Basketball · Shooting · Ball handling

Pull-up jump shot

Players attack the elbow at speed with a defender chasing, stop on balance off the dribble and shoot before the contest arrives.

O1X1
Start / 4
Time
12 min
Players
2–10
Age
U12+
Area
Half court
Equipment
5 basketballs (size 6 or 7)2 cones

Setup

  1. Attackers in a line near halfway on one side, each with a ball.
  2. A chaser starts a step behind and to the side of the attacker.
  3. Cones just outside each elbow mark the pull-up spots.

How it runs

  1. On the coach's call the attacker dribbles hard at the elbow; the chaser follows.
  2. On the last dribble the attacker picks the ball up into the shot pocket and stops on a 1-2 step or a hop.
  3. Rise straight up and shoot before the chaser can contest; the chaser may only contest, no fouling from behind.
  4. Swap roles and switch elbows; five shots each side.

Coaching points

  • Last dribble hard and high so the ball comes up straight into the pocket.
  • Stop with the feet under the hips: straight up, straight down.
  • Shoulders square to the rim before the ball goes up.

Common mistakes

  • Floating forward on the shot after a fast approach.
  • An extra soft dribble before stopping, which lets the defender catch up.
  • Picking the ball up early and travelling on the stop.

Say it: “Hard last bounce, stop, straight up.”

Make it harder

  • The chaser starts level with the attacker.
  • Read it: if the chaser cuts off the elbow, go to the rim instead.

Make it easier

  • No chaser; jog in and stop at the cone.
  • Stop on a jump stop, hold for a second, then shoot.

Pairs well with

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.