 to 60 minutes
● Built-in rest to avoid fatigue
Fatigue changes mechanics, and bad reps do not help anyone.
Guidelines on youth sports training volume, recovery, and overuse prevention are supported by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.
Confidence Is the Real Goal
Shooting is as much mental as it is physical.
Confidence does not come from making one shot.
It comes from trusting your preparation.
When players know they have trained the right way, they shoot with freedom instead of fear.
That is what good basketball shooting training creates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to improve shooting?
Most players start feeling more consistent within a few weeks of focused, structured training.
Should I change my shot if I am missing?
Not always. Small adjustments matter more than full rebuilds.
Is shooting every day a good idea?
It can be, as long as sessions are not rushed and fatigue is managed.
Should beginners focus on shooting?
Yes, but always close to the basket and with proper form.
What is the biggest shooting mistake players make?
Shooting too fast without setting their feet and balance.
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