Let me tell you something about basketball shooting that took me years to fully appreciate - it's not just about natural talent. I've watched countless players with beautiful form struggle to make shots consistently, while others with unconventional techniques become deadly shooters. The difference often comes down to deliberate practice with the right drills. Today, I want to share 10 essential EWP Basketball drills that genuinely improved my shooting accuracy, and I've seen them work for others too.
I remember watching exhibition games where players like Liao Sanning from Beijing Royal Fighters demonstrated incredible shooting form under pressure. What impressed me wasn't just his made baskets, but his consistent mechanics regardless of the situation. Then there's Yu Jiahao, the 7-foot-3 center who recently signed with Spanish club Bilbao Basket - watching a player of his size maintain shooting accuracy is truly remarkable. And 20-year-old forward Wang Junjie of the San Francisco Dons shows how proper fundamentals can translate across different levels of competition. These players didn't develop their skills by accident; they built them through systematic practice.
Start with the most fundamental yet often overlooked aspect - form shooting close to the basket. I can't stress enough how many players skip this, thinking they're too advanced. Personally, I spend at least 15 minutes daily on form shooting, and I've been playing competitively for over 12 years. Stand about three feet from the hoop, focus on your shooting pocket, elbow alignment, and follow-through. The goal isn't to make shots but to perfect your motion. I typically do 50 makes with each hand focusing solely on proper rotation and arc. What most people get wrong here is rushing through it - take your time, feel each movement, and build that muscle memory.
Next comes the one-hand shooting drill, which honestly transformed my shooting consistency. Remove your guide hand completely and shoot with only your shooting hand from about 5-8 feet out. This forces proper wrist action and follow-through. When I first tried this years ago, I was shocked at how much my guide hand had been interfering with my shot. Do three sets of 20 makes, focusing on clean rotation and consistent release point. The ball should come off your fingertips with backspin - if it doesn't, you're likely palming the ball or releasing incorrectly.
Now let's talk about the catch-and-shoot drill, which mimics game situations more closely. Have a partner pass to you from different spots, or use a rebounding machine if you have access to one. The key here is preparing your hands and feet before the ball arrives. I prefer the 1-2 step method over the hop for most situations, but that's personal preference - many NBA shooters use the hop effectively. Take 100 shots from five different spots beyond the three-point line, moving quickly between catches. This builds both accuracy and game-speed readiness.
Free throws might seem boring, but they're the foundation of shooting consistency. I developed a personal routine of shooting 50 free throws daily, tracking my percentage over time. When I started consistently hitting 85% in practice, my game shooting improved dramatically. The mental aspect here is crucial - develop a consistent pre-shot routine and stick to it religiously. Breathe, bounce the ball a specific number of times, and visualize the shot going in before you release.
The elbow jumper series is another favorite of mine. Start at each elbow and take one dribble into a pull-up jumper. Then move back a step and repeat. Do this from multiple angles. This drill improved my mid-range game more than any other single exercise. I typically do 25 makes from each elbow, focusing on maintaining balance off the dribble. What separates good shooters from great ones is often this mid-range game that seems to be disappearing from modern basketball - but I still believe it's essential.
For three-point shooting, I swear by the spot-up progression drill. Pick five spots around the arc and shoot from each until you make five in a row before moving to the next spot. This creates game-like pressure as you approach those final makes. When I'm really focused, I challenge myself to complete the entire circuit without missing two consecutive shots - it's tougher than it sounds but incredibly effective for building consistency from deep.
Floaters are crucial for guards and anyone driving to the basket. Practice from different angles using both hands. I spend at least 20 minutes weekly on floaters alone, and it's saved me countless times against taller defenders. The key is developing touch rather than power - use your legs to generate lift but keep the upper body soft. I like to imagine I'm throwing the ball into a higher hoop to get the proper arc.
The shooting-off-screens drill requires a partner but is absolutely worth it. Practice coming off screens both ways and shooting immediately. This mimics how players like Wang Junjie create separation in game situations. Focus on squaring your shoulders quickly and getting your shot off in one fluid motion. I typically do 30 reps from each side, alternating between curl and fade cuts.
Game-speed shooting is where everything comes together. Set a timer for two minutes and see how many shots you can make from different spots while moving at full speed. This not only builds accuracy but also shooting stamina - something many players neglect. My personal record is 48 makes in two minutes, though I typically average around 42-45 on good days.
Finally, the pressure shooting drill - my personal favorite for building mental toughness. You must make five shots in a row from a spot before moving on. If you miss, you start over. This simulates end-of-game pressure beautifully. I've seen players who shoot 80% in practice crumble under this drill initially, but it builds incredible focus over time.
What I love about these EWP Basketball drills is how they address both the physical and mental aspects of shooting. Watching professionals like Yu Jiahao or Liao Sanning, you see the result of thousands of hours of this type of focused practice. The beauty is that these drills work whether you're a beginner or an experienced player - I still use all of them regularly. Shooting improvement doesn't happen overnight, but with consistent application of these methods, you'll see measurable gains in your accuracy. Trust me, there are few feelings in basketball better than seeing your hard work translate into swishes during actual games.