UConn Team Shooting is a fast-paced full-team drill that emphasizes running the floor, executing passes on the move, finishing layups at high speed, and conditioning. It is designed to simulate transition situations while reinforcing passing accuracy, clean footwork, and communication.

Setup & Organization

The team is divided into two groups, one at each basket. At every end, there are two lines set up at half-court. One line starts in the middle of the center circle with a ball, while the other line starts at the sideline near half-court out of bounds. A cone is placed at the top of the key for the ball handler and another cone is placed just inside the three-point line on the wing side.

Step-by-Step Progression

1. The first player from the middle line, with a ball, dribbles toward the top-of-the-key cone, attacking under control. 2. At the same time, the first wing player sprints down the floor and cuts around the wing cone just inside the three-point line. 3. The ball handler takes a clean jump stop at the cone, then delivers a bounce pass on target to the wing player cutting for a layup. 4. The wing finishes the layup, then immediately steps out of bounds as the inbounder. 5. The passer, after delivering the bounce pass, cuts to the opposite slot (elbow extended) to receive the outlet pass from the inbounder. 6. That outlet is then passed up to the next player in line at half-court, and the sequence repeats without pause. 7. The drill continues in this rhythm with all players rotating through both roles: ball handler and finisher.

Scoring

The drill can be timed (e.g., five minutes) with a team goal of total layups made, or it can be tracked by counting consecutive successful layups without turnovers or missed passes. A missed layup, poor pass, or turnover resets the count.

Coaching Points

Stress clean footwork with a controlled jump stop at the cone. Every bounce pass must be delivered on time and on target, hitting the cutter in stride. Emphasize finishing strong at full speed and quick outlet organization after the make. Require players to call names on all passes and maintain game-like intensity throughout.

Variations

Instead of layups, require the cutter to catch and shoot a pull-up jumper. Add a second trailer to simulate a pitch-ahead to the wing followed by a secondary option. Shorten the time window or raise the total number of makes required to increase pressure and conditioning demands.