Form Shooting (B.E.E.F.)
Build a repeatable shooting form up close before backing up.
What this drill teaches
A repeatable shooting motion built close to the target, where kids are strong enough to hold form. Range comes later; the wrist snap and held follow-through come first.
In games: A shot that holds up in games — kids who groove form close in don't develop the heave-from-the-hip habit that takes years to unlearn.
- Follow-through held until the ball lands
- Elbow under the ball, not winged out
- The same routine before every shot, unprompted
U8–U10: one-handed, close range only. U12+: step back only while the form holds — the shot breaking down means too far.
Equipment
1 ball per pair
Setup
Pairs, one ball, standing 4–5 feet apart (or close to the hoop).
Steps
- 1Review B.E.E.F: Balance, Eyes (on target), Elbow (under the ball), Follow-through.
- 2Shoot 10 one-handed form shots to your partner, focusing on a high, held follow-through ('wave goodbye to the ball').
- 3Add the guide hand, 10 more.
- 4Move to the hoop, close range, 10 makes each.
Coaching points
- Shooting elbow in an 'L', under the ball.
- Hold the follow-through until the ball lands.
- Same routine every shot.
Why kids love it
Give the follow-through a fun name ('gooseneck', 'reach in the cookie jar'). Kids check each other's form — built-in teamwork.
Variations
Take one step back after every 3 makes — how far can the pair get?
Shoot lying on your back straight up to yourself — it removes the legs and shows them the wrist snap.