5 Best In-Season Shooting Tips for Youth Basketball Players
The basketball season is here—and whether you’re a middle school or high school player, your games are just around the corner. You’ve put in the work all off-season, and now it’s time to perform.
But here’s the truth: no matter how well you prepared, staying sharp during the season requires consistent habits—especially when it comes to shooting.
At Pro Skills Basketball, we believe shooting is a skill that can—and should—be maintained and even improved throughout the season. These 5 in-season shooting tips are simple, low-impact, and proven to help players stay confident and effective when it matters most.
🏀 Pro Tip: If you didn’t train properly during the off-season, these tips can still help—but they’re most effective when built on a strong foundation.
1. Do Daily Form Shooting
If there’s one thing every player should do every single day—it’s form shooting.
Form shooting is a low-intensity drill that sharpens your mechanics without wearing you down. It reinforces muscle memory, builds shooting confidence, and helps prevent bad habits from creeping in.
You don’t need a ton of space or gear—just a hoop and a ball. Start up close, focus on your wrist snap, follow-through, and balance, and build out from there.
🎥 Want to learn how to do form shooting the right way?
Watch our video from the PSB Ultimate Shooting Guide on YouTube to get started.
Why it works:
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Low physical toll, high mental return
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Reinforces consistent mechanics
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Prevents overuse injuries
2. Make 100 Free Throws Every Day
Free throws win games—and they’re often the first thing to go when players get busy. Don’t let that be you.
After form shooting, step back and lock in 100 made free throws every day. Focus on applying the same technique you used during form shooting—routine, rhythm, follow-through.
This consistent repetition will build confidence and carry over into tight game moments.
Why it works:
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Builds mental toughness
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Improves shooting rhythm
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Helps you win close games
💡 You can even shoot free throws in your school clothes—just find a hoop and make the most of your time.
3. Get Up Game-Like Shots at Game Speed
While recovery is crucial in-season, you still need to maintain your ability to shoot at full speed.
That’s why we recommend short, high-intensity shooting sessions 3–4 times a week. For just 10–15 minutes, go hard. Get up game-like shots—coming off screens, pulling up in transition, catch-and-shoot from the corner.
This keeps your body and brain in sync when it’s time to fire in a real game.
Why it works:
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Maintains shooting rhythm at game pace
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Builds confidence through repetition
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Prepares you for in-game intensity
🎯 Remember: the goal isn’t conditioning—it’s precision and rhythm.
4. Don’t Waste Practice Reps
Every rep in practice is a chance to get better.
Too many players coast through drills or take warm-up shots without focus. But every layup line, shooting drill, or team scrimmage is an opportunity to work on your shot under realistic conditions.
Treat practice like preparation for the real thing. If you lock in during team practices, you’ll need less time on your own to stay sharp.
Why it works:
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Builds good habits through repetition
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Increases your shooting opportunities during games
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Maximizes your development without overtraining
✅ Make your minutes count—your future self (and your coach) will thank you.
5. Stay Confident Through Highs and Lows
Every player has off nights. Shots won’t always fall. But what separates good shooters from great ones is mindset.
Confidence comes from preparation—and staying mentally tough through slumps is what allows shooters to bounce back quickly.
Whether you’re in a rhythm or in a rut, trust your work. Keep your head up, maintain positive body language, and always believe: the next shot is going in.
Why it works:
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Keeps your focus on the next play, not the last mistake
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Helps you stay valuable to your team in all situations
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Reinforces your training and mental strength
🧠 Mental toughness is your superpower during the grind of the season.
Final Thoughts
In-season success doesn’t come from flashy workouts or highlight plays—it comes from daily commitment to simple habits. At Pro Skills Basketball, we’ve seen hundreds of players improve their shooting mid-season by sticking to these tips.
Whether you’re trying to earn more minutes, become your team’s go-to shooter, or just become more confident on the court, these 5 in-season shooting tips will help you stay sharp, efficient, and confident.
Ready to take the next step in your child’s basketball journey?
Pro Skills Basketball offers Club Teams, Camps, Clinics, and Academies in 25+ cities across the U.S.
👉 Find your city and sign up today to join a program focused on real development, experienced coaches, and a culture that puts players first.
📩 Contact us at admin@proskillsbasketball.com
📞 Call us at 866-996-3888
