Two-Point or Three-Point Decision
Shot Selection
Legend
- player
- ball
- movement paths
How it works
Develop shot selection awareness by choosing between a wide-open two-pointer and a contested three-pointer.
What you need
- basketball
- hoop
Your focus
Shooting a contested three when an open two is available is one of the most common shot-selection errors at the youth level. Players who learn the value of shot quality over shot distance become far more efficient scorers. This drill directly trains the decision process that separates smart offensive players from ball-hogs.
Player catches at the three-point line. A teammate is open at the elbow for a mid-range two.
Defender is running at the player from a few steps away. Player must decide: shoot contested three or kick to elbow two.
Grade the decision on the criteria: open shot opportunity always beats contested shot. Track correct decisions.
After 10 reps, discuss: when would the three be the correct choice?
Goal
It's working when you consistently choose the wide-open two over the contested three, the math is on your side, and you act like it.
Helpful cues
- Open is always better than long, the best shot is the easiest made shot
- A wide-open two beats a contested three every time
- Smart players give up a little distance to gain a lot of openness
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Make the choices more obvious, very open vs. very contested.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Add a third option: drive for a layup, three choices with different values.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.