While it’s essential to focus on the right principles for skill development, it’s equally important to recognize common mistakes that can derail progress. In this lesson, we’ll outline several key things to avoid when designing and implementing basketball shooting practices.

Drills Without Purpose

One of the most common pitfalls in skill training is using drills that lack a clear purpose. Every drill should be connected to either a specific game situation, a specific habit, or ideally both. Running through drills just for the sake of repetition—without considering how they translate to game scenarios—can result in players who are technically sound but unable to perform under pressure. Always ask yourself: “How does this drill relate to what the player needs in a game?”

For example, practicing catch-and-shoot shots without simulating game-like defensive pressure or decision-making can lead to players who struggle to adapt when defenders are closing in. Drills should be designed to reinforce both key habits and game-relevant scenarios.

No Accountability to a Habit

Another major mistake is claiming to work on a habit (e.g., improving shooting form or footwork) but not holding players accountable. If the goal is to develop a specific habit, practice should be designed to explore that movement fully. Often, players will revert back to their old habits, especially when fatigue or game-like intensity is introduced, so it’s critical to provide consistent feedback and monitor their progress closely.

If a player says they are working on a habit, ensure that every drill includes opportunities to reinforce that habit. Encourage reflection, and don’t allow players to slip back into old behaviors without recognizing and correcting it.

Block or Constant Practice

Block practice, or the repetition of the same skill in the same situation without any variation, is one of the most counterproductive ways to practice for game performance. While block practice can help a player feel comfortable in controlled settings, it rarely leads to adaptability in real-world conditions, where no two situations are exactly the same.

Instead, practice should include variability that forces players to adapt and problem-solve. Incorporate elements like different spots on the floor, changing defenders, and game-speed conditions to ensure players are learning to adjust.

Coach-Led Approach

In a traditional coach-led approach, the coach dictates exactly what the player does at all times. While this can provide structure, it also reduces the opportunity for players to learn how to self-regulate and problem-solve. Over-reliance on coach instruction can leave players unable to make necessary adjustments on their own in a game.

In contrast, the Player-Led Approach emphasizes player autonomy, encouraging players to make decisions and adjustments themselves. Coaches should focus on guiding and questioning rather than micromanaging every movement. This balance empowers players to take control of their own development.

Practicing Outside the Challenge Point

Practicing either too far above or below a player’s challenge point consistently can hinder progress. If a drill is too difficult, players will become frustrated and learn less effectively. If it’s too easy, they won’t be pushed to improve. The key is to find the sweet spot where players are challenged but still able to experience success.

Use the Challenge Point Principle to ensure drills are designed at an appropriate difficulty level. When practicing at the right challenge point, players will experience around 50-70% success—enough difficulty to push growth but enough success to maintain motivation and learning.

Lack of Reflection and Feedback

Without consistent reflection and feedback, players can lose the opportunity for meaningful learning. This can happen when players go through repetitive drills without reflecting on what went well or what needs improvement. Coaches and players should engage in regular reflection after each practice session by asking questions like, “What worked well? What could be improved next time?”

Even when using a Player-Led Approach, this reflection should be present to ensure players are learning from each repetition and exploring their improvements through trial and error. Without reflection, practice becomes mechanical, and learning becomes shallow.

Overemphasis on Perfect Technique

Focusing too heavily on perfecting form can limit adaptability. In game conditions, where variables are constantly changing, rigid technique can often become ineffective. While good form is important, the concept of Repetition without Repetition tells us that no two shots are ever the same, and adaptability is key. Players should be encouraged to experiment and find effective shooting solutions, rather than fixating on replicating a "perfect" form in every situation.

Players will be more successful if they are effective and adaptable, not just mechanically perfect.

Neglecting Variability in Skill Development

Failing to incorporate enough variability in shooting drills is another common issue. As outlined in both the Constraint-Led Approach and Ecological Dynamics Approach, creating varied, game-like scenarios helps players become adaptive and flexible shooters. Relying too much on drills that repeat the same motion without adjusting for different game pressures will limit players’ ability to respond dynamically.

Practices should challenge players to shoot under a variety of conditions—different locations on the floor, defensive pressure, and even fatigue. This will help them develop the ability to succeed in game scenarios where conditions are constantly changing.

Task Decomposition

Another common mistake is breaking down the shot into too many isolated pieces, a process called Task Decomposition. For example, coaches may have players sit in a chair to focus only on the upper body shooting motion, or isolate other parts of the shot by repeating the early parts of the motion without shooting at a rim. While it can be tempting to break the shot into smaller components, this approach can cause players to lose sight of the whole movement, which is dynamic and integrated.

Shooting is a complex, coordinated action that involves the entire body, and breaking it into isolated tasks can hinder a player’s ability to create a smooth, fluid shot under game conditions. While some decomposition can be helpful in rare cases, players should practice the shot in its entirety as much as possible, building adaptability and control across all phases of the movement.