Shooting on a line teaches rhythm and consistency. The kid shoots from the same distance along a straight line. No movement yet, just form and repetition.
What you need: 8-foot basket. Youth ball. One per kid. Tape or chalk to mark a line.
Setup: Mark a baseline 8 feet from the basket (or use the actual baseline). Kids stand on this line at the center, on each side, and in the middle.
How to run it:
- Cue: Set, Bend, Lift, Cookie.
- Shoot from the center spot. 3 shots. Move slightly left. 3 more shots. Move right. 3 more.
- That’s 9 shots. Rest 30 seconds.
- Do 2 rounds.
What to watch: Does the form stay the same at each spot or does it change? Consistency is the goal. Same elbow position, same release height, same follow-through.
If they’re struggling: Move closer to 5 feet. Lower the hoop. Do 2 shots at each spot instead of 3.
If they’ve got it: Move back to 10 feet or add a dribble before each shot. Adds complexity.