Bank Shot Spots

Skill drill

Learn to use the backboard from both wings, where the bank angle actually works.

6 min any Half court
ShootingU10U12U14U16

Technique guide

Any group size · 1 ball, 1 hoop

Get everyone ready

Set up at the angleBank shots work best from the wing, around 45 degrees. 1

● Player / attackGold: ball

Illustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×

Set up

Player starts at a 45-degree angle to the basket.

Look for: Use the square on the backboard.

Playback options
Illustrated steps · 5 seconds per step at 1×
Coach’s notes & group organisation

Player starts at a 45-degree angle to the basket.

  1. Aim for the top corner of the backboard square.
  2. Shoot 5 makes off the glass from the right.
  3. Repeat from the left.
  4. Step back a little and repeat.

Suggested reset

At a two-player basket station, the shooter retrieves their attempt and returns the same ball to the next shooter, then waits clear of the finishing lane. For a prescribed shooting set, finish the set before swapping. With more players, split across baskets or rotate short sets; keep spare balls off the active shooting line.

Coaching cues

  • Use the square on the backboard.
  • Same soft touch every time.
  • Best angle is 45 degrees.

Adapt the challenge

Harder: Bank shots off one dribble on the move.

Easier: Start two paces from the board and just aim at the top corner of the square.

Bank or Nothing: Only shots that touch the glass count, so nobody sneaks a straight-in shot.

What this drill teaches

Trusting the backboard from the wings, where the 45-degree angle makes the glass genuinely easier than the straight-in shot. Aiming at the top corner of the square gives kids a visible target instead of vague 'use the board' advice.

In games: Most youth shots on the move come from an angle — a player who banks from the wings turns hard drives and short wing shots into much higher-percentage looks.

What good looks like
  • Eyes finding the top corner of the square before the shot
  • The same soft touch from both wings
  • Makes off the glass, not lucky rattles from straight on

U10: start two paces from the board and just hit the square. U14–U16: expect banks off one dribble on the move and honest 'bank or nothing' scoring.

Equipment

1 ball, 1 hoop

Setup

Player starts at a 45-degree angle to the basket.

Steps

  1. 1Aim for the top corner of the backboard square.
  2. 2Shoot 5 makes off the glass from the right.
  3. 3Repeat from the left.
  4. 4Step back a little and repeat.

Coaching points

  • Use the square on the backboard.
  • Same soft touch every time.
  • Best angle is 45 degrees.

Why kids love it

The backboard is a friend — kids score more once they trust the bank.

Variations

Harder

Bank shots off one dribble on the move.

Easier

Start two paces from the board and just aim at the top corner of the square.

Bank or Nothing

Only shots that touch the glass count, so nobody sneaks a straight-in shot.

Related drills

Coaching notes that use this drill