Master the Simple Quick Pick Up: The Foundation of Shooting Off the Dribble
The Simple Quick Pick Up is an essential shooting drill designed to bridge the gap between stationary form shooting and dynamic, game-speed pull-ups. Ideal for players ranging from beginners to pros, this drill isolates the critical transition from the dribble to the shot pocket. By focusing on your footwork and ball gathering mechanics close to the rim, you will develop the rhythm and balance necessary to become a lethal scorer off the bounce.
How to Perform This Drill
- Setup: Position yourself 3 to 4 feet away from the basket, directly in front of the rim or at a 45-degree angle. Adopt a balanced, athletic stance with your knees bent and chest up.
- Initiate: Take a hard, aggressive dribble directly in front of your body. The ball should hit the floor with force to ensure a quick return to your hand.
- Execute the Jump Stop: As the ball rises from the bounce, perform a quick, controlled jump stop. Both feet should hit the floor simultaneously, landing shoulder-width apart and perfectly square to the basket.
- Gather: Time your gather so the ball snaps into your shooting pocket at the exact moment your feet hit the floor. This synchronization is the key to energy transfer.
- Shoot: Explode upward immediately upon landing—do not pause. Follow through with a high release and hold your follow-through until the ball hits the floor.
- Reset: Retrieve your rebound and reset at the starting spot. Focus on quality reps over speed initially.
Why This Drill Works
In a real game, open windows close in a split second; the speed at which you can go from a live dribble to a release often determines if you get the shot off or get blocked. This drill works because it programs the "kinetic chain"—teaching your body to harness energy from the floor, through your legs, and into the ball efficiently. By practicing the gather and footwork in a controlled environment, you eliminate wasted motion, resulting in a faster release and significantly improved shooting percentages when under defensive pressure.
Pro Tips
- Find the Seams: Work on manipulating the ball during the gather so your fingers find the seams instantly. A good grip leads to consistent rotation and a softer touch on the rim.
- Stick the Landing: Focus on vertical balance. You should land in the exact same spot you jumped from. Drifting forward, backward, or sideways indicates a lack of core stability.
- Eyes on Target: Locate the rim early. Your eyes should be locked on your target (front of the rim or back of the rim) before you even pick up the ball.
- One Fluid Motion: Avoid "hitching" or pausing after the catch. The energy from your jump stop should flow directly into your jump shot without a break in momentum.