Game shots come off passes, not dribbles. This drill teaches the catch-and-shoot mechanics. The passer delivers the ball at chest height so the shooter can shoot immediately.

What you need: Basketball. Two kids per pair. Five-spot court.

Setup: One kid at each of the five spots. One passer in the middle near the foul line.

How to run it:

  1. Passer throws a chest pass to the first shooter.
  2. Shooter catches at chest height and shoots immediately. No dribble.
  3. Passer retrieves the ball and passes to the next shooter.
  4. Passer hits all 5 spots with one pass each. That’s 5 shots. Rest. Rotate passer. Do 2 rounds.

What to watch: Do they catch and shoot right away or do they take a dribble? Catch-and-shoot means they’re ready to shoot as soon as the ball touches their hands.

If they’re struggling: Move spots closer to 10 feet. Have the passer pass slower or softer so the catch is easier. Reduce to 3 spots.

If they’ve got it: Add game speed. Passer throws quickly and the shooter shoots quickly. Adds game-like pace.