U12 Basketball Curriculum

Catch and Shoot Footwork

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tagsdrill, shooting, with-partner, by-yourself, backyard, half-court, intermediate

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Catch and Shoot Footwork

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

📝 Instructions

  1. Starting Location: The shooter begins 3 to 4 metres from the ring on the right wing. The partner stands near the baseline under the ring with the basketball ready to deliver chest passes.
  2. Target & Preparation: Before the pass is made, the shooter drops into a low, athletic stance with hands up showing “10 fingers” as an active target window at chest height.
  3. The 1-2 Footwork Pattern: As the pass travels through the air, the shooter steps into the catch using rhythm footwork:
    • Right-handed shooters: Step with the inside (left) foot first while the ball is airborne, then plant the outside (right) foot firmly as the ball hits the hands.
    • Left-handed shooters: Step with the inside (right) foot first, then plant the outside (left) foot.
  4. Fluid Rise & Release: Do not pause upon catching. In one unbroken motion, channel the momentum of your footwork directly upward through your hips and ankles, releasing the ball at the peak of your jump.
  5. Circuit Repetitions: Complete 10 repetitions from the right wing, 10 repetitions from the top of the key, and 10 repetitions from the left wing. Switch shooter and passer roles.

💡 Coaching Cues

  • Be an Airborne Receiver: Move your feet into position while the ball is in flight so you are completely set to shoot the millisecond it touches your fingertips.
  • Show Target Hands: Keep your elbows slightly bent and palms facing the passer with fingers spread to call for the ball.
  • Vertical Lift: Jump straight up and land in the exact same footprint without drifting sideways or lunging forward.

🔄 Variations & Progressions

  • Make It Easier: Solo variation using a self-spin pass: toss the ball forward with backspin from 2 metres out, step into the catch, and shoot.
  • Make It Harder: The passer delivers the ball, then immediately sprints forward with a high hand to execute a game-speed defensive closeout, forcing the shooter to release over an outstretched arm.

📺 Video Demonstration