Basketball aiming at the hoop to improve scoring

Scoring Starts With Shot Selection

Your scoring average is built on the shots you choose to take. The best scorers in basketball share one habit: they take good shots and pass on bad ones.

  • Shoot from spots where you are comfortable and confident.
  • Attack the rim early - easy points open up everything else.
  • Take the open shot when the defense gives it to you.
  • Move the ball if the defense is set and ready.

Track your makes and misses for a week. You will quickly see the spots where your scoring dips - then avoid them and hunt the ones that work.

Move Without the Ball

Offense is not just about the player with the ball. Constant movement opens lanes, forces switches and creates open looks for you and your teammates.

  1. Set screens and pop or roll to the ball.
  2. Cut baseline to the ball when your defender looks away.
  3. Use back cuts when the defense overplays you.
  4. Stay ready to shoot - hands up, knees bent, on balance.

Improve Your Footwork

Every scorer needs fast, reliable feet. Footwork sets up your shot, protects the ball and creates separation.

  • Learn to pivot on both feet without traveling.
  • Practice the jab step to freeze your defender.
  • Work on one- and two-dribble pull-ups off the catch.
  • Finish through contact with a strong two-foot gather.
Top-down view of a basketball court showing scoring spots
Know your spots. Great scorers attack their best areas again and again.

Add Drills That Raise Your Average

Turn your focus areas into daily reps. These drills directly attack the habits that raise your score.

  1. Spot shooting: 5 makes from each of your favorite spots, five times.
  2. Free throws: 10 in a row, rest, repeat - free throws are the easiest points in basketball.
  3. Mikan drill: alternating layups close to the rim for soft hands and quick feet.
  4. Simulated games: score against imaginary pressure - make 10 game-speed plays in a row.
  5. Track your numbers: write down makes and misses so progress is visible.

Scoring averages don't move by accident. They move by practice, by decision and by repetition.

Final Tips

  1. Take good shots, not just any shot.
  2. Attack the rim early to open up your jumper.
  3. Move without the ball every possession.
  4. Keep your feet fast with daily footwork reps.
  5. Win the free-throw battle.
  6. Make practice game-speed.
  7. Track your numbers and adjust your shot diet.

For more on the shots that score the most, start with solid fundamentals - read our guide to improving your basketball shooting.