5 Easy Drills to Improve Your Basketball Shot at Home

Level Up Your Game Without Leaving Your Driveway

Whether you’re a beginner working on your fundamentals or a hoophead looking to fine-tune your jumper, you don’t need a gym to become a better shooter. With just a ball, a hoop, and a few minutes a day, you can dramatically improve your form, accuracy, and confidence—all from the comfort of home.

At Hoop San Diego, we know how important it is to practice with purpose. That’s why we’ve put together this list of 5 simple and effective basketball shooting drills that you can do at home to take your shot to the next level.

Why Home Drills Matter

Consistency beats intensity. Practicing a little every day helps develop muscle memory, improve hand-eye coordination, and boost your shooting confidence. These drills are perfect for:

  • Kids learning the game

  • Adults brushing up on skills

  • Backyard ballers with big dreams

  • Players training for their school or rec league

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🏀 Drill 1: Form Shooting Close to the Hoop

Focus: Mechanics, Muscle Memory, Shooting Touch

Stand 3–5 feet from the basket and shoot with one hand (use your guide hand only to balance). Concentrate on:

  • Hand placement under the ball

  • Smooth, straight follow-through

  • Elbow under the ball, wrist snap toward the rim

🏡 Do this for 5 minutes daily. Aim for swishes, not just makes.

Pro Tip: Use the backboard corner for bank shots on angles—it builds aim.

🏀 Drill 2: 1-Minute Spot Shooting

Focus: Speed + Repetition from Different Angles

Pick 5 spots: baseline left, wing left, top of the key, wing right, baseline right. Spend 1 minute at each, making as many shots as you can.

⏱ Total Time: 5 minutes
🎯 Track your makes and try to beat your record each session.

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🏀 Drill 3: Wall Shooting or “No-Hoop” Shooting

Focus: Technique Without Needing a Basket

No hoop? No problem. Stand in front of a wall or mirror and practice your form:

  • Pocket → Lift → Release → Follow-through

  • Watch your elbow and wrist alignment

  • Focus on a smooth release and rotation

🏡 Great for apartments, garages, and rainy days.

Pro Tip: Record yourself with a phone to check your mechanics.

🏀 Drill 4: Free Throw Challenge

Focus: Routine, Mental Discipline, Game-Like Pressure

Pick a consistent free-throw routine (e.g. 3 dribbles, deep breath, shoot). Now shoot 10 free throws.

🎯 Goal: Make at least 7/10. If not, repeat the set.

🏀 Try to make 50 free throws a day, broken into 5 sets of 10. Track your progress!

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🏀 Drill 5: Catch-Square-Shoot Drill

Focus: Footwork + Quick Release

Start a few feet from the hoop. Toss the ball to yourself or have a partner pass it. Focus on:

  • Catching the ball clean

  • Squaring your feet to the basket

  • Shooting in rhythm (no hesitating)

🏡 Repeat 10–15 times per spot.

This mimics real game action and builds faster foot-to-release habits.

Bonus Tip: Shoot for Fun with Hoop San Diego

Looking for a way to practice your shot while having a blast with friends and family? Book a Hoop San Diego trailer for your next party or training day! Our arcade-style setup lets players get hundreds of reps while having the time of their life.

✅ Built-in scoring and sound
✅ Four basketball games side-by-side
✅ Free play + tournament mode
✅ Perfect for team parties, birthdays, and youth events

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Final Thoughts

Improving your basketball shot doesn’t require a fancy gym or private coach. With a ball, a hoop, and these 5 drills, you can build elite shooting habits from home—and have fun doing it.

Start today, stay consistent, and watch your shot transform.

Want to Practice With Us?

Book a Hoop San Diego trailer and turn your backyard or schoolyard into a mini arcade training ground.
Visit hoopsandiego.com to learn more or schedule your next event.

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