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Power ForwardShooting

Power Forward Shooting Drills (Stretch-4 Skills)

The modern power forward is increasingly a three-point shooter — the stretch-four is now the dominant archetype in the NBA. These drills build the four shots a stretch-four needs: catch-and-shoot threes, pick-and-pop jumpers, mid-range pull-ups, and the corner three under closeout pressure.

Who this is for

Built for power forwards who want to develop NBA-credible three-point range. The drills assume basic shooting mechanics; rebuild form before adding range and speed.

Core principles

Three principles for power-forward shooting. First, the three-point range has to be repeatable under fatigue — train every shot after sprints. Second, the pick-and-pop is the most-used action for a stretch-four; drill it until automatic. Third, the corner is the highest-value spot; train corner threes at higher volume than wing threes.

The Drills

Five drills, run in sequence. Estimated total time: 34 minutes.

1. Five-Spot Catch-and-Shoot

Duration: 8 minutes

Setup: 5 spots around the arc. Passer at the elbow.

Steps

  1. Sprint corner to corner.
  2. 5 makes per spot.
  3. Track percentage by spot.
  4. Repeat 2 times.

Coaching points

  • Feet square on catch.
  • Eyes find rim on gather.
  • Track corner vs wing percentage.

2. Pick-and-Pop Mechanics

Duration: 6 minutes

Setup: Set a screen at the wing for a partner playing the ballhandler.

Steps

  1. Set the screen with body angle toward the rim.
  2. Pop to the three-point line.
  3. Catch from the ballhandler.
  4. Release within 0.5 seconds.
  5. 12 reps each side.

Coaching points

  • The pop opens with the inside foot — outside foot pivots first.
  • Catch in shot pocket.
  • Eyes on rim during the pop.

3. Mid-Range Pull-Up

Duration: 5 minutes

Setup: Stand at the wing. Drive at full speed to the elbow.

Steps

  1. Drive 2-3 dribbles.
  2. Pull up at the elbow.
  3. Reset. 15 reps each side.

Coaching points

  • Rise from gather, not from a stop.
  • Square feet during gather.
  • Mid-range is high-value against drop coverage.

4. Corner Three Under Pressure

Duration: 5 minutes

Setup: Corner. Defender closes out.

Steps

  1. Receive the pass.
  2. Read closeout.
  3. Shoot or drive based on read.
  4. 15 reps.

Coaching points

  • Form unchanged under contact.
  • Don't pump unless closeout is unbalanced.
  • Corner three is the highest-value shot — never settle off it.

5. Fatigue Shooting — 80 Threes

Duration: 10 minutes

Setup: Full court. Ball, rim, timer.

Steps

  1. Sprint baseline to baseline.
  2. 5 threes per cycle.
  3. Until 80 attempts.
  4. Goal: 30+ makes.

Coaching points

  • Mechanics break — that's the test.
  • Track weekly.
  • Visible improvement in 4 weeks.

Weekly progression plan

Run 5 days a week. Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays: drills 1-3 (catch-and-shoot + pick-and-pop + mid-range). Tuesdays/Thursdays: drills 4-5 (corner + fatigue). The pick-and-pop is the most-game-applicable drill for stretch-fours — track its percentage every session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can power forwards shoot threes at the NBA level?

Increasingly, yes — the stretch-four is the dominant archetype in the modern league. Players like Pascal Siakam, Aaron Gordon, and rookie classes since 2020 have shown that power forwards who shoot 35%+ from three create offense the rest of the team can't.

What is a pick-and-pop in basketball?

An offensive action where the power forward sets a screen for the ball-handler, then 'pops' out to the three-point line for a catch-and-shoot opportunity. The action exploits drop coverage and forces defenses to extend, opening driving lanes for the ball-handler.

Should power forwards focus on threes or post moves?

Both. The modern stretch-four needs the three to space the floor and the post-up to punish switches. Players who can only shoot threes get switched onto and bullied; players who can only post get crowded with help. Versatility is the path.

How long does it take a power forward to add a three-point shot?

12-18 months of disciplined daily work to reach 35%+ from three. The mechanical learning is fast; the speed and consistency under fatigue takes time. Most players plateau after 6 months without disciplined fatigue training.

Keep reading

the mid-range game

off-ball screens

pick-and-roll counters

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