Form shooting drill diagram
Form shooting drill step by step
- 1
O1 starts about 3 feet in front of the rim, feet lined up with the basket. Make five one-hand shots, then take a step back.
- 2
From about 5 feet, make five more with the same form. The ball sits on the finger pads, elbow under the ball, and the shot ends with the wrist relaxed and fingers pointing at the rim.
- 3
Step back to about 8 feet. If the form starts to break down, move back in.
- 4
Finish around 10 feet, then add the guide hand and go through the same distances again.
How to set up the form shooting drill
One player and one ball per basket is ideal. With a team, put two or three players at each basket and rotate: one shooter, one rebounder who passes back, and one waiting.
Start directly in front of the rim, about 3 feet away. The shooting-side foot lines up with the rim, and the feet are about shoulder width apart. Many players stand with the shooting-side foot slightly ahead of the other.
How to run the form shooting drill
Shoot with only the shooting hand. Put the guide hand behind your back or at your side. Set the ball on the finger pads with a small gap between the palm and the ball, get the elbow under the ball, bend the knees, and extend up through the shot. Hold the follow-through until the ball hits the rim or the net.
Make five shots (or three in a row) before stepping back a foot or two. Keep going out to about 10 feet. When a player starts pushing the ball or dropping the elbow to reach the rim, they have gone too far back for now. Then add the guide hand and repeat. Ten minutes at the start of practice is a common routine.
Form shooting coaching points
Balance
Feet about shoulder width apart and knees bent. The player should land in about the same spot they jumped from.
Hand and elbow
The ball rests on the finger pads with the wrist bent back. The elbow sits under the ball and points toward the rim.
Eyes
Pick a target on the rim and keep the eyes on it through the shot.
Follow-through
Snap the wrist and finish with the fingers pointing at the rim. Hold it until the ball gets there.
Form shooting drill variations
Five spots close in
Shoot from five spots in a half circle about 4 feet from the rim: both blocks, both angles, and straight on.
Swish only
A make only counts if it doesn't touch the rim. It teaches arc and a soft touch.
Lying-down form shooting
The player lies on their back and shoots the ball straight up so it comes back to their hands. It isolates the release and backspin.
Form shooting with a pass
A partner passes to the shooter, who catches in their shooting pocket and shoots. It connects the form to catching the ball.
Form shooting for younger players
Young players often can't reach a 10-foot rim with good form. Use a lower rim or a smaller ball if you can. If not, keep them very close to the basket and focus on the one-hand motion and follow-through. Pushing the ball from the chest to reach the rim builds habits that are hard to undo later.
Common form shooting drill mistakes
- Stepping back too far, too soon, and heaving the ball to reach the rim.
- The elbow flaring out to the side.
- The guide hand pushing or twisting the ball once it is added back.
- No follow-through, or dropping the hand right after the release.
- Shooting flat with no arc.
Practice it at home
A one-player drill for the same skill, with a video clip, steps and a rep count.
Form shooting drill FAQ
What is form shooting in basketball?
A shooting drill done close to the basket, usually with one hand, where players focus on technique: balance, hand position, elbow, and follow-through. Players only move back as their form holds up.
How far from the basket should you form shoot?
Start about 3 feet from the rim and step back a foot or two at a time, usually out to about 10 feet. Stop moving back when the form breaks down.
What does BEEF stand for in basketball shooting?
Balance, Eyes, Elbow, Follow-through. It is a common way to teach the parts of a good shot.
How many form shots should you take?
Many coaches use five makes from each spot or distance, or about 10 minutes at the start of practice. Slow down if players start rushing their shots.