Tips and drills to improve your shooting
How to improve your floaters
A floater is typically used against taller players because the main part of a floater is the heigh that it gets.
Master the Basic Mechanics
Soft Touch – A floater is all about finesse, not power. Release the ball with a high arc and soft touch.
One-Handed Release – Use your dominant hand to shoot, guiding the ball with your off-hand if needed.
High Release Point – Extend your arm fully and push the ball to get the it over defenders.
Work on Your Footwork
Off One Foot vs. Two Feet –
One-foot floaters are quicker and better in transition.
Two-foot floaters give you more balance and control.
Euro Step into Floater – This move helps you create separation before taking the shot.
Hesitation to Floater – A slight pause before the floater can freeze defenders.
Improve Your Touch
Pushing Off– When shooting floaters teach yourself to push the ball off softly instead of rolling your fingers like a jump shot.
Off-the-Glass Shots – Learn to use the backboard for floaters from different angles.
Game-Like Situations
Defender in Front Drill – Have someone contest your shot to simulate real-game situations.
Speed into Floater – Sprint to the paint and go straight into a floater to mimic fast-break situations.
Different Release Points – Try shooting floaters from various distances (3-10 feet).
Strengthen Your Core & Balance
Core Workouts – A strong core helps with balance when shooting on the move.
Single-Leg Balance Drills – Improves stability when driving into the paint.
Bonus Tip
Watching players like Trae Young, Stephen Curry, and Tyrese Haliburton can show you how effective a floater is against taller people as a smaller person.
How to improve your mid range shots
Mid range shots are typically outside of the keyway and inside of the 3 point line making it a mid range
Improving your mid-range shot requires good mechanics, footwork, and consistency. Here’s how to level up your mid-range game:
Practice making your form keeping it smooth
✔ Balanced Stance – Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.
✔ Elbow in, Straight Release – Your shooting elbow should form an “L” and be aligned with the basket.
✔ High Arc – A slightly higher arc makes your shot harder to block.
✔ Smooth Follow Through – Hold your follow-through and keep your wrist relaxed.
Master Footwork & Shot Creation
✔ Catch-and-Shoot – Get into shooting position before receiving the ball.
✔ One-Dribble Pull-Up – Dribble once, plant your foot, and rise into your shot.
✔ Two-Dribble Pull-Up – Helps create more space, especially against defenders.
✔ Step-Back & Side-Step – Create space by stepping back or to the side before shooting.
Improve Shot Consistency
✔ Repetition is Key – Aim for at least 200 mid-range shots daily from different spots.
✔ Spot Shooting – Practice shooting from 5-7 key spots (elbows, baseline, free-throw area).
✔ Game-Like Movement – Shoot after dribbling, off screens, and in transition.
✔ Focus on Follow-Through – A good follow-through increases accuracy.
Train in Different Game Situations
✔ Shoot Over a Defender – Have a friend or coach contest your shot to improve under pressure.
✔ Fast-Paced Shooting – Work on quick releases to simulate real-game speed.
✔ Mid-Range Fadeaway – If you want to develop a Kobe/MJ-style fade, practice fading slightly while keeping balance.
Strengthen Your Legs & Core
✔ Leg Strength = More Stability – Squats, lunges, and calf raises help with balance and power.
✔ Core Work = Better Control – Planks, Russian twists, and medicine ball work help maintain control in the air.
Watch & Learn from the Best
Study players like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and DeMar DeRozan—they dominate the mid-range game with smooth footwork and deadly accuracy.
How to improve your 3 point shots
Improving your 3-point shot takes proper form, footwork, consistency, and strength. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you become a knockdown shooter from deep:
Master Your Shooting Form
✔ Feet Shoulder-Width Apart – A balanced stance improves accuracy.
✔ Shooting Pocket – Keep the ball in your shot pocket (around chest level).
✔ Elbow In, Straight Follow-Through – Your elbow should be aligned with the basket.
✔ Snap Your Wrist – A good follow-through gives your shot backspin and control.
✔ High Arc – Aim to shoot over the front of the rim, not at it.
Improve Footwork & Shot Preparation
✔ Catch & Shoot – Be ready before the ball reaches you. Keep knees bent and hands up.
✔ One-Two Step – Step into your shot with left-right or right-left footwork.
✔ Hop into Your Shot – For quicker releases, try hopping into your shot instead of stepping.
✔ Shooting Off the Dribble – Work on pulling up off one or two dribbles.
Increase Shot Consistency
✔ Repetition is Key – Shoot 300+ threes per session, working on mechanics.
✔ Form Shooting from Deep – Start close, then move back without losing form.
✔ Spot Shooting – Pick 5 spots (corners, wings, top of the key) and make 10 in a row from each before moving on.
✔ Off-the-Dribble Shooting – Work on pull-up threes after one or two dribbles.
✔ Game-Like Speed – Don’t just stand still—shoot in rhythm like a real game.
Develop Range & Strength
✔ Leg Power = More Distance – Use squats, lunges, and calf raises to strengthen your legs.
✔ Core Strength = Better Balance – Do planks, Russian twists, and medicine ball work for core stability.
✔ Use More Legs in Your Shot – As you move back, generate power from your legs, not just your arms.
Train for Different Game Situations
✔ Catch-and-Shoot Threes – Practice shooting immediately after catching a pass.
✔ Pull-Up Threes – Work on taking threes after dribbling into space.
✔ Shooting Against a Defender – Have a friend contest your shots to get used to pressure.
✔ Fatigue Shooting – Sprint, then shoot—this simulates real-game conditions.
Watch & Learn from the Best
Study elite shooters like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Damian Lillard—focus on how they get open, their shooting mechanics, and footwork.