U12 Basketball Curriculum

Bank Shot Angles

Properties1
tagsdrill, shooting, by-yourself, with-partner, backyard, half-court, beginner

2 min read

Bank Shot Angles

🎒 Gear Needed: 1 x basketball, 1 ring
⏱ Suggested Time: 5 - 10 minutes
👥 Participants: Solo or Partner (1-2 players)
📍 Space: Backyard | Half-Court
📊 Difficulty: Beginner

📝 Instructions

  1. Understanding the 45-Degree Angle: The bank shot is one of the highest-percentage shots in basketball, particularly from the 45-degree diagonal wings of the key where the backboard offers the widest target window.
  2. Right-Side Alignment: Stand on the right low block (2.5 metres from the ring at a 45-degree angle). Position your feet shoulder-width apart, pointing toward the backboard.
  3. Targeting the Sweet Spot: Lock your eyes on the top-right corner of the inner white square painted on the backboard. This is the precise target where the ball should contact the glass.
  4. Soft Release: Rise smoothly with proper shooting mechanics. Release the basketball with high arc so that the ball touches the target corner at the very apex (peak) of its flight, losing momentum and dropping cleanly through the ring.
  5. Circuit Repetitions:
    • Make 10 bank shots from the right block (2.5 metres).
    • Move across the key to the left block (2.5 metres) and make 10 bank shots aiming at the top-left corner of the square.
    • Step back to 3.5 metres on the right wing and make 5 bank shots.
    • Step back to 3.5 metres on the left wing and make 5 bank shots.

💡 Coaching Cues

  • Aim for the Top Corner: Visualise a small coin placed on the top corner of the backboard square and try to hit it with the ball.
  • Hit the Glass at the Apex: The ball must hit the backboard while it is floating at the highest point of its arc, rather than on the way up or on a flat trajectory.
  • Soft Velvet Touch: Use gentle fingertip roll so the ball kisses the glass softly without slamming violently into the backboard.

🔄 Variations & Progressions

  • Make It Easier: Stand 1.5 metres from the ring on the block and shoot stationary one-handed bank shots to build confidence with the angle.
  • Make It Harder: Start at the 3-point line, take one hard attack dribble into the key, execute a jump stop at 3 metres, and rise for a contested bank shot off the glass.

📺 Video Demonstration