7-Spot ‘Hubie’ Basketball Shooting Drill to Build Rhythm & Confidence

If you’re looking for a simple basketball shooting drill to get a lot of quality reps while building rhythm, confidence, and game-like focus—this is the one.

We call it the Hubie Drill, named after legendary coach Hubie Brown. The setup is straightforward, but it creates the kind of pressure that great shooters embrace.

But before we dive in, here are a few other resources you may want to check out…

1. 5 Game-Like Shooting Drills to Build Confident, Consistent Scorers
2. Basketball Shooting Drill: Mastering the ‘3 For’ Progression
3. How to Train Rhythm and Confidence with the One-Minute Basketball Shooting Drill

How This Competitive Basketball Shooting Drill Works

There are 7 spots around the arc:

• Right Corner
• Right Wing
• Right Slot (lane-line extended)
• Top of the Key
• Left Slot
• Left Wing
• Left Corner

Players have 2 minutes on the clock.
They can’t move to the next spot until they make two shots in a row.
If the player misses, they stay at that spot and keep going until they make two straight.

What’s the goal?

Get through at least six spots in two minutes.
11 spots is the best we’ve seen. That means some players went through the entire circuit and came back to repeat spots within the time limit!

Why I Love This Basketball Shooting Drill

• It builds mental toughness. Missing the first 30 seconds doesn’t matter if the player can lock in and finish strong.
• It’s one of the few basketball shooting drills that rewards rhythm shooting without punishing a single miss too harshly.
• It adapts to any level. Not ready for threes yet? No problem—this basketball shooting drill can be done at mid-range and adjusted as needed.

Use This Basketball Shooting Drill To…

• Add intensity to your shooting workouts.
• Track progress over time—how many spots did each player complete?
• Teach your players how to stay locked in, even after a rough start.

The best shooters are the most consistent—and the most confident. The Hubie Drill is more than just a basketball shooting drill—it’s a tool to build mental toughness, rhythm, and confidence.

Watch the 7-Spot ‘Hubie’ Basketball Shooting Drill Video

FAQ: 7-Spot ‘Hubie’ Basketball Shooting Drill for Rhythm, Focus, and Confidence

Q: What is the goal of the 7-Spot ‘Hubie’ Basketball Shooting Drill?

A: The goal is to complete as many of the seven shooting spots as possible in two minutes—making two consecutive shots at each spot before moving on. This format encourages focus, shooting rhythm, and the ability to recover quickly from early misses. Top players may complete all 7 spots and return to repeat some—up to 11 total.

Use this drill to create urgency and mental sharpness in shooting workouts.

Q: Why do players have to make two in a row before moving?

A: Requiring two consecutive makes rewards consistency and composure under pressure. It reinforces the rhythm needed for in-game shooting and prevents players from rushing. It also builds confidence by creating small wins and demanding mental resets after misses. This approach mimics the resilience needed during shooting slumps in games.

Challenge your players to stay locked in, even after a slow start.

Q: How should the court be set up for this drill?

A: Use seven key spots spaced around the arc:

• Right Corner
• Right Wing
• Right Slot (lane-line extended)
• Top of the Key
• Left Slot
• Left Wing
• Left Corner

You can mark each spot with cones or use standard court lines for quick setup.

Walk your players through each spot before starting to build consistency.

Q: How do I adapt the Hubie Drill for younger players or beginners?

A: Simply shift the shooting range inward to mid-range spots instead of the 3-point arc. You can also allow one make per spot if needed, or extend the time to three minutes. These small adjustments maintain the drill’s intensity without overwhelming players. Scaling ensures confidence and progress at every level.

Set level-based goals to encourage improvement without frustration.

Q: Can this drill be used for team-wide shooting competitions?

A: Absolutely. Track how many spots each player completes in two minutes, and post high scores on a leaderboard. This fosters friendly competition, motivates players to beat their personal best, and increases shooting volume with accountability. You can also group players by position or grade level for added challenge.

Use this drill weekly and log results to create a competitive shooting culture.

Q: How does this drill help with mental toughness?

A: The two-minute window adds time pressure, and the “two-in-a-row” requirement creates adversity. If players miss repeatedly at one spot, they must manage frustration and stay locked in. That’s exactly what happens during cold streaks in real games. The drill trains emotional control and the ability to bounce back quickly.

Coach players on how to respond to misses—not just how to shoot.

Q: How should players focus on footwork during this drill?

A: Players should emphasize consistent, game-like footwork—whether it’s a 1-2 step, hop, or pivot into their shot. Since the drill involves lateral movement around the arc, each reset is a chance to practice balance, rhythm, and preparation. Footwork should be intentional, not rushed.

Build in coaching points around shot preparation and balance each round.

Q: Is it better to use a rebounder or have players self-rebound?

A: Using a rebounder or passer speeds up the drill and allows players to stay locked into their rhythm. It also simulates a more realistic catch-and-shoot environment. If self-rebounding, make sure players hustle back into position quickly to maintain tempo. Both methods work—choose based on your workout structure.

Pair players as shooters and rebounders to increase tempo and feedback.

Q: How often should I include the Hubie Drill in workouts?

A: You can run the drill 2–3 times per week as part of your shooting segment. It works well:

• At the start of practice for rhythm
• Mid-practice for focus and conditioning
• As a finisher to test mental toughness

Regular reps build consistency and allow for tracked progress over time.

Log each player’s spot total weekly to reinforce long-term improvement.

Q: Where can I find more shooting drills that build rhythm and confidence?

A: You can explore a full library of game-tested shooting drills, progressions, and video breakdowns by joining the PGC Coaching Community. With a free 7-day trial, you’ll get access to exclusive drills that emphasize rhythm, game-readiness, and mental performance. It’s a valuable resource for coaches looking to deepen their skill work and player development.

Start your free trial of the PGC Coaching Community today and access hundreds of elite-level shooting drills.

Use the Hubie Drill to Build Locked-In Shooters

This drill isn’t just about getting reps—it’s about building the mindset, rhythm, and shot-making confidence that transfers directly into games. Track progress, coach intentional reps, and challenge players to stay focused under pressure.

TJ

Check out all of our offensive drills and strategy resources here.

About the Author

TJ Rosene

Coach TJ Rosene, head coach of the Emmanuel University men’s basketball team and Director of Coach Development for PGC Coaching, has spent his career shaping young athletes both on and off the court. With over 400 career wins and 12 seasons of 20+ wins, Rosene’s coaching experience is extensive and impressive. His teams have competed in six national championship games, winning three NCCAA National Championships. Under his leadership, the Lions made their NCAA Division II debut in 2018-19 and quickly captured two season titles and one tournament title, along with an appearance in the NCAA Division II Sweet 16 in 2021.

Rosene’s success expands far beyond the scoreboard. He’s been named National Coach of the Year three times and Conference Carolinas Coach of the Year twice. But for Coach Rosene, the most meaningful part of his work is the lasting impact he has on his players’ lives. As he puts it, “Coaching is a rare opportunity to shape and mold the lives of young people. It’s a privilege that I never take for granted.”