One-Hand Form Shooting
Groove a straight, one-hand shooting motion close to the rim.
What this drill teaches
A straight, repeatable shooting motion learned where kids are strong enough to hold it. Removing the guide hand and staying close strips the shot to its engine — one hand, one line, held follow-through — so bad habits never get invited in.
In games: Prevents the two-hand heave-from-the-hip that creeps in when kids shoot beyond their strength — the shot they build here is the one that survives once games and defenders arrive.
- Follow-through held until the ball hits the floor
- Elbow under the ball, not winged out sideways
- Ball flying straight — misses short or long, never left-right
U8–U10: one step from the rim, celebrate swishes, don't chase range. U14–U16: still valuable as a daily reset — expect perfect reps before stepping back.
Equipment
1 ball per hoop
Setup
Player stands a step in front of the rim, ball in the shooting hand only.
Steps
- 1Balance the ball on the shooting hand, guide hand off.
- 2Shoot straight up with a high, held follow-through.
- 3Aim for a soft swish or high off the glass.
- 4Make 10, then take one step back.
Coaching points
- Elbow under the ball in an 'L'.
- Hold the follow-through — 'gooseneck'.
- Straight up and down, no drift.
Why kids love it
Close-range makes clumsy shots successful, so kids build confidence and good habits fast.
Variations
Add the guide hand and back up to the block.
Sit on a chair and shoot one-handed straight up to a partner, no rim.
Count only swishes — three in a row before you step back.