Steph Curry didn’t become the greatest shooter in NBA history by accident. His record-breaking three-pointers are the result of relentless practice, flawless mechanics, and a mindset built for pressure. While you might not sink 402 threes in a single season like he did in 2016, you can adopt his strategies to elevate your shooting game. Here’s how.
1. Master the Fundamentals of Shooting Mechanics
Great shooting starts with the basics. Curry’s form is a textbook example of efficiency and consistency. Let’s break it down:
- Stance and Balance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight evenly distributed. Curry often uses a “toe-tap” technique to quickly align his feet with the basket.
- Grip and Hand Placement: Position your shooting hand under the ball with fingertips spread. Your guide hand (non-shooting hand) should rest lightly on the side—it’s there for stability, not power.
- Elbow Alignment: Keep your shooting elbow tucked under the ball. Curry’s elbow forms a near-perfect 90-degree angle, creating a straight line to the hoop.
- Release and Follow-Through: Flick your wrist smoothly and hold your follow-through like you’re “reaching into a cookie jar.” Curry’s high release point makes his shot harder to block.
Pro Tip: Film yourself shooting. Compare your form to Curry’s and adjust one detail at a time.
2. Develop Lightning-Fast Footwork
Footwork is the unsung hero of three-point shooting. Curry’s ability to set his feet in a split second—whether catching a pass or dribbling off a screen—is why he’s always ready to shoot.
- The “Hop” vs. the “Step”: Curry uses a quick hop to square his shoulders to the basket instead of a traditional step. This saves time and improves balance.
- Practice Off-Balance Shots: Not every shot in a game will be perfect. Drill shots while fading left/right or jumping off one foot to simulate real-game scenarios.
Drill to Try: Set up cones around the three-point line. Sprint between them, catch a pass, and shoot immediately. Focus on foot placement every time.
3. Build a Repetitive (But Smart) Practice Routine
Curry reportedly takes 500+ shots daily, but he doesn’t just mindlessly chuck threes. His workouts are structured and intentional:
- The “50 Makes” Drill: Aim to make 50 three-pointers from five spots around the arc (corners, wings, top). Track your progress over time.
- Game-Speed Reps: Practice at full speed. If you walk through drills, you’ll struggle in real games.
- Fatigue Training: Shoot when tired. Curry often practices after conditioning workouts to mimic fourth-quarter exhaustion.
Key Insight: Quality > quantity. Focus on perfect form, even if it means fewer shots initially.
4. Strengthen Your Core and Lower Body
Shooting isn’t just about arm strength—it’s a full-body motion. Curry’s explosive power comes from his legs and core:
- Leg Workouts: Squats, lunges, and box jumps build the lower-body strength needed for consistent range.
- Core Stability: Planks, Russian twists, and medicine ball throws improve balance during shots.
- Flexibility: Yoga and dynamic stretches keep Curry’s muscles loose, reducing injury risk and improving fluidity.
Pro Move: Add resistance bands to your shooting drills. They build arm and shoulder endurance without sacrificing form.
5. Train Your Brain Like Curry Does
Mental toughness separates good shooters from legends. Curry stays calm under pressure by:
- Visualizing Success: Before games, he mentally rehearses making shots from every angle.
- Embracing Failure: Even Curry misses 40% of his threes. He focuses on the next shot, not the last one.
- Staying Confident: Doubt kills consistency. Adopt a mantra like, “Every shot is going in.”
Quick Fix: Practice free throws or short shots before threes to build rhythm and confidence.
6. Avoid These Common Mistakes
Even seasoned players fall into bad habits. Here’s what to watch for:
- Rushing Your Shot: Take an extra millisecond to set your feet. Speed matters, but not at the cost of accuracy.
- Poor Shot Selection: Curry rarely forces contested threes. Practice reading defenses to find open looks.
- Inconsistent Arc: A flat shot has less margin for error. Aim for a 45-degree arc—imagine the ball dipping into the net.
7. Study the Master
Watch Curry’s games with a critical eye. Notice how he:
- Uses screens to create space.
- Shoots off the dribble with a rapid “pull-up” motion.
- Adjusts his release point against taller defenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to see improvement?
A: With daily practice, expect noticeable progress in 6–8 weeks. Consistency is key.
Q: Can I increase my shooting range?
A: Yes! Strengthen your legs and core, and practice shooting from deeper spots gradually.
Q: Does hand size matter for shooting?
A: Curry’s hands are relatively small for the NBA. Focus on grip and technique over size.
Q: How do I fix a “broken” shot?
A: Rebuild your form from the ground up. Start close to the basket and move back as mechanics improve.
Q: How does Curry handle shooting slumps?
A: He simplifies his approach—returning to basics, trusting his training, and shooting through the slump.
Improving your three-point shot like Steph Curry isn’t about magic—it’s about mechanics, repetition, and mental grit. Start with one tweak to your form, drill it relentlessly, and build from there. Remember, even Curry was once a kid missing shots in his driveway. The difference? He never stopped refining his craft.
Now grab a ball, hit the court, and start shooting. Your “Splash Brother” moment is waiting. 🏀💦