Shooting Drills from the University of New Mexico’s Women’s Basketball [ARTICLE]

Shooting Drills from the University of New Mexico's

Women's Basketball

By: Michael Coleman

Yvonne Sanchez, coach of the University of New Mexico women's basketball team, emphasizes proper footwork at all times. That's why she has her players perform shooting drills that require them to be fundamentally sound. Sanchez says, "You have to put in countless hours beyond practice to be an above average shooter." Try these Sanchez-approved drills and watch your shooting percentage improve on the court.

1-Hand Form Shooting

Stand 5 to 7 feet away from the basket with your feet shoulder-width apart
Shoot with one hand, releasing the ball at the top of your jump
Keep your follow through smooth and consistent
Spend five to 10 minutes working on this drill

Around the Arc

Stand 7 to 10 feet from the basket
Work on the "catch and shoot," receiving a pass from a teammate, pivoting toward the basket and taking the shot
Shoot from the baseline, wing, and top of the key
Step to the ball or use a two-foot hop step
Try to make five shots at each spot

Dribble and Shoot

Start behind the 3-point line
Shoot from the baseline, wing, elbow and top of the key
Practice dribbling with your right hand as you make an explosive step with your left foot to seal off defenders, then shoot
Repeat the drill on the other side, switching your dribbling hand and stepping foot
Work on making the movement fluid

These drills might seem boring at times, even inane. But repetition leads to improvement, which can lead to bigger things—like the chance to play for a coach like Sanchez one day. "Remember, it is a wonderful opportunity to play college basketball," Sanchez says. "You're continuing to do what you love."