College 3-Pointers (5 from 5): The Benchmark for Perimeter Consistency
This is the quintessential benchmark drill for any player serious about extending their range to the next level. The College 3-Pointers (5 from 5) is a high-volume shooting drill designed to test your range, endurance, and mechanical consistency across the five fundamental spacing spots on the floor. It doesn't just measure your ability to make a single shot; it provides the raw data you need to analyze your efficiency and repeat your stroke under the pressure of a score.
How to Perform This Drill
- Position: Start at the left corner, setting your feet behind the college 3-point line (20 feet, 9 inches).
- Fire: Take five shots from this location. If you have a rebounder, focus on catch-and-shoot mechanics; if you are training solo, spin the ball to yourself to simulate a pass.
- Rotate: Move to the next spot around the arc: left wing, top of the key, right wing, and finally the right corner.
- Repeat: Execute five shots at each of the remaining four spots for a total volume of 25 attempts.
- Track: Record your total makes out of 25 immediately after the final shot to establish your baseline.
Why This Drill Works
Shooting is built on the foundation of repetition and muscle memory, and this drill utilizes "block practice" to groove your shot mechanics at specific floor angles. By forcing you to shoot five times from the same spot, you can make micro-adjustments to your arc and release point in real-time before moving to a new angle. This replicates the spacing used in almost every modern offense, ensuring you are comfortable shooting from the corners, wings, and top during high-pressure drive-and-kick situations.
Pro Tips
- Stick the Landing: Land in the same spot you jumped from (or slightly forward) to ensure vertical balance and consistent energy transfer from your legs to your wrist.
- Lock Your Elbow: Keep your shooting elbow tucked and aligned with the rim on every repetition; a "chicken wing" or flying elbow creates inconsistent side-to-side misses.
- Speed Up the Pick-Up: As you get comfortable, focus on getting the ball into your "shot pocket" faster to simulate a closing defender.
- Chart Your Numbers: Elite shooters aim for 20/25 (80%) in practice. Don't just guess your percentage—write it down to force accountability and track your trend line.
