Players Playbook- Working to Be a Good Three Point Shooter

 

When I was coaching, it was not unusual for a player to launch threes in a game that might not even hit the rim. They might be shooting only 15% from three in games but thought they should be able to keep launching up the threes. 

Shot selection is a tough topic to address with some players. The players felt like their freedom was being taken away. 

The problem often was that a player had never worked on threes in the off-season, and had never worked on shooting threes in practice. There were opportunities before and after practices, and some players came in on Sundays and would shoot on the Gun, but my 15% shooter didn’t ever come in. 

As coaches, we want players to shoot shots in games that they work on in practice, and shots they can make in practice. If a player is going to be a three point shooter, they need to invest time working on the threes. 

Since I have retired, I have heard of coaches who set up a plan to evaluate three point shooting, give players feedback about their ability, and give them motivation. Here is an example of a program….

Regular Testing

The players regularly shoot 100 threes with a rebounder- 10 in right corner, 10 at right wing, 10 at top of key, 10 at left wing, and 10 in left corner. Then they go back around so they finish shooting 100 threes. 

The goal for a player is to make 60 threes. The logic is based on the concept that a player who shoots 60% when unguarded in practice will usually shoot 25% less in games. So if a player is shooting 60% on this drill, they would be a 35% three point shooter in games. 

Shooters who can score at this level are considered to be a “Green Light,” shooter. Being a “Green Light” three point shooter meant the player could take threes in games whenever they were open. 

Shooters who make 50 threes are given the “Yellow Light.” Making 50 might predict they would be a 25% shooter in games. The “Yellow Light” shooters had the following guidelines- they can take threes but cannot miss more than two threes in a game, and they cannot shoot a three in the fourth quarter. 

Shooters who cannot make 50 are given the “Red Light”, which means they cannot shoot threes in games. 

Measurement and Motivation

The purpose of the shooting drill is to help give players feedback about their skill level, and to help motivate them to work on their shooting. If done regularly, the players may begin to want to work to reach the targets in the drill. 

Are You Serious About Becoming a 3 Point Shooter

If a player is serious about becoming a three point shooter, in the off-season they should have a plan. I would suggest the following:

100 Made 3’s Daily- 5 days per week make 100 threes. Make 20 in each corner, 20 at each wing, and 20 at the top of the key. 

Players Should Know

Being a great high school player means being a good three point shooter. 

A high school player who can’t make threes becomes a role player offensively. 

Shooting threes in a game is something players must earn.