Basketball Driveway Drills: The Star Drill

Work to improve your shooting skills and focus on movement without the ball with these basketball Pro Tips.

Basketball players dream of making the winning shot in the big game. While working on your shooting skills is crucial for these moments, you also need to be able to get open for the shot.

To work on getting open, the Star Drill can be a strong addition to your practice. This drill can help you focus on several skills players need on offense, such as:

  • Shooting form
  • Catching
  • Shooting
  • Finishing at the rim

The Star Drill also focuses on how you move without the ball at simulated game speed.

DICK’S Sporting Goods Associate and former Division I assistant basketball coach Derek Liebert says, “One of the biggest factors of this drill is it’s incredibly fatiguing. Make sure that you do not sacrifice form for speed.”

BONUS PRO TIP: Before running through the Star Drill, it can be helpful to set up your driveway basketball court. Check out this guide for the correct measurements for the free-throw line and three-point arc.

THE STAR DRILL

Set up the drill by marking five spots on the court. Each of these spots will be 12 to 15 feet from the hoop. You can use cones, chalk or whatever you have handy to mark the spots. The five spots used in the drill are:

  • Both baselines
  • Both wings
  • Free-throw line

The pattern of the drill is the wing on either side, baseline on the opposite side, the free-throw line, the other baseline and the other wing. The pattern resembles a star, giving the drill its name.

You’ll also want a partner to grab rebounds and pass you the ball. It can be helpful to have multiple balls on hand in case one gets away from you.

To perform the Star Drill, you’ll move through your marked spots three times. Go around each spot and do not step on the area you marked. Have your hands up in a shooting pocket prepared for the catch.

  • The first time through, you’ll use a pull-up jump shot from each spot. Do not fade or drift on your shots.
  • For your second round, perform a one-dribble pull-up. Again, do not fade or drift on your shots.
  • Finally, explode to the rim from each spot. Finish with a layup.

“Take your time through this drill, master the mechanics and don’t lose your form throughout the entirety of the drill,” Liebert says.

As you get more comfortable with the Star Drill, challenge yourself to see if you can finish it in under two minutes.

“As you get better at this drill, you can continue to bump up your speed,” Liebert says. “But make sure you do not lose your form and consistency on your shots and all your finishes at the rim.”

By working on your shooting and moving without the ball, you’ll be ready to make the most of your team’s scoring opportunities.

Ready for more driveway drills? Try the 5-Spot Shooting Drill. This can help improve your movement without the ball and help you work on shooting at game speed. If you have a couple of partners available, try finishing through a double team. This drill can work on making baskets through contact.