Master the Inside Foot Curl: Dynamic Shooting Warm Up 3
Great shooters don't just stand still; they hunt their shots through movement. This drill transforms your standard warm-up into a high-level skill session, focusing specifically on the "Inside Foot Curl" at the elbow. It is designed for players of all positions who want to master the art of shooting off the catch, combining precise footwork with game-speed agility to simulate coming off screens.
How to Perform This Drill
- Setup: Start underneath the basket with a rebounder, or self-toss the ball if you are training solo.
- Sprint: Explode out from the paint, curling tightly around the lane line towards the elbow area.
- Plant: As you prepare to catch the ball, firmly plant your inside foot (the foot closest to the paint) first to establish your pivot point.
- Square Up: Swing your outside foot around quickly to align your shoulders and hips with the rim, ensuring you are balanced before you elevate.
- Execute: Rise straight up into your jump shot with a fluid motion, focusing on a high release point.
- Reset: Immediately rebound your make or miss, then sprint to the opposite elbow to repeat the action on the other side.
Why This Drill Works
In a real game, you rarely get open shots while standing still. This drill forces you to master the specific footwork required to curl off pin-down screens or hand-offs effectively. By focusing on the inside foot pivot, you learn to control your horizontal momentum and convert it into vertical lift. This prevents you from drifting sideways on your shot, which is the number one cause of inconsistency for shooters moving at game speed.
Pro Tips
- Stay low: Approach the catch with your knees bent and hips loaded; if you catch the ball standing tall, you waste valuable time dipping down to generate power.
- Show your hands: Give your passer a clear target early to ensure the ball hits your shooting pocket, allowing for a quicker, smoother release.
- Stick the landing: Focus on landing in the same spot you jumped from to ensure your balance is perfect and you aren't fading away unnecessarily.
- Eyes on the rim: Locate the rim with your eyes before you even catch the ball to improve your spatial awareness and targeting speed.