How to do the drill
- 1
Lie on your back on a rug or grass, knees bent, feet flat.
- 2
Hold the ball above your forehead, shooting hand under it, other hand on the side, elbow pointing up.
- 3
Shoot it straight up an arm's length or two and snap your wrist for backspin.
- 4
Hold your follow-through and let it drop back into your hands.
- 5
Do 3 sets of 20. Count every straight shot with backspin. Log your total out of 60. When it's easy, shoot one-handed.
Coaching cues
- Elbow at the ceiling.
- Snap your wrist.
- Straight up, straight down.
What good looks like
The ball spins backward, rises straight up and drops back into your hands.
Safety
Start with small shots so the ball doesn't come down on your face. Indoors, ask a parent first and stay clear of lights, ceiling fans and anything breakable.
Why this drill
It trains the release and follow-through with no hoop, no court and almost no space, so you can add 60 good-form shots on any day, even at bedtime.
Next shooting drillFree Throw Routine →
