Butler Bulldogs' Quick Release Shooting Drill
The Butler Bulldogs have been known to shoot the lights out. But it was a last-second tip-in that propelled the number-eight seed Bulldogs to an opening round win over Old Dominion yesterday, 60-58.
Now, last year’s NCAA tourney runner-up has a date with the number-one seed Pitt Panthers on Saturday, March 19, at 7:10 p.m. The Bulldogs will need more than one hot hand from the field to stay alive in the tourney.
Helping Butler heat up beyond the three-point arc is the Timed Shooting Drill, designed to improve footwork and agility for creating open space on the floor. Matthew Graves, Butler’s assistant coach, says, “A quick release is a total package—a player moving without the ball, creating separation, and getting his feet and hands ready to shoot.”
Timed Shooting Drill
• Place two cones 15 feet apart outside three-point arc
• Begin in center of two cones with partner standing under basket holding ball
• Start clock, then quickly sprint to right cone
• Receive pass from partner, take shot
• Immediately sprint to left cone as partner rebounds ball
• Receive pass from partner, take shot
• Sprint back to right cone; repeat pattern
• Take as many shots as possible in 30 seconds
Benefits: This simulates coming off a screen and creating separation between you and the defender. It also emphasizes getting feet set and squared up quickly, so you’re ready to shoot the rock.
Coaching Points: Get off at least 10 shots // Focus on showing hands and creating same shot each rep
Reps/Rest: 4-6 with 30 seconds rest between each rep
Adaptation: Move the cones in or out to hit up different locations on the court, but always maintain 15 feet of separation between them.
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Butler Bulldogs' Quick Release Shooting Drill
The Butler Bulldogs have been known to shoot the lights out. But it was a last-second tip-in that propelled the number-eight seed Bulldogs to an opening round win over Old Dominion yesterday, 60-58.
Now, last year’s NCAA tourney runner-up has a date with the number-one seed Pitt Panthers on Saturday, March 19, at 7:10 p.m. The Bulldogs will need more than one hot hand from the field to stay alive in the tourney.
Helping Butler heat up beyond the three-point arc is the Timed Shooting Drill, designed to improve footwork and agility for creating open space on the floor. Matthew Graves, Butler’s assistant coach, says, “A quick release is a total package—a player moving without the ball, creating separation, and getting his feet and hands ready to shoot.”
Timed Shooting Drill
• Place two cones 15 feet apart outside three-point arc
• Begin in center of two cones with partner standing under basket holding ball
• Start clock, then quickly sprint to right cone
• Receive pass from partner, take shot
• Immediately sprint to left cone as partner rebounds ball
• Receive pass from partner, take shot
• Sprint back to right cone; repeat pattern
• Take as many shots as possible in 30 seconds
Benefits: This simulates coming off a screen and creating separation between you and the defender. It also emphasizes getting feet set and squared up quickly, so you’re ready to shoot the rock.
Coaching Points: Get off at least 10 shots // Focus on showing hands and creating same shot each rep
Reps/Rest: 4-6 with 30 seconds rest between each rep
Adaptation: Move the cones in or out to hit up different locations on the court, but always maintain 15 feet of separation between them.