The Corner Drift: Develop Lethal Accuracy from Deep
This drill is a staple for any perimeter player looking to punish defenses in transition. The Corner Drift simulates the specific momentum of sprinting the floor and settling into the corner—one of the highest-value shots in modern basketball. By mastering this movement, you learn to control your deceleration and body balance, turning a chaotic fast break into a rhythmic catch-and-shoot opportunity.
How to Perform This Drill
- Setup: Start at the sideline where the half-court line meets the out-of-bounds line. Have a partner or coach station themselves at the top of the key with the ball.
- Sprint: Explode down the sideline toward the deep corner. You must run at game speed—simulating a fast break—to get the full benefit of the momentum shift.
- Drift: As you approach the three-point line, shorten your stride to decelerate. "Drift" your body slightly toward the baseline to create separation and align your hips with the rim.
- Catch: Present your hands as a target early. Receive the pass as your feet set, ensuring a seamless transfer into your shooting pocket without dipping the ball.
- Execute: Rise straight up, transferring your horizontal momentum into vertical lift, and release the shot at the apex of your jump.
- Reset: Chase your rebound, pass back to your partner, and sprint back to half-court to immediately repeat the rep.
Why This Drill Works
Shooting a stationary jumper is easy; shooting while your body is moving at full speed is what separates good shooters from elite ones. The Corner Drift is effective because it forces you to master "momentum transfer"—the ability to instantly stop your horizontal speed and convert it into vertical power. This drill trains your nervous system to handle the physical force of deceleration while maintaining the soft touch and core stability required for accuracy, replicating the exact pressure of a game-time transition three.
Pro Tips
- Chop Your Feet: As you near the shooting spot, take quick, choppy steps rather than long strides. This lowers your center of gravity and allows you to stop on a dime without traveling or losing balance.
- Find the Line: Develop your spatial awareness. You want to drift as deep into the corner as possible to stretch the defense, but you must learn to feel the sideline and baseline without looking down.
- Ten Toes to Rim: On the catch, ensure your feet and hips are squared to the basket. A common mistake is leaving the hips open toward the passer, which causes the shot to miss left or right.
- Call for the Ball: Use your voice. Yelling "Corner!" or "Ball!" not only alerts your point guard but also helps you rhythmically time your breathing for the shot.