Beat the Pro Shooting is a competitive individual shooting drill that simulates game pressure by forcing players to value every shot. The goal is to beat an imaginary “pro” by reaching 21 points before the pro does. Every make is worth one point for the shooter, but every miss gives three points to the pro. This simple scoring system builds pressure, accountability, and focus under fatigue.

Setup & Organization

Use one basket with two players: one shooter and one rebounder/passer. All shots must be taken outside the paint. The rebounder secures every miss cleanly (no bounces), delivers sharp outlet passes, and communicates names on every pass. After a round ends, players switch roles. The drill can be played in timed segments of three to five minutes or to a set score target.

Step-by-Step Progression

The shooter begins taking shots anywhere outside the paint. Each make counts as one point for the shooter. Each miss gives three points to the imaginary pro. The first to 21 points wins. Since every miss carries such a heavy penalty, the shooter must select high-percentage shots within their range and use active footwork to prepare for each attempt. If the shooter loses by allowing the pro to reach 21 first, roles immediately switch and the rebounder becomes the shooter.

The rebounder is an active participant, securing every ball without a bounce, delivering crisp passes on target, and challenging the shooter to maintain tempo and footwork discipline. Every pass must be sharp, on-time, and called by name, reinforcing that every shooting drill doubles as a passing and rebounding drill.

Scoring

Made shot = 1 point for the shooter. Missed shot = 3 points for the pro. First to 21 points wins. Shooter loses if the pro reaches 21 before them. Drill can also be timed, e.g., three to five minutes, with the winner being whoever has more points at the horn.

Coaching Points

Stress active, balanced footwork into every shot—no flat-footed shooting. Emphasize consistent communication: passer calls the receiver’s name and the shooter gives a clear target with hands ready. Encourage game-like shot preparation with shot pocket discipline and quick rhythm. Hold rebounders accountable for clean rebounds and sharp passes, since poor passing mechanics directly affect shooting percentages.

Variations

Limit shot locations (e.g., only corner threes or wing jumpers) to emphasize specific shooting areas. Require consecutive makes to count as bonus points. Play to different target scores or change the pro’s penalty value (e.g., two points for a miss instead of three) for younger groups. For advanced players, set rules such as only catch-and-shoot threes or only one-dribble pull-ups.