Episode Details

https://teachhoops.com/

Episode Title: Are Your Players Shooting More… or Becoming Better Shooters?

Every coach says it in May: “Get in the gym and shoot.”
But when November hits, many players did shoot… they just didn’t improve at the shots that win games. This episode breaks down how to turn summer shooting from “empty calories” into real, transferable improvement.

Most summer shooting fails because it isn’t real enough.
Games don’t give perfect reps. Games give tired legs, closeouts, decisions, a clock, and pressure. So your workouts have to include those same conditions.

1) Track MAKES, not attempts

• “I got up 500 shots” doesn’t matter.
• The better question: “How many did you MAKE?”
• Set standards like: 100 game-speed makes, not “shoot for an hour.”

2) Shoot in game buckets
Build a shot menu that matches real basketball:

• Catch and shoot
• One-dribble pull-up
• Finish at the rim
• Free throws (especially under fatigue)

3) Add decisions to every rep
Shooters aren’t just shooters—they’re decision-makers.
Simple read system:

• Short closeout: shoot
• Hard closeout: one-dribble pull-up
• Help steps up: make the pass
  Even solo workouts can include reads (sprint-to-ball, shot fake, relocate, etc.).

4) Finish with fatigue + pressure
If workouts end when players feel good, it won’t hold up in games.
Finish with a rule:

• Make 10 free throws in a row
• Make 3 in a row from the corner before leaving
• Make 2 in a row after a hard sprint

• No passer = no game speed (rebounding and strolling back isn’t real)
• No footwork standard (every rep looks different)
• No randomness (same spot, same rhythm, same comfort)
  Fix with partner talk-throughs or timed shooting + mandatory relocation.

• Form shooting: make 10 in a row
• Catch and shoot: 5 spots, make 5 each
• One-dribble pull-ups: elbows, make 5 each direction
• Finishing: make 8 with a rule (two-foot, outside hand, contact)
• Free throws: make 10, miss = must make 2 in a row to finish

Use it to create competition and clarity (not shame):

• 4 shot buckets
• weekly makes goals
• Friday “pressure close” (FT ladder, streak drill, 1-minute challenge)

Confidence isn’t jacking bad shots.
Confidence is taking the right shot on purpose:

• feet set
• balance
• in your spot
• off a pass, not off a dance

If you get this right in May, your players won’t say, “I’ve been shooting.”
They’ll say, “Coach… I’ve been making.”

Offseason plans, shooting workouts, competitive shooting games, and open gym templates:
https://teachhoops.com/

Show NotesEpisode SummaryBig IdeaThe 4 Upgrades That Make Shooting TranslateCommon Summer Shooting Mistakes (and Fixes)A Simple 15-Minute Shooting RoutineProgram Builder: Team Shooting ChartGreen Light Rules (Confidence with Purpose)Coach TakeawayLinks / Resources

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices