Mastering Shooting & Footwork with Crazy 8’s: A High-Energy, High-Repetition Basketball Shooting & Footwork Drill

If you’re looking for a basketball shooting and footwork drill that brings energy, game-like movement, and maximum reps—you’ll love this one.

It’s called Crazy 8’s.

I first saw this in a gym packed with 40 athletes, every hoop full, and nearly every player with a basketball in hand. Six baskets. Organized chaos. But it worked—because the drill is structured, clear, and competitive.

Whether you have a small gym or a full-sized facility, this drill scales. You just need players who are willing to sprint, spin, and shoot with purpose.

Speaking of shooting with purpose, here are more shooting drills you may want to check out after you check out the Crazy 8’s basketball shooting drill…

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
4. 7-Spot ‘Huie’ Shooting Drill to Build Rhythm and Confidence

How This Basketball Shooting and Footwork Drill Works

This basketball shooting and footwork drill is broken down into 4 sets of 8 makes, each progressing in skill and movement:

1. Catch-and-Shoot with 1-2 Footwork

• Players spin the ball to themselves, sprint into the catch, and shoot off a controlled 1-2 step.
• Make 8 as a group before moving on.

2. Three-Point Shots

• Same format—players spin and shoot from beyond the arc.
• Again, 8 shots is the target.

3. Shot Fake + 2-Dribble Baseline Pull-Up

• Add the decision-making layer with a shot fake and two hard dribbles to the baseline for a mid-range jumper.

4. Shot Fake + 2-Dribble Middle Pull-Up

• Last progression: shot fake, two dribbles middle, and rise for the finish

If your players complete all four sets, you can advance them to the slot and repeat the series from a new angle.

Coaches–Here are Your Points of Emphasis

1. Footwork and Finish Matter.

This part of the drill focuses on the player staying balanced, under control, and consistent. And we’re exaggerating the follow-through, freezing that wrist until the ball hits the net.

2. Simulate Game Speed and Movement.

Too many players start running before they pass or spin the ball. Teach them to pause—let the ball hit the floor—and then sprint into it.

3. Play from Low to High.

Another key to this drill is teaching players to catch low–engaging their legs and creating an explosive base.

4. Use Your Eyes.

We teach our players to “peek at the rim” immediately—not a half second late. Eyes to the rim creates better fakes and opens up decision-making opportunities.

Why Coaches Love This Drill

This basketball shooting and footwork drill…

• …Allows for high reps without sacrificing technique
• …Is easily adaptable for youth, high school, or elite players
• …Integrates shooting, footwork, decision-making, and pace
• …Encourages vocal leadership and team connection during reps

And the best part? Your players love it. There’s a natural energy when the ball is flying, teammates are counting makes, and the gym is alive.

Watch the Crazy 8’s: A High-Energy, High-Repetition Basketball Shooting and Footwork Drill Video

Want to see this basketball shooting and footwork drill in action? Watch the full drill breakdown here:

FAQ: Crazy 8’s Basketball Shooting and Footwork Drill for Game-Ready Skill Building

Q: What is the purpose of the Crazy 8’s basketball shooting drill?

A: The Crazy 8’s drill is designed to build rhythm shooting, sharp footwork, and decision-making at game speed. It progresses through four layers of movement—from catch-and-shoot to shot fake + two-dribble pull-ups—emphasizing proper mechanics and pace. It combines volume reps with intentional technique, making it a powerful all-in-one drill.

Run all four levels in progression to maximize shooting variety and movement training.

Q: How many players can participate in Crazy 8’s at once?

A: One of the drill’s biggest strengths is its scalability. It can work for 2 players or 40+. Whether in a small gym or full facility, each player can have a ball and space to work. You can run it:

• With 1–2 players per hoop
• In staggered starts
• With different progressions at different baskets

It’s designed for high energy and maximum reps without chaos.

Organize hoops by group level and rotate players to manage gym space effectively.

Q: What footwork should players focus on in this drill?

A: Each phase of Crazy 8’s emphasizes 1-2 footwork or a controlled hop into the shot. Coaches should cue:

• Balanced landings
• Staying low on catches
• Exploding from the hips
• Freezing the follow-through

Proper footwork sets the foundation for shot consistency and movement balance.

Coach every shot with attention to setup, balance, and clean footwork transitions.

Q: How do you teach players to simulate game pace?

A: The key is teaching players to pause briefly before sprinting into their spin or catch—just like reacting to a pass in a game. Encourage them to:

• Let the ball bounce
• Sprint into the catch with intent
• Avoid rushing or floating into shots

Simulating catch timing and movement bursts helps train game-speed mechanics.

Use video feedback to show players what real game speed and transitions look like.

Q: How do you keep players engaged and focused in this drill?

A: Create team accountability by:

• Counting group makes out loud
• Setting time or make-based goals
• Rotating vocal leaders to guide energy

The structure of 8-make blocks keeps reps short and focused, while the progression keeps things dynamic and mentally sharp.

Track team makes and rotate leaders to build ownership and communication.

Q: Can I use this drill for youth or beginner players?

A: Yes. Crazy 8’s is fully adaptable for any skill level. You can:

• Move spots closer for younger players
• Reduce progressions (e.g., use only 2–3 phases)
• Slow down the pace while emphasizing footwork and technique

The format stays the same, but the intensity adjusts to match player readiness.

Start with catch-and-shoot and add progressions as players build confidence.

Q: What are the coaching points for the shot fake and pull-up progressions?

A: In both the baseline and middle pull-up phases, players should:

• Sell the shot fake with eyes and shoulders
• Use two hard dribbles
• Stay on balance through the rise
• Snap the follow-through and hold

This helps players build habits that translate into game situations like attacking closeouts.

Use the shot fake section to emphasize control, spacing, and smart decision-making.

Q: How often should I run the Crazy 8’s drill?

A: You can run it 2–3 times per week as a skill block, warm-up, or competitive finisher. It’s especially effective when:

• Integrated into player development sessions
• Used early in practice to create rhythm and energy
• Rotated through stations during camp or workouts

The built-in intensity makes it perfect for ongoing repetition.

Use Crazy 8’s to build tempo and momentum early in your practice plans.

Q: How do I advance this drill for elite players?

A: You can increase difficulty by:

• Adding shot challenges (e.g., 3 of 4 makes before moving on)
• Extending range (NBA 3s, off-move threes)
• Using guided defense during pull-up phases
• Timing each progression to increase pace and pressure

Elite players benefit from competitive constraints and tempo-based layers.

Add live defenders or timed scoring to simulate in-game pressure more realistically.

Q: Where can I find more drills that combine shooting, footwork, and decision-making?

A: You can find hundreds of shooting and footwork progressions—plus video demos, seasonal workout plans, and coaching insights—in the PGC Coaching Community. With a free 7-day trial, you’ll access the same tools used by top coaches to develop game-ready players. It’s a one-stop resource for teaching smarter skill development.

Start your free trial of the PGC Coaching Community today and unlock advanced drills like Crazy 8’s and beyond.

Final Thought

If you want players who can shoot in rhythm, attack off the catch, and play with pace, Crazy 8’s should be in your practice rotation.

And if you want your whole team making better decisions and building habits that transfer to games—it starts with a ball, a hoop, and a clear standard.

—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.”