The NBA 3-Point Challenge: Elite Shooting Consistency
Shooting the three-ball consistently is non-negotiable in modern basketball, and this drill is the gold standard for measuring perimeter accuracy. The NBA 3-Point Challenge is a high-volume shooting drill designed for guards and wings who want to replicate professional-level consistency and range. By simulating the classic All-Star contest format, you build the specific muscle memory and mental focus required to stretch the floor and become a reliable threat from deep.
How to Perform This Drill
- Setup: Identify the five standard perimeter spots on the court: left corner, left wing, top of the key, right wing, and right corner. Ideally, use a rebounder or a shooting machine to maximize efficiency.
- Anchor: Start at the first corner. Establish a wide, balanced base with your knees bent, ready to shoot before the ball even touches your hands.
- Execute: Take five consecutive shots from this spot. Focus on replicating your mechanics perfectly—same dip, same set point, and same release—on every single repetition.
- Rotate: Immediately jog or sprint to the next spot (the wing) and repeat the five-shot sequence. Continue this pattern around the arc until you have attempted five shots from all five locations.
- Track: Tally your total makes out of 25 attempts. To play at the next level, aim for 15 makes (60%); elite shooters should target 20 makes (80%) or higher.
Why This Drill Works
This drill strips away defensive pressure to isolate your shooting mechanics under the microscope of volume repetition. By taking multiple shots from the same spot, you develop "groove shooting"—the ability to find a rhythmic flow and lock in your release point. Furthermore, it trains your mental endurance; the 25th shot requires the same focus and lift as the first, simulating the "tired legs" factor you will face late in the fourth quarter when your team needs a clutch bucket.
Pro Tips
- Stick the Landing: Avoid drifting sideways or fading back. Hold your follow-through high and land on two feet in the same spot you jumped from to ensure perfect alignment.
- Snap the Elbow: On your release, ensure your elbow locks out above your eye line. A short-armed shot is a missed shot; extend fully to get the necessary arc.
- Elevate Heart Rate: Don't walk between spots. Sprinting to the next location mimics game-speed transition and forces you to control your breathing while shooting.
- Amnesia: If you miss three in a row, don't change your form. Trust your training. The next shot is the only one that matters.
