5 Easy Drills to Improve Your Basketball Shot at Home
Whether you're a beginner or a baller with experience, improving your shot is all about consistent, intentional practice. At Hoop San Diego, we believe you don’t need a gym to level up your game. With a little space, a hoop (or even a portable one), and the right mindset, you can sharpen your shot right from home.
Here are 5 easy and effective drills you can do today to build better form, muscle memory, and confidence.
1. Form Shooting Close to the Hoop
What it works on: Shooting mechanics, hand placement, follow-through.
How to do it:
Stand just 2–5 feet from the hoop. Focus on perfect form: shooting with one hand (guide hand off the ball), holding your follow-through, and keeping your elbow in. Aim for nothing but net each time.
Goal: Make 10 perfect swishes in a row before backing up a foot.
2. Wall Shooting Drill (No Hoop Needed!)
What it works on: Release timing, arc, and muscle memory.
How to do it:
Stand 3–5 feet from a wall. Use a soft ball or basketball and practice your shooting motion, aiming to hit a spot on the wall about 8–10 feet high. Focus on rotation and your follow-through.
Bonus tip: Record yourself to check elbow position and release.
3. One-Handed Shooting
What it works on: Strengthens your shooting hand and eliminates guide hand reliance.
How to do it:
Stand in front of your hoop and shoot using only your dominant hand. Start close, then gradually move back. This isolates your mechanics and builds muscle control.
Goal: Make 15 in a row before moving back.
4. Free Throw Focus
What it works on: Consistency, routine, pressure shooting.
How to do it:
Create a consistent pre-shot routine (e.g., dribble twice, breathe, shoot). Take 10–20 free throws and track how many you make. Work on routine, breathing, and focus.
Advanced challenge: Make 10 in a row—or start over!
5. Quick Release Drill
What it works on: Speeding up your shot without losing form.
How to do it:
Catch the ball (or simulate a catch), square up quickly, and get the shot off in under 2 seconds. Practice both stationary and on-the-move versions.
Add variety: Use a timer or get a friend to shout "shoot!" at random intervals.
Bonus: Bring the Fun with Hoop San Diego 🎉
Practicing is great—but playing is where the magic happens. At Hoop San Diego, we bring the arcade-style basketball experience right to your driveway, birthday party, or school event. Whether you're looking to test your skills or just have fun, our mobile hoop trailer is the ultimate basketball vibe.
👉 Book now or follow us on Instagram @hoopsandiego for more drills, challenges, and behind-the-scenes action.
Keep Grinding
Great shooters aren’t born—they’re made through daily reps and focused practice. These drills are simple but powerful tools to build that silky-smooth jumper. Keep grinding, and when you’re ready to show off, Hoop San Diego has the court covered.