Shooting under match pressure

Setup

1. GS and GA in the circle against a GK and GD; WA feeds from the circle edge with a stack of balls.
2. CO stands at the transverse line with the score and sets each shooter a target from their match percentage, e.g. 8 from 10.

How it runs

1. WA feeds; the shooter who receives has 3 seconds to shoot with their defender at 0.9 m over the ball, and the other pair contests the rebound live.
2. An attacking rebound goes straight back up; a defensive rebound is a point to the defence.
3. Before each feed CO calls a situation (e.g. 'two down, 40 seconds') and the shooters play it.
4. Blocks of 10 feeds with 90 s rest, 3 blocks. Shooters record makes and attempts each block.

Coaching points

• Same routine on every shot: balanced base, ball high on the fingers, eyes on the back of the ring, soft knee bend through the release.
• Go up, not back: a defender at 0.9 m can't touch the ball if the release is high and straight.
• Non-shooter: move for the rebound as the ball leaves the hand and win the inside line to the post.
• Use the full 3 seconds on a set shot; shoot early only when the defender hasn't landed at 0.9 m yet.

Common mistakes

• Shooting from the edge when a step-in or a pass to the partner is closer.
• Rushing the routine after a miss.
• Defenders stepping inside 0.9 m and giving away a penalty, which removes the pressure the drill needs.