How to Train Rhythm & Confidence with the One-Minute Basketball Shooting Drill

Great shooters have one big thing in common: they’ve perfected their shooting rhythm. And as we all know, that doesn’t happen accidentally; it comes with practice.

Actually, I should say the right kind of practice—because not all shooting drills are created equal. In fact, too often, shooting workouts turn into mindless reps.

That’s where this simple, high-rep basketball shooting drill comes in.

But before we dive into the drill, here are a few other tools you might want to add to your toolkit:

1. Comfort in Chaos: Train Game-Ready Finishing Under Pressure
2. Rodman Rebound Drill for Basketball: Build Toughness & One-Handed Rebounding Skills
3. Competitive 4-on-4 Game Drill: Build Decision-Making, Shot Selection, and Defensive Grit

Alright, back to the basketball shooting drill at hand… It trains rhythm, creates urgency, and gives players a tangible target every time they step into the gym.

We call it the The 1-2-3 Basketball Shooting Drill

Here’s how it works:

• Level 1: 1 minute to make 10 shots
• Level 2: 2 minutes to make 20 shots
• Level 3: 3 minutes to make 30 shots

It’s fast-paced, catch-and-shoot, game-speed shooting with movement built in.

Start in the right corner. Whether you make or miss, you’re stepping one spot over after each shot. The goal is to hit 10 in a minute.

If you hit 10 in Level 1? You earn the right to move on to Level 2. If you fall short? Stay at Level 1 for your next round.

Why Coaches Love This Basketball Shooting Drill

• Built-in competitiveness
• Scalable for any level (Middle school to college)
• Immediate feedback loop

You can run 2–4 rounds per workout. Tailor it by adjusting time, makes, or distance. This drill simulates game-speed situations and decision-making.

One more thing—as players move spot-to-spot, make sure they’re choosing footwork intentionally. Even the best basketball shooting drill loses value without focus on footwork and balance.

If you’re looking for a simple way to inject rhythm, purpose, and accountability into your workouts, this drill is gold.

One-Minute 3-Point Basketball Shooting Video Drill for Coaches

Want to see this basketball shooting drill in action?

This isn’t just another drill—it’s a competitive tool to develop rhythm, confidence, and intentional reps.

FAQ: One-Minute Basketball Shooting Drill for Building Rhythm and Confidence

Maybe you have some thoughts and questions floating around your mind at this point (most coaches do). Check out these Q&As for ways to adapt and improve the drill:

Q: What’s the goal of the 1-2-3 Basketball Shooting Drill?

A: We’re aiming to help player develop rhythm, confidence, and urgency. Players move across five spots on the perimeter, taking game-speed catch-and-shoot shots with a goal of:

• 10 makes in 1 minute (Level 1)
• 20 in 2 minutes (Level 2)
• 30 in 3 minutes (Level 3)

It creates a competitive, high-rep shooting experience that simulates the pace and pressure of real games.

Try running Level 1 with your team and track individual scores each round.

Q: Why does this drill improve shooting rhythm?

A: The 1-2-3 Drill minimizes downtime between shots and encourages players to get into a shooting groove. By stepping to a new spot after every attempt, players develop timing, balance, and footwork consistency—critical components of a smooth release. Fast-paced movement keeps shooters engaged and focused.

Emphasize footwork and follow-through to build consistent rhythm.

Q: How can I modify the drill for younger or less experienced players?

A: You can scale the drill by:

• Using shorter distances (e.g., midrange instead of 3-point shots)
• Reducing the number of makes (e.g., 8 in 1 minute)
• Allowing rebounds instead of requiring a passer

The structure stays the same, but the goals are adjusted to challenge without overwhelming.

Set attainable benchmarks to build confidence and progression over time.

Q: Should I use a rebounder or passer in this drill?

A: Yes, a passer helps simulate game conditions and speeds up reps. It also reduces fatigue from chasing rebounds, allowing players to focus on mechanics, tempo, and footwork. If no passer is available, the drill can still be effective solo—just add a self-rebound rule with quick resets. Using a partner enhances pace and accuracy.

Pair players up during workouts to act as passers and create game-like flow.

Q: How can this drill help with in-game confidence?

A: There’s nothing like setting a goal and hitting that target that builds confidence. This drill allows players to compete against themselves. They can track their current personal best, set a goal, and drill until they reach that goal. As they improve and continue to level up, so will their confidence. Hitting a target (e.g., 10 makes in 1 minute) reinforces progress and helps players trust their mechanics under time pressure, and creates belief in game moments.

Encourage players to keep a shooting log and celebrate level achievements.

Q: Can I use this drill in pre-game warmups?

A: Absolutely. The 1-2-3 Shooting Drill is a great rhythm-builder before games. It:

• Gets players moving with tempo
• Locks in mechanics under time pressure
• Helps settle nerves through familiar reps

Use Level 1 or a shortened variation as part of your shooting warmup routine.

Integrate this drill into your pre-game prep to create shooting confidence early.

Q: What kind of footwork should players focus on during the drill?

A: Players should choose consistent, game-like footwork such as:

• 1-2 step-in
• Hop or jump stop
• Inside foot pivot into shot

Every rep should simulate real game movement—no lazy steps. Footwork sets the foundation for balance, timing, and shot consistency.

Coach footwork just as actively as shot form during the drill.

Q: How often should I use this shooting drill in workouts?

A: You can run 2–4 rounds per session depending on your goals. It works well:

• As a shooting warm-up
• Between skill blocks to reset rhythm
• To end practice with a competitive edge

Its flexibility makes it a great daily or weekly staple.

Track round scores to add accountability and chart individual progress.

Q: What variations can I add to increase difficulty?

A: Challenge advanced players by:

• Longer shot range (college/NBA 3)
• Requiring specific footwork at each spot
• Adding a shot fake or jab into the rep
• Reducing rest between rounds

Progressive layers keep the drill challenging.

Q: Where can I find more shooting drills like this?

A: Join the PGC Coaching Community—get access to elite drills, coaching videos, and expert insights. Membership includes a 7-day free trial.

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

Keep Building Confident Shooters

Pair this FAQ with the 1-2-3 Shooting Drill to help your players develop rhythm, track progress, and shoot with purpose. Confidence grows through consistent, intentional reps—and this drill delivers both.

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.”