"I don't have time to workout. Between other sports and family and work, there just isn't time."

I recently heard that from one of my players in our end of season meeting. In years past, I would have been annoyed by this response and attributed it to a lack of commitment.

This year, I tried a different tactic.

"Could you find 20 minutes 3-4 days a week?" I asked him.

"Yeah, I could do that." he said. "But is that enough time?"

Yes! It is. Sometimes it can feel like unless you are putting in an hour of work that it's not worth it. I know I fall prey to an all or nothing mindset from time to mind.

However, it's just not true. If you have 20 minutes, you can become a better shooter. How? With a simple yet innovative workout called Century Shooting.

Why Century Shooting Is Effective

• Game shots
• Game spots
• Game speed

Century Shooting features all three. It also provides a number of other benefits.

First, it's competitive--but not in the way you might think. Instead of competing against others, you're competing against the best possible measuring stick: you, yesterday. Every time you complete the workout you'll have a score. Over time, you should see your scores going up.

Second, it incorporates random practice. During the 3 point shooting part of the drill, every shot is from a different spot. No spot is predetermined.

This is important as it makes your practice more like the game. In a game, you won't be able to predict where shots will come from. You'll have to react in the moment and be ready to knock down open shots when you get them. Century shooting replicates that element.

Finally, it is a great conditioning drill. You will be tired when you finish. That makes your shooting practice more game-like. In a game, you will be shooting while fatigued. Century Shooting simulates that aspect.

Let's see how it works.

How To Perform Century Shooting

Set a timer for 20:00. This drill is done without a rebounder.

To begin, you must make 10 of each of the following shots. You do not move on until you make 10.

• Random weakhand Mikans:

  In random weak hand mikans, players shoot weak hand layups continuously.

  The randomness comes in because they shoot each shot from wherever they retrieve the ball. This might mean they use their left hand on the weak side. It might mean their body is facing away from the rim.

  Every shot will be different. This will force your players to work on different finishing solutions using their weak hand.

  See an example here:
• Slide to curl:

  On every rep, start under the rim with the ball. Defensive slide to the corner. When your foot hits the 3 point line, sprint to the elbow.

  Toss the ball out towards the elbow. Catch it with proper 1-2 footwork (inside foot first) and shoot from the elbow.

  Get your own rebound and repeat on the other side.

• Pump fake, one dribble pull ups:

  Start beyond the arc. Make a good pump fake (butt down, ball & eyes up), then take one hard dribble into a pull-up jump shot.

  Rebound your own shot and go to the nearest point on the 3-point arc. Repeat, alternating which way you dribble after the pump fake.

  Focus on your footwork. You should use a 1-2 step for this move as well.

• 1 on 1 attacks:

  Start at half court. Dribble at full speed. At the arc, make a hard 1 on 1 move. Blow past the imaginary defender and shoot a jump shot from the 12-15' range.

Every rep should come from a slightly different angle and involve different moves.

• Closeout to fade:

  Start under the rim with the ball. Closeout to an imaginary offensive player on the wing. Stay low and break down as you approach the "offense".

  Once you reach the wing, plant your top foot, reverse pivot, and execute a fade cut to the corner. As you move towards the corner, toss the ball out to yourself, retrieve it, and shoot.

  Repeat on the other side.

At this point of the workout, you'll have made 50 shots. Every make is worth 1 point. With the remaining time on the timer, you will shoot 3's.

Every time you make a 3, add 1 point to your total. Sprint after each shot to retrieve the rebound. Immediately get to the closest point on the 3-point arc and shoot again.

Continue until the timer expires. Write your score down. The goal is to make the Century Club - 100+ makes.

Conclusion

Don't fall for the myth that you need an hour to get better. If you work hard at Century Shooting, you'll get more done in 20 minutes than most do in 60.

You'll shoot game-like shots while also working on your conditioning.

Do this drill a couple times a week and work to improve your scores. As you do, your game shooting will improve too.

Get after it!

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