How to Shoot Better Without Wasting Gym Time

Let’s clear up one of the biggest myths in basketball right now:

Shooting more shots does NOT automatically make you a better shooter.

Yep. You read that right.

At Infinite Training, we’ve worked with players from youth hoops all the way to high school and AAU, and we’ve learned one thing for sure — great shooters are built through smart reps, not just more reps. This blog will show you how to train your shot the right way while keeping workouts fun, competitive, and effective.

Why “500 Shots a Day” Is a Trap

A lot of players believe that if they just shoot 500 shots every day, their percentage will magically go up. Here’s the problem:

• If your form is off, you’re just repeating bad habits

• If nothing changes, your percentage eventually plateaus

• You stop paying attention and start going through the motions

Shooting is a lifelong skill. All great shooters are constantly adjusting, recalibrating, and improving their mechanics.

The Infinite Rule: Deliberate Practice Wins

At Infinite Training, we teach deliberate practice, meaning every workout has:

• A clear goal

• Built-in pressure

• Immediate feedback

• Game-speed movement

This is how real improvement happens.

Step-by-Step: How to Actually Improve Your Shot

Step 1: Measure Your Current Skill

Start from the top of the key and shoot 100 shots. Track your makes.

Example: You make 52/100 = 52%

This spot gives you honest feedback — misses left, right, short, or long don’t lie.

Step 2: Add 4% (The Sweet Spot)

Your next goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress.

If you shoot 52%, your target becomes 56%.

That 4% increase creates the perfect challenge: hard enough to force focus, but achievable enough to build confidence.

Step 3: Break It Into Sets

Instead of 100 straight shots, break it into:

4 sets of 25 shots = Goal: 14/25 per set

Miss the goal? You repeat the set.

Pressure creates growth.

Step 4: Don’t Leave Until You Earn It

This mindset changes everything:

“I don’t leave the gym until I hit my goal.”

Why it works:

• Forces focus

• Builds confidence

• Makes you naturally adjust your shot

Bonus tip: Call out your misses (“left, right, short, long”) and patterns will show up fast.

Step 5: Change the Shot Type Every 10 Workouts

Boredom kills development.

After 10 workouts, switch variables:

• Catch & shoot vs off the dribble • Stationary vs movement • Midrange vs three-point • Add fatigue or time pressure

Train your weaknesses, that’s where games are won.

Shoot Like You Play: Game-Speed Reps Matter

If your workouts don’t look like a game, don’t expect game results.

Great shooting workouts include:

• Cuts at full speed

• Shooting off balance

• A hand in your face

• Fatigue

• Decision-making (shoot or drive?)

Standing still and shooting won’t save you in the 4th quarter.

The 120-Day Shooting Challenge

Want real results? Track your makes.

For 120 days, log MADE shots only, including:

• Form shooting

• Layups & finishes

• Free throws

• Catch & shoot

• Pick-and-roll shots

• Game-speed threes

Use a notebook. Write notes. Track totals.

Remember!!! Awareness creates accountability and confidence follows.

Fun + Competitive = Better Shooters

At Infinite Training, we believe players improve faster when workouts are:

• Competitive

• Purposeful

• Challenging

• FUN

The goal isn’t just to make more shots; it’s to build habits that translate to games, confidence, and life.

Want Help Building a Shooting Plan?

At Infinite Training, we design intentional shooting workouts that translate directly to what college coaches value most: efficiency, decision-making, and consistency under pressure.

Our programs are built for:

• Youth players developing elite habits early

• High school athletes preparing for varsity impact and recruitment

• AAU players looking to separate themselves in live play

• College players refining efficiency and shot selection

• NBA and overseas professionals maintaining elite-level consistency

If you are ready to stop guessing in the gym and start training with purpose, the kind that shows up on film and in live evaluations, Infinite Training has you covered.

Train smart. Shoot with confidence. Stay Infinite.

➡️ Download Your Free Shooting Workout Today and start building a plan that transforms your shot.