Master Relocate Shooting: The Art of Moving Without the Ball
In modern basketball, standing still is the easiest way to be guarded. The Relocate Shooting drill is designed to transform you into a dynamic off-ball threat, focusing specifically on high-level shooting mechanics, conditioning, and footwork. This drill teaches you how to "drift" or "lift" along the perimeter to create open passing windows for your teammates, ensuring you are balanced and ready to fire the moment the ball hits your hands.
How to Perform This Drill
- Setup: Begin in the corner. Spin the ball out towards the wing to simulate a pass from a teammate.
- Relocate: Sprint out of the corner to the wing, chasing the ball down.
- Catch & Square: Execute a sharp jump stop or 1-2 footwork as you gather the ball, ensuring your feet are squared to the rim immediately.
- Shoot: Rise up for a game-speed 3-point shot with a fluid release.
- Transition: Retrieve your rebound and immediately sprint-dribble back to the wing starting point.
- Progress: Spin the ball towards the top of the key, sprint to relocate, catch, and shoot. Continue this pattern until you have made 10 total shots.
Why This Drill Works
This drill bridges the gap between static practice shooting and chaotic game environments. By forcing you to sprint before every shot, it simulates the physiological demand of a game, training your body to stabilize and control your core while fatigued. Furthermore, it ingrains the habit of "spacing the floor"—teaching you naturally to move to open space when a teammate drives, which is a fundamental concept for any elite offense.
Pro Tips
- Low Center of Gravity: Do not stand tall while relocating. Stay in a low, athletic stance as you move so you are already loaded to jump upon the catch.
- Hand Preparation: Show your target hands early. Don't wait until you arrive at the spot to get your hands ready; visualize the catch to speed up your release.
- Stick the Landing: Focus on vertical balance. Because you are moving laterally before the shot, the tendency is to drift sideways in the air. Jump straight up and land on two feet.
- Game Speed Only: The spin pass isn't a break. Sprint to the ball as if a defender is closing out on you.