The 5 by 2 Shooting Drill: Master Your Range and Rhythm
Great shooters don't just have range; they have the ability to switch gears instantly. The 5 by 2 Shooting drill is an essential perimeter workout designed to calibrate your touch by forcing you to alternate between static 3-point range and the dynamic mid-range game. Ideal for guards and wings, this drill builds the muscle memory required to attack a closeout and pull up with confidence, ensuring your mechanics hold up whether you are stationary or on the move.
How to Perform This Drill
- Setup: Begin at the baseline corner (spot 1 of 5). You will work your way around the arc to the opposite corner, hitting the wings and top of the key.
- Execute the 3: Catch and shoot a 3-pointer with game-speed mechanics. Focus on balance and a high release point.
- Transition: Immediately collect the rebound (or receive a pass), return to the 3-point line, simulate an attack (pump fake or rip through), and take one to two hard dribbles into a mid-range pull-up jumper.
- Rotate: Move immediately to the next spot on the perimeter (the wing) and repeat the sequence.
- Score: To complete the drill successfully, challenge yourself to make a minimum of two shots out of every five attempts, though elite players should aim to make both shots at each spot.
Why This Drill Works
In a real game, defenders run you off the 3-point line, forcing you to put the ball on the deck and score from the mid-range. This drill replicates that exact game situation, training your nervous system to adjust power output from a long-range jump shot to a touch shot off the dribble. By constantly changing distance, you prevent your shot from becoming flat and force yourself to rely on perfect fundamentals—specifically knee bend and wrist snap—rather than just rhythm repetition from a single spot.
Pro Tips
- Check your feet: On the mid-range pull-up, ensure your feet are squared to the rim before you elevate. Drifting sideways is the number one cause of missed pull-ups.
- Freeze the follow-through: Hold your follow-through until the ball hits the rim on every single shot. This ensures you aren't rushing the release or jerking your hand back.
- Simulate the catch: Don't start with the ball dead in your hands. Spin the ball to yourself or have a partner pass it to simulate a game-like catch, forcing you to step into the shot with rhythm.
- Stay low on the drive: When transitioning from the 3-point line to the mid-range, drop your hips. A high dribble allows the defense to recover; a low, explosive move creates the separation you need.