How to Become a Basketball Sniper: 7 Shooting Drills for Perfect Accuracy

I remember watching Team Mellis incredible comeback against all odds, trailing by 21 points late in the first half before completing that improbable victory. That game taught me something fundamental about basketball - it's never just about raw power or athleticism, but about precision under pressure. The true game-changers are those players who can deliver perfect accuracy when everything is on the line, what we in the basketball world call "snipers." Having trained with several professional shooting coaches over the years, I've come to understand that becoming a lethal shooter requires more than just taking hundreds of random shots during practice. It demands structured, intentional drills that build muscle memory and mental toughness simultaneously.

Let me share with you seven shooting drills that transformed my own accuracy from inconsistent to reliable. The first drill I always recommend is what I call the "Spot Shooting Marathon." You pick five spots around the three-point line - both corners, both wings, and the top of the key - and take 25 shots from each spot. But here's the catch: you can't move to the next spot until you make at least 20 out of 25 attempts. This drill alone improved my three-point percentage from 32% to nearly 38% over six weeks of consistent practice. The second drill focuses on movement and shooting under fatigue. I set up cones at different positions, sprint between them, receive a pass (or grab my own rebound), and immediately shoot. This mimics game conditions where you're often shooting while tired and off-balance.

The third drill is my personal favorite - the "Pressure Free Throw" routine. I challenge myself to make 10 consecutive free throws, and if I miss any, I start over from zero. Some days this takes me 15 minutes, other days it might take 45. But this mental conditioning is crucial because free throws win close games, and the pressure at the line can make or break a player's confidence. The fourth drill involves using a shooting strap to ensure proper elbow alignment and follow-through. I know some coaches debate about using training aids, but in my experience, the shooting strap helped correct my form faster than any other method. I typically use it for the first 100 shots of my practice session before removing it.

Drill five is what I call "Game Speed Shooting." Using a timer, I give myself 60 seconds to make as many shots as possible from different spots on the floor, aiming to beat my previous record each time. My current personal best is 18 made shots in 60 seconds from beyond the arc. The sixth drill focuses on off-dribble shooting. I practice step-back threes, pull-up jumpers, and crossover moves into my shot. This particular drill helped me understand how players like Stephen Curry create their own shots so effectively. The seventh and final drill is "Eyes-Closed Shooting" from close range. This might sound unconventional, but it develops incredible touch and feel for the basket. I start right under the basket and gradually move back as I become more comfortable.

What I've noticed about all these drills is that they're not just about physical repetition - they're about building what I like to call "shot memory." Your body learns exactly what a good shot feels like, so even when you're tired or under defensive pressure, your muscles remember the correct form. I typically spend about two hours daily on these drills during the off-season, breaking them down into 30-minute segments with specific focuses. The results have been remarkable - my field goal percentage increased from 41% to 47% over two seasons, and my three-point percentage saw even more dramatic improvement.

Looking at Team Mellis comeback, I can't help but think about how their shooters must have trained for those clutch moments. When you're down 21 points, every shot carries immense weight, and only those with deeply ingrained shooting fundamentals can deliver under such circumstances. That's why I'm such a strong believer in deliberate, structured practice over mindless shooting. Anyone can take 500 shots in a practice session, but without the right drills and mental approach, you're just reinforcing bad habits. The difference between a good shooter and a true sniper comes down to how they practice when nobody's watching. These seven drills have worked wonders for my game, and I've seen them transform countless other players at various levels. The key is consistency and honest self-evaluation - tracking your progress, acknowledging your weaknesses, and pushing through the frustrating days when your shot just isn't falling. Remember, even the greatest shooters have off days, but what separates them is their commitment to the process.