Game version
Shooting gallery: two teams of two take turns at the hoop from marked spots, and each team adds up only its own makes.
Finishing Through Contact
Practice finishing while a partner gently bumps you with a pad.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
A partner holds a cushion or pad out to the side of your path.
Core: Free-throw line. Beat your own best of makes out of 10.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Space
- Gym or court
- Bring
- Basketball, hoop, couch cushion or pad
- Level · skill
- Developing · Shooting
The steps
How it works
- A partner holds a cushion or pad out to the side of your path.
- Drive to the basket and absorb the light bump with your shoulder.
- Keep the ball high and finish with a layup.
- Do 8 reps. Keep contact light and controlled.
Coaching point
Stay strong, keep the ball high, finish.
Safety: For ages 14 and up, with a coach watching and a partner your size. Keep contact very light and always use a pad. Stop if anyone feels pain.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a spot: Less (close), Core (free-throw line), More (a step back). Beat your own best of makes out of 10.
Story
You are an astronaut and the hoop is the docking port, so every make is a perfect landing.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own best of makes out of 10. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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