Master the "Welcome Shot" from the 3-Point Line Without a Warm-Up
The "Welcome Shot" is the ultimate litmus test for a shooter's mental readiness and mechanical consistency. Designed for players who want to be dangerous the moment they step on the floor, this shooting drill simulates the pressure of checking into a game cold or taking the first shot of a possession. By removing the luxury of a warm-up, we test your ability to access your muscle memory instantly.
How to Perform This Drill
- Enter: Step onto the court completely "cold"—no warm-up jogs, no form shooting, and no dribbling beforehand.
- Position: Walk directly to the 3-point line, selecting a spot where you typically receive the ball in a game (e.g., the wing or top of the key).
- Load: Spin the ball to yourself with backspin to simulate a game pass, or have a partner throw you a crisp chest pass.
- Execute: Catch the ball in your shot pocket, square your feet, and fire a game-speed 3-pointer immediately.
- Evaluate: This is a binary drill—make or miss. If you miss, perform a quick penalty (like a down-and-back sprint) to simulate the consequence of a wasted possession.
Why This Drill Works
In a real game, you don't get twenty practice shots before the tip-off or when subbing in from the bench; you are expected to perform instantly. This drill forces your nervous system to recall elite shooting mechanics immediately, bypassing the "rhythm finding" phase that most players rely on. It builds the specific psychological confidence needed to be a "spark plug" off the bench, ensuring your range and touch are calibrated from the very first second of play.
Pro Tips
- Engage your legs: Since your muscles aren't warm, you must consciously emphasize a deep knee bend and fluid energy transfer to ensure the ball doesn't fall short.
- Visualize the make: Before you even step on the court, take a mental rep. See the ball going through the net; this mental imagery primes your motor cortex before physical execution.
- Hold your follow-through: Do not rush the shot just because you are cold. Hold your follow-through until the ball hits the floor to ensure you aren't short-arming the release.
- Treat it like a game-winner: You only get one "Welcome Shot" per session. Put maximum mental pressure on this single repetition to simulate late-game anxiety.