Read and Shoot Decision Drill
Shot Selection
Legend
- player
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Practice reading defensive positioning and choosing the correct shot zone.
What you need
- basketball
- cones
Your focus
Bad shot selection is one of the most common problems in youth basketball. This drill teaches the habit of reading coverage before shooting , building decision-making instincts that carry into games.
Mark three shooting positions: corner (cone A), wing (cone B), top of key (cone C).
Stand at cone A. Parent calls either "open" or "contested".
If open: shoot immediately. If contested: drive to the basket or pass (mime).
Rotate through all three positions, 3 reps each.
Track: shots taken, shots on target, correct decisions made.
Goal
You've got it when you make the correct decision (shoot vs. drive) on 8 of 9 reps without hesitation.
Helpful cues
- Read before you catch, already know if you're open
- Open shot: shoot in rhythm. Contested: use your dribble
- Be decisive, hesitation creates contested shots out of open ones
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Parent signals before you receive the ball so you can prepare your decision.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Parent signals after you catch, forces a faster read.No account needed
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