Steph Curry changed the game. No exaggeration. He didn’t just stretch the floor—he bent it. Twisted it. Flipped it upside down. Now, kids in gyms all over the world pull up from 30 feet like it’s a free throw. But here’s the thing: what looks like magic? It’s all mechanics.
To shoot like Curry, you need rhythm, balance, and relentless muscle memory. The same stuff that makes him automatic also makes high-stakes players trust their shot, whether it’s the NBA Finals or a casual round of AviaMasters.ca. Let’s break it down step-by-step.
The Foundation: Footwork and Stance
Start from the ground up. Curry’s feet are always ready—light, bouncy, shoulder-width apart. He doesn’t waste steps. That split-second edge comes from what happens before the shot.
- Feet aligned to the hoop, slightly turned (about 10-15 degrees)
- Knees bent, hips loaded, back straight
- Weight on the balls of the feet, never flat-footed
That stance? It’s relaxed but primed. Think coiled spring, not stiff robot.
Watch his pregame warmup. Reps on reps. All footwork. Side-step, hop-step, quick reset—he drills them like his life depends on it. And in a way, it does. Because without the right base, the rest of the shot falls apart.
The Release: One Motion, Zero Hesitation
Here’s where Curry becomes Curry. The way he releases the ball? Smooth. Fast. Deadly.
His shot isn’t two parts—it’s one fluid motion. He catches or picks up the ball and goes straight into his shooting form. No pause. No dip (most of the time). Just rise and fire.
- Shooting elbow under the ball
- Wrists relaxed but loaded like a slingshot
- Eyes locked on the target early (usually the front of the rim)
That quick release kills defenders. You blink—he’s already let it fly. Plus, he keeps his off-hand completely chill. No thumb flick. Just pure guide.
It’s not flashy; it’s consistent. He reps the same follow-through every time. Elbow up, wrist down, fingers hanging like he’s reaching into a cookie jar. Snap. Hold. Watch it drop.
Movement Shooting: What Really Sets Him Apart
Spot-up shots? Curry’s got those. But that’s not what breaks defenders. It’s his movement.
Steph never stops running. He weaves through screens, relocates in a blink, then punishes even half-second lapses. To do that, he practices movement shooting like a psycho (in the best way).
- Shooting off the dribble with both hands
- Foot replacement drills to square up mid-sprint
- Catching on the move and rising without losing balance
He turns chaos into rhythm. Watch a Warriors possession—it’s like a blur. And somehow, he still gets off a clean look. That’s not chance. That’s deliberate practice.
His trainer once said Curry takes 250-350 shots after practice. All game-speed. No lazy reps. It’s why he can hit from 30 feet while running sideways. Repeatability under pressure. That’s the cheat code.
Common Drills to Build the Curry Form
You won’t shoot like Steph overnight. But you can train the right habits. Focus on drills that target the core mechanics. Here are three must-haves:
1. Form Shooting (Close Range)
Start every session here. This drill wires your mechanics.
- Stand 3-6 feet from the basket
- Shoot with just your shooting hand (or both hands for beginners)
- Emphasize balance, follow-through, and arc
- Aim for swishes, not makes
Repeat for 25-50 shots. Don’t rush. Build the muscle memory.
2. One-Motion Drill (Catch & Shoot)
Helps groove a smooth release.
- Start at the three-point line
- Partner or toss the ball to yourself
- Catch and shoot in one motion
- Focus on no pauses or hitches
Great for syncing your upper and lower body. Go for 5-spot shooting: corners, wings, top.
3. Relocation Shooting
Steph’s signature. Learn to move, reset, and fire.
- Start at the corner, pass to a partner
- Sprint to the wing or top
- Receive and shoot instantly
- Reset and repeat both directions
Work on speed without sacrificing form. 10 makes per spot is a good target.
These drills build habits. Good ones. The kind that show up in real games.
The Mental Edge: Confidence Isn’t Luck
This part? Maybe the most underrated. Steph Curry believes every shot’s going in. That’s not cockiness. It’s earned confidence.
He visualizes. He breathes. He stays loose even when he’s 0-for-9. Why? Because his process is locked. He trusts it.
Want that edge?
- Set routines. Pregame, free throws, warmups.
- Talk to yourself. Positive cues like “elbow under,” “hold the follow-through.”
- Track your makes. See your progress.
Confidence comes from reps. From knowing you’ve done the work. From not fearing the miss.
And Curry? He never fears the miss.
Final Thoughts: Shoot Like Steph, Train Like a Pro
Curry’s shot isn’t a fluke. It’s engineered. Built brick by brick from footwork to follow-through. If you want to shoot like him, focus less on range and more on mechanics.
Drill the fundamentals. Move with purpose. Stay sharp upstairs.
Because in the end, Steph Curry doesn’t just shoot different.
He trains different.
And that’s what makes all the difference.
