Turn Shots

This drill trains turning as you receive the ball so that you take your shot with your upper body facing the basket, with your feet positioned so your body isn't twisted. In the animation, the direction indicators represent the direction the body is facing, not where the player is looking - which should always be at the ball.

It is important to remember that the goal is not to take match realistic shots, but simply to practice turning, and getting the body completely straight facing the post.

The animation shows each player shooting from a different position. In practice, it is better to get all the players to shoot from the first position (with the smallest turn) then gradually progress the whole post to more difficult turns.

Set up with an assist player and a rebounder at the post. The first shooter starts in front of the post, and other players queue behind the post.

1. The shooter makes a sideways movement and receives the ball directly in front of the post. The direction of the shot is at a 90 angle to the direction of their movement.
2. The shooter makes sure that they catch the ball while turning, so that they take the shot exactly facing the post. The player should prioritise getting the necessary footwork and balance right, before focussing on scoring.
3. After shooting, the shooter joins the back of the queue, the rebounder steps into the assist position, and the assist player comes out to take the next shot.
4. After all the players have had a chance to shoot from the first position, and are turning well, let the shooters begin their movement from the second position so they have a larger turn as they receive the ball.
5. Gradually progress to the more difficult starting positions. If individual players are struggling, they should stay on an easier start position until they are comfortable making the turn.