Top Shooting and Ball Handling Tips for Youth Basketball Players
Getting better at basketball doesn’t require fancy gyms or high-level trainers—it starts with consistent, focused effort. At Pro Skills Basketball, we’re all about helping players improve through accessible, actionable tips.
Over the past year, we’ve shared dozens of short-form videos on Instagram Reels and TikTok with quick drills and tips to level up your game. Whether it’s shooting, ball handling, or confidence on the court, our goal is to equip you with simple habits that lead to big-time growth.
In this blog, we’ve taken some of our most popular video tips and added deeper coaching insight. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, these tips will help you train smarter and improve faster.
SHOOTING TIPS FOR YOUTH BASKETBALL PLAYERS
4 Shooting Fundamentals to Improve Your Jump Shot
1. Loaded Shooting Wrist Always keep your shooting wrist loaded—meaning behind and under the ball—as you rise into your shot. A loaded wrist gives the ball lift and arc. If the wrist is flat or on top, your shot will likely come out flat.
2. Shot Pocket Your “shot pocket” is where you consistently bring the ball before shooting—usually in front of your dominant hip. Repeating this habit leads to a quicker and more consistent release.
3. Shooting Elbow Under the Ball A natural result of steps 1 and 2 is getting your elbow directly under the basketball. This helps you generate lift and a smooth, vertical shot path.
4. High Follow-Through Your shot isn’t complete until you finish your follow-through—wrist flicked, elbow up, and hand “in the cookie jar.” Hold this position high and long enough to feel balanced and aligned.
Elbow Over Nose One simple way to self-check your form: Is your elbow above your nose when you finish your shot? This indicator ensures you’re getting the arc and elevation needed for a soft, high-percentage shot.
3 Tips to Be an Elite Shooter
1. Move Without the Ball Great shooters like Steph Curry don’t just shoot well—they’re experts at moving to get open. Set screens, make sharp cuts, and stay active to create scoring opportunities.
2. Master Footwork Your feet are the foundation of your shot. Practice your footwork every day—catch-and-shoot, one-two steps, hop steps—until it’s automatic.
3. Hold Your Follow-Through Until It Hits the Rim Don’t rush your form. Train your muscle memory by holding your follow-through until the ball touches the rim. It’ll help with accuracy, balance, and confidence.
5 In-Season Shooting Tips
During the season, players often lose shooting rhythm because of fatigue or lack of time. Here are 5 quick ways to stay sharp.
1. Form Shooting Every Day Start every practice or warmup with form shots close to the rim. These low-effort reps help you lock in your mechanics.
2. Game-Like Reps in Short Bursts Train with speed and intensity that mirrors game play. Short, high-intensity reps simulate real situations and build in-game confidence.
3. Make 100 Free Throws Daily Free throws are free points. Build routine and muscle memory by shooting 100 a day—consistency is key.
4. Don’t Waste Reps Every shot you take is either helping you get better—or reinforcing bad habits. Focus during workouts and reps will compound over time.
5. Stay Confident Confidence comes from preparation. If you’ve put in the work, trust yourself in games. Confidence can be your greatest weapon as a shooter.
BALL HANDLING TIPS FOR YOUTH BASKETBALL
7 Ways to Improve Your Handle
1. Dribble Every Day Repetition is king. Build fingertip control by dribbling daily. Make it part of your warmup or post-practice routine.
2. Focus on Your Weak Hand Balance your skills by putting extra work into your non-dominant hand. Use it during drills, warmups, and games to become a complete player.
3. Build Lower Body Strength Strong legs = better balance and control. Squats, lunges, and resistance drills help you stay grounded and explosive.
4. Study Great Ball Handlers Watch how elite guards like Kyrie Irving or Chris Paul protect the ball, change pace, and use their bodies. You’ll learn that body control is just as important as fancy moves.
5. Eyes Up at All Times Train yourself to dribble with your eyes up. This lets you read the floor, see defenders, and make better decisions during games.
6. Strengthen Your Core A strong core helps you absorb contact and stay upright under pressure. Add simple exercises like planks or sit-ups to your daily routine.
7. Don’t Be Afraid to Fail Real growth happens outside your comfort zone. Mess up, fall, lose the ball—and get right back to it. Mistakes are part of mastery.
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.
