Shooting Drills from the University of New Mexico’s Women’s Basketball

Shooting Drills from the University of New Mexico's 

Women's Basketball

By: Michael Coleman

Provided by Stack.com

Yvonne Sanchez, coach of the University of New Mexico women's basketball team, emphasizes proper footwork at all times. That's why she has her players perform shooting drills that require them to be fundamentally sound. Sanchez says, "You have to put in countless hours beyond practice to be an above average shooter." Try these Sanchez-approved drills and watch your shooting percentage improve on the court.

1-Hand Form Shooting

• Stand 5 to 7 feet away from the basket with your feet shoulder-width apart
• Shoot with one hand, releasing the ball at the top of your jump
• Keep your follow through smooth and consistent
• Spend five to 10 minutes working on this drill

Around the Arc

• Stand 7 to 10 feet from the basket
• Work on the "catch and shoot," receiving a pass from a teammate, pivoting toward the basket and taking the shot
• Shoot from the baseline, wing, and top of the key
• Step to the ball or use a two-foot hop step
• Try to make five shots at each spot

Dribble and Shoot

• Start behind the 3-point line
• Shoot from the baseline, wing, elbow and top of the key
• Practice dribbling with your right hand as you make an explosive step with your left foot to seal off defenders, then shoot
• Repeat the drill on the other side, switching your dribbling hand and stepping foot
• Work on making the movement fluid

These drills might seem boring at times, even inane. But repetition leads to improvement, which can lead to bigger things—like the chance to play for a coach like Sanchez one day. "Remember, it is a wonderful opportunity to play college basketball," Sanchez says. "You're continuing to do what you love."