15 Basketball Shooting Drills for Beginners to Build Perfect Form

15 Basketball Shooting Drills for Beginners to Build Perfect Form

Starting your basketball journey with the right shooting drills can make the difference between years of struggle and rapid improvement. Whether you're a complete beginner or helping someone learn the game, these 15 basketball shooting drills for beginners will establish a solid foundation for lifelong success on the court.

Why Proper Drills Matter for Beginners

Many players develop bad shooting habits early that become incredibly difficult to break later. These basketball drills are specifically designed for beginners to:

• Build correct muscle memory from day one
• Develop consistent shooting mechanics
• Progress gradually from simple to complex
• Make practice fun and engaging
• Track measurable improvement

Starting with proper fundamentals saves countless hours of frustration and relearning down the road.

Before You Begin: The Basics

Equipment Needed:

• Properly inflated basketball (size 6 for youth, size 7 for adults)
• Regulation hoop (or adjustable for younger players)
• Open court space
• Notebook for tracking progress

Time Commitment: Plan for 30-45 minute practice sessions, 3-4 times per week for best results.

Drill #1: The Wall Shooting Drill

Purpose: Perfect hand placement and release without worrying about distance

How to Do It:

1. Stand 2-3 feet from a wall
2. Hold the ball in proper shooting position
3. Shoot the ball against the wall with one hand
4. Focus on wrist snap and follow-through
5. Catch and repeat 20 times
6. Switch hands and repeat

Key Points:

• Ball should spin backward (backspin)
• Wrist should snap down, fingers pointed at target
• Guide hand stays on the side, doesn't push
• Practice both hands for balance

Progression: Move further from wall as form improves.

Drill #2: Close-Range Form Shooting

Purpose: Build perfect form close to the basket where success is guaranteed

How to Do It:

1. Stand 3 feet from the basket
2. Shoot 10 perfect form shots
3. Focus on arc, release, and follow-through
4. Don't move back until you make 8/10
5. Step back 1 foot and repeat
6. Continue until you reach free throw line

Key Points:

• Quality over quantity - every shot must have perfect form
• High arc even from close range
• Hold your follow-through until ball hits rim
• If form breaks, step closer again

Beginner Goal: Make 8/10 from 6 feet within 2 weeks.

Drill #3: The BEEF Method Practice

Purpose: Learn and reinforce the BEEF shooting fundamentals

BEEF Stands For:

• Balance: Feet shoulder-width, knees bent
• Eyes: On the target
• Elbow: Under the ball, aligned
• Follow-through: Wrist snap, arm extended

How to Do It:

1. Before each shot, verbally say each BEEF component
2. Check your position for each
3. Shoot only when all four are correct
4. Repeat 25 times
5. Start close to basket, gradually move back

Beginner Goal: Make BEEF automatic within 1 week of practice.

Drill #4: One-Hand Form Shooting

Purpose: Eliminate guide hand interference and perfect single-arm mechanics

How to Do It:

1. Hold ball in shooting hand only
2. Guide hand behind back
3. Stand 3-5 feet from basket
4. Shoot with proper form using only shooting hand
5. Make 10 shots before switching
6. Repeat 3 sets each hand

Key Points:

• This drill is hard - that's normal
• Focus on balance and core strength
• Ball should have perfect backspin
• Build shooting hand strength

Beginner Goal: Make 5/10 one-handed shots from 5 feet.

Drill #5: The Five-Spot Shooting Drill

Purpose: Build consistency from multiple positions

How to Do It:

1. Mark 5 spots around the key (both corners, both elbows, top)
2. Start at one spot
3. Shoot until you make 3 in a row
4. Move to next spot
5. Complete all 5 spots
6. Time yourself and try to improve

Key Points:

• Maintain same form at every spot
• Don't rush between spots
• Focus on footwork and balance
• Track time to measure progress

Beginner Goal: Complete all 5 spots in under 5 minutes.

Drill #6: The Hop and Stop Drill

Purpose: Learn to shoot after movement and stopping properly

How to Do It:

1. Start at half court
2. Dribble toward basket
3. Jump stop at free throw line
4. Square up and shoot
5. Retrieve ball and repeat
6. Make 7/10 before finishing

Key Points:

• Land balanced with feet parallel
• Catch your momentum before shooting
• Bring ball to shooting position smoothly
• Same form as stationary shots

Progression: Add catch from partner instead of dribbling.

Drill #7: Free Throw Routine Development

Purpose: Establish consistent free throw routine early

How to Do It:

1. Develop a 5-7 second routine:
   • Receive ball
   • 2-3 dribbles
   • Deep breath
   • Visualize
   • Shoot
2. Practice routine 20 times without variation
3. Make it automatic
4. Track makes and misses

Key Points:

• Exact same routine every time
• Never rush
• Build mental cues
• Track progress in notebook

Beginner Goal: Shoot 50% from free throw line within 1 month.

Drill #8: The Mikan Drill

Purpose: Develop touch around the basket and ambidexterity

How to Do It:

1. Stand under basket
2. Shoot right-handed layup off right side
3. Catch ball, immediately shoot left-handed layup off left side
4. Continue alternating for 1 minute
5. Rest 30 seconds
6. Repeat 5 times

Key Points:

• Soft touch, use the backboard
• Focus on form, not speed initially
• Keep ball high throughout
• Challenge: Don't let ball touch ground

Beginner Goal: Complete 20 makes in 1 minute.

Drill #9: Partner Catch and Shoot

Purpose: Practice shooting after receiving a pass

How to Do It:

1. Partner stands 10 feet away with ball
2. You stand in shooting position
3. Partner passes ball
4. Catch with two hands, shoot immediately
5. Make 10 shots from each of 3 spots
6. Switch roles

Key Points:

• Show hands as target for pass
• Catch ready to shoot (hands up)
• Quick but controlled release
• Maintain balance throughout

Beginner Goal: Shoot 60% on catch and shoot.

Drill #10: The 21 Drill

Purpose: Combine shooting with scoring pressure

How to Do It:

1. Score 21 points:
   • 3 points for swish
   • 2 points for make touching rim
   • 0 points for miss
2. Start close to basket
3. Move back after each shot (make or miss)
4. If you miss 3 in a row, start over
5. See how quickly you reach 21

Key Points:

• Encourages perfect swishes
• Builds pressure tolerance
• Makes practice fun and competitive
• Track personal best time

Drill #11: Elbow to Elbow Shooting

Purpose: Build consistency from mid-range positions

How to Do It:

1. Shoot from right elbow
2. Make 3 shots
3. Sprint to left elbow
4. Make 3 shots
5. Sprint back to right
6. Continue for 2 minutes
7. Count total makes

Key Points:

• Maintain form despite fatigue
• Focus on footwork and balance
• Quick but controlled setup
• Build conditioning simultaneously

Beginner Goal: 15 makes in 2 minutes.

Drill #12: Form Shooting with Eyes Closed

Purpose: Develop muscle memory and feel for proper mechanics

How to Do It:

1. Stand 4 feet from basket
2. Set up with perfect form
3. Close eyes
4. Shoot focusing only on feel
5. Open eyes after release
6. Shoot 10 times
7. Note makes vs. misses

Key Points:

• This develops "touch"
• Focuses attention on mechanics
• Removes visual over-thinking
• Builds proprioception (body awareness)

Progression: Gradually increase distance as accuracy improves.

Drill #13: Bank Shot Practice

Purpose: Learn to use the backboard effectively

How to Do It:

1. Stand at 45-degree angle, 8 feet from basket
2. Aim for top corner of square on backboard
3. Shoot 10 shots from right side
4. Shoot 10 shots from left side
5. Repeat until 70% success rate

Key Points:

• Soft touch essential
• Higher arc than direct shots
• Aim for specific spot on backboard
• Bank shots are underrated in modern game

Beginner Goal: 70% from both sides.

Drill #14: The Streak Drill

Purpose: Build confidence and simulate pressure situations

How to Do It:

1. Choose any distance
2. Shoot until you miss
3. Record your streak
4. Try to beat your personal record
5. When you beat record, move back 1 foot

Key Points:

• Starts easy, becomes challenging
• Builds pressure tolerance
• Celebrates success (personal records)
• Makes practice competitive against yourself

Beginner Goal: Make 10 shots in a row from 8 feet.

Drill #15: Full Court Shot Progression

Purpose: Complete shooting development from all distances

How to Do It:

1. Start under basket (layups)
2. Make 3 shots
3. Move back 2 feet
4. Make 3 shots from new position
5. Continue moving back
6. How far can you go and still make 3/5?

Key Points:

• Tests complete range
• Shows practical shooting distance
• Prevents shooting from too far
• Tracks improvement week to week

Weekly Practice Schedule for Beginners

Monday (30 minutes):

• Drill #1: Wall Shooting (5 min)
• Drill #2: Close-Range Form (10 min)
• Drill #7: Free Throw Routine (10 min)
• Drill #8: Mikan Drill (5 min)

Wednesday (30 minutes):

• Drill #3: BEEF Method (10 min)
• Drill #5: Five-Spot (10 min)
• Drill #11: Elbow to Elbow (5 min)
• Drill #14: Streak Drill (5 min)

Friday (30 minutes):

• Drill #4: One-Hand Shooting (10 min)
• Drill #6: Hop and Stop (5 min)
• Drill #10: The 21 Drill (10 min)
• Drill #15: Full Court Progression (5 min)

Saturday (30 minutes - with partner if possible):

• Drill #9: Catch and Shoot (15 min)
• Drill #12: Eyes Closed (5 min)
• Drill #13: Bank Shots (10 min)

Tracking Progress

Keep a Practice Journal:

• Date and drills performed
• Makes and misses for each drill
• Personal records
• Notes on what felt good/bad
• Energy level and focus

Monthly Assessments: Test yourself on:

• Free throw percentage (50 attempts)
• Five-spot drill time
• Streak drill personal record
• Maximum distance for 50% shooting

Common Beginner Mistakes

Mistake #1: Moving Too Far Too Fast Master close range before stepping back. Pride doesn't help - proper form does.

Mistake #2: Practicing Bad Form One perfect shot is worth 10 sloppy ones. Quality beats quantity every time.

Mistake #3: Shooting Only During Games Game time is for playing. Practice time is for skill building.

Mistake #4: Lack of Consistency 30 minutes three times per week beats 90 minutes once weekly.

Expected Progression Timeline

Week 1-2: Foundation

• Learning BEEF method
• Comfortable from 5-8 feet
• Developing routine

Week 3-4: Expansion

• Consistent from free throw line
• Multiple spot shooting
• Adding movement

Week 5-8: Refinement

• 50%+ from free throw line
• Shooting after movement
• Building range

Month 3+: Game Application

• Ready for competitive play
• Solid fundamentals established
• Continuing improvement

Conclusion

These 15 basketball shooting drills for beginners provide a complete foundation for developing excellent shooting mechanics. Remember that elite shooters aren't born - they're made through thousands of perfect repetitions.

Focus on form before distance, quality before quantity, and consistency before complexity. Follow this progression, track your improvement, and you'll build shooting skills that last a lifetime.

Start with Drill #1 today and commit to the weekly practice schedule. Within 8 weeks, you'll see dramatic improvement in your shooting percentage and confidence on the court.