Hot Shot (spot shooting)
Score as many baskets as possible from marked spots in a time limit.
What this drill teaches
Game-speed shooting off movement — sprint to a spot, set the feet, shoot in rhythm. The clock adds urgency while the points-per-spot system quietly teaches shot selection too.
In games: Game shots come off cuts and scrambles, not standing still — this builds the balanced, hurried-but-not-rushed shot kids actually need on game day.
- Feet reset and balanced before every shot, even in a hurry
- Own rebound chased hard, but the shot never flung on the run
- Smarter spot choices as the clock runs down
U10: close spots, longer clock, celebrate personal bests. U14–U16: the full spot range with a bonus shot — expect balanced shots at real game speed.
Equipment
1 ball per hoop
Setup
Mark 5 shooting spots with cones/tape (layup, two short corners, two elbows). Assign point values.
Steps
- 1Player has 60 seconds to score from the spots.
- 2Each made shot = its point value; must rebound your own ball.
- 3Move around the spots — can't camp on one.
- 4Track scores; winner (or personal best) gets the shout-out.
Coaching points
- Balanced shot even when rushing.
- Rebound quickly and reset your feet.
- Pick makeable spots when the clock is low.
Why kids love it
A ticking clock turns shooting practice into an arcade game. Kids love chasing a high score and a leaderboard.
Variations
All spots close to the hoop, 90 seconds.
Add a half-court 'bonus' shot worth big points.
Two players share the clock and alternate shots — one rebounds while the other shoots.