Drill: Backstep Cross Throughs and Shoot

Video Credits: The athlete in this video is the awesome Amanda Bennett. Follow Amanda on Instagram: @AmandaBennett_42, TikTok: @AmandaBennett_42 or YouTube

Coaching Objective

Skill Level: Advanced, Skill Development: Handles & Shooting. This drill combines ball handling and shooting. The drill will challenge you to score and if you miss a shot you need to start the drill again. You will have mastered this drill when you can step backwards and cross the ball through your legs quickly and shoot 5 shots in a row without missing.

Drill Instruction

  1. Starting from underneath the basket facing the baseline, take a single backward step while also crossing the ball through your legs and then shoot.
  2. If you miss the shot then collect the ball and repeat step 1.
  3. If you scored in step 1 then collect the ball and starting from underneath the basket facing the baseline, take two backward steps while crossing the ball through your legs and then shoot.
  4. If you miss the shot then go back to step 1, else if you scored then collect the ball and starting from underneath the basket facing the baseline, take three backward steps while crossing the ball through your legs and then shoot.
  5. If you miss the shot then go back to step 1, else if you scored then collect the ball and starting from underneath the basket facing the baseline, take four backward steps while crossing the ball through your legs and then shoot.
  6. If you miss the shot then go back to step 1, else if you scored then collect the ball and starting from underneath the basket facing the baseline, take five backward steps while crossing the ball through your legs and then shoot.
  7. The drill finishes when you can shoot 5 shots in a row with no misses.

Coaching Message

  1. Take your backward steps quickly and on your last step, quickly balance and shoot. You want to try and gain balance off the last step and put the shot up fast. Aim for game speed.
  2. When stepping backwards, keep your eyes up and watch the basket.
  3. CHALLENGE YOURSELF: Try shooting more than 5 shots in a row.
  4. Master your ball control and shooting…..Be Awesome!

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