Improve Shooting Efficiency with the 14 in 90 Drill

Goal

The 14 in 90 Drill is a high-intensity shooting drill that pushes players to improve their shooting consistency and mental toughness under pressure. By requiring players to complete shots at various spots on the court within a 90-second time limit, this drill works on shooting accuracy, speed, and concentration. It’s an excellent exercise for tracking progress and pushing shooting limits, making it perfect for both individual and team workouts.

Setup

• Players Needed: 1 shooter

• Equipment Needed: 7 basketballs (or ready-made basketballs to minimize time between shots)

• Court Setup: The drill uses 7 shooting spots:

  • Corners

  • Low wings

  • High wings

  • Top of the key

Ensure that all the spots are clearly marked so players can move quickly from one location to another without confusion.

Step-by-Step Execution

1. Start at Spot 1

   • Begin at one of the corner spots on the court with a basketball.

   • The goal is to make 2 consecutive shots from this spot before moving on to the next.

   • If the player misses, they must keep trying until they make 2 in a row before moving on.

2. Move to the Next Spot

   • Once 2 shots are made in a row, move to the next spot (low wing).

   • Repeat the process for the next 6 spots (high wings, top of the key).

3. Add Bonus Points

   • After completing all 7 spots with 2 consecutive shots from each, the player must make a final shot at the top of the key to add to their score.

   • Each completed spot is worth 2 points.

   • For every additional 3-pointer made after completing the 7 spots, add 1 extra point to the total score.

4. Time Constraint

   • Players have 90 seconds to complete the drill. Time management is key, so players should aim to move quickly from spot to spot without rushing their form.

   • The score is tracked based on how many spots were completed and the number of extra shots made after finishing all 7 spots.

Coaching Tips

1. Focus on Follow-Through

   • It’s easy to rush when there’s a time constraint, but always make sure players are holding their follow-through after each shot. Rushing can cause poor form, which ultimately leads to missed shots.

   • The key is to be quick but not rushed—maintain form even when under time pressure.

2. Mental Toughness

   • This drill is not just about shooting accuracy; it’s also about building mental resilience. Missing a shot can be frustrating, but it’s important for players to develop a "next shot" mentality.

   • Teach players how to stay positive and move on quickly from mistakes. This is key for building confidence and maintaining focus during games.

3. Sprint Spot to Spot

   • Maximizing the time allotted is essential. Players should sprint from one spot to the next to ensure they get as many shots as possible in the time limit. Time management during the transition from one spot to the next is just as important as the shooting itself.

4. Stay Shot Ready

   • Encourage players to stay shot ready at all times. As they approach each spot, they should be prepared to shoot quickly. Being in the right stance and ready to catch and shoot will maximize their ability to get off as many quality shots as possible.

Full Breakdown

The 14 in 90 Drill is a challenging exercise that combines shooting consistency with speed, helping players develop the ability to perform under pressure. Here’s why this drill is so effective:

1. Builds Shooting Consistency
   The drill’s structure encourages players to hit consecutive shots, which builds the consistency necessary for game situations. The 2-in-a-row rule forces players to focus on their mechanics and ensures they develop good habits in shooting.

2. Simulates Game Conditions
   In a game, players often have to make quick decisions and shoot under time constraints. This drill simulates those situations by requiring players to move quickly between spots while maintaining accuracy. It also teaches them how to recover after a miss and keep focused on their next shot.

3. Focus on Footwork and Form
   While speed is important, players cannot afford to neglect their footwork and form. Moving quickly from spot to spot helps improve footwork, but players must also ensure they remain in good shooting form to be effective. By focusing on both speed and form, players can improve both their shooting mechanics and their ability to execute shots under pressure.

4. Mental Toughness Training
   One of the hardest parts of this drill is dealing with the time pressure. Players must stay positive and calm, even if they miss shots or fall behind. The time constraint is a great way to test a player’s mental toughness and their ability to remain focused, making it a valuable mental conditioning drill.

5. Trackable Progress
   This drill is perfect for tracking improvement over time. As players repeat the drill, they can record their scores and aim to improve both their shooting accuracy and their time. Coaches can encourage players to challenge themselves by setting higher goals with each session.

Variations and Progressions

• Vary Shot Types: In advanced versions of the drill, add different types of shots (e.g., pull-up jumpers, floaters) to simulate a more realistic game scenario where players are forced to shoot in a variety of ways.

• Increase Time Pressure: For more advanced players, reduce the time limit from 90 seconds to 75 or 60 seconds to make the drill more challenging.

• Add Defensive Pressure: Once players are comfortable with the drill, incorporate light defense to challenge them while they move between spots. This will help them learn to shoot under pressure and improve their ability to make shots while contested.