Side-Step Shooting
Create a sideways shot off the dribble to dodge a closeout.
What this drill teaches
Relocating off the dribble. One lateral step away from a closing defender turns a contested shot into an open one — but only if the feet reset square and fast, so the drill grooves quick footwork into an unchanged shooting motion.
In games: Beats the game-day defender who closes out hard and straight — instead of forcing a contested shot or a wild drive, the shooter slides one step and shoots in space.
- One wide, quick side-step — not a drift of little shuffles
- Feet reset square to the rim before the rise
- Follow-through identical to a catch-and-shoot
U14: side-step from a standstill first — feet tangle off the dribble. U16: live closeouts, with the step direction read off the defender, both ways.
Equipment
1 ball, 1 hoop, chair/cone
Setup
A chair or cone on the arc as the closing defender. The player dribbles along the line and side-steps away from it.
Steps
- 1Take one hard dribble along the three-point line.
- 2Side-step laterally away from the chair, as if dodging a closeout.
- 3Gather and set your feet quickly.
- 4Rise and shoot with balance.
Coaching points
- A quick, wide side-step creates the space.
- Set your feet fast — square to the rim.
- Same follow-through as a catch-and-shoot.
Why kids love it
Teaches shooters to relocate off the dribble and beat hard closeouts.
Variations
Side-step from a stationary start, no dribble.
Put a live defender on the closeout so the side-step direction is a read, not a script.
Alternate side-stepping toward the sideline and toward the middle on every rep.