Sharpen Off-Ball Timing Spacing and Shot Selection
Objective
Improve shooting consistency and decision-making while reinforcing spacing, timing, and movement without the ball. This practice plan develops players’ ability to shoot in rhythm, relocate after a pass, set up screens, and create space through off-ball timing. Emphasizes game-speed reps and reads that lead to quality shot selection.
00:00 – 00:15 | Warm-Up
Drill: 20 Shooting Drill
Players move through catch-and-shoot spots around the arc. Focuses on volume, rhythm, and hand-foot coordination.
Key Focus:
Shot preparation
Balance on the catch
Shooting under time constraint
→ [Master Your Shooting with the 20 Shooting Drill]
00:15 – 00:40 | Movement Shooting Drills
Drill: Nuggets Shooting Drill – Shooting on the Move
Simulates game-like relocations off handoffs or swing passes. Players catch on the move and shoot without resetting.
Key Focus:
Footwork into catch
Shoulder alignment at speed
Rhythm through motion
→ [Shooting on the Move with the Nuggets Drill]
Drill: Zipper Cut Action – Pin Down Into Catch
Players simulate coming off a pin down, catching on the move, and firing off the zipper cut.
Key Focus:
Timing the cut
Getting separation off screens
Game-speed shooting rhythm
→ [Zipper Cut Action: How to Teach and Score from the Pin Down]
00:40 – 01:10 | Off-Ball Spacing & Screening
Drill: Floppy Action – Get Shooters Open Consistently
Classic action that helps shooters learn how to read screens, set up cuts, and separate for clean looks.
Key Focus:
Screen usage reads (tight curl, flare, pop)
Footwork into shot
Communication with screeners
→ [Floppy Action: Getting Shooters Open Consistently]
Drill: Double Shooter Action – Screening for Spacing
Two shooters use staggered screens to free up a primary option. Helps players feel floor balance and read defensive switching.
Key Focus:
Proper spacing on stagger screens
Reading trail defender
Quick footwork into rise or fade
→ [Double Shooter Action: Spacing & Screening Play for Youth & High School]
01:10 – 01:40 | Game-Like Decision Shooting
Drill: 3v3 One-Side Drill
Half-court 3v3 where players are restricted to one side. Teaches how to play out of down screens, lifts, and flare spacing under game pressure.
Key Focus:
Shot selection off screens
Relocation timing
Communication on cuts and lifts
→ [3v3 One-Side Drill – Boost Half-Court Offense and Defense]
Drill: 14 in 90 Shooting Challenge
Players must hit 14 game-speed shots in 90 seconds from designated spots. Emphasizes shot repetition with fatigue and focus.
Key Focus:
Conditioning into shooting
Shot confidence
Mental reset after misses
→ [Improve Shooting Efficiency with the 14 in 90 Drill]
01:40 – 02:00 | Scrimmage + Cool-Down
Drill: 5-on-5 Spacing Scrimmage – Movement Rules
Live half-court scrimmage where every possession must include one off-ball screen and one relocate or lift. Forces spacing and communication.
Key Focus:
Intentional movement
Timing off the ball
Creating and recognizing space
Stretch Routine
Cooldown focused on lower back, shoulders, wrists, and hamstrings. Optional shooting routine to close: 25 makes from 3 spots.
Why This Practice Plan Works
This practice focuses on more than just shooting mechanics, it teaches how to get open, when to shoot, and where to be. With drills like Floppy Action, Zipper Cuts, and 3v3 One-Side, players learn to create space without the ball and knock down shots under real pressure.
Each drill ties to game concepts, relocations, off-ball screens, staggered sets, and shot decisions. By building both rhythm and reads, your team becomes more efficient, more dangerous, and more spaced offensively. It’s not just about who’s the best shooter, it’s about how they got open.
