Shot Chart: Seven Spots and a Personal Improvement Plan
Each student shoots from seven fixed spots around the lane and records makes and attempts on a court map to work out shooting percentages by zone. Using the data, they write a two-week improvement plan focused on their weakest zone.
How to play
- Mark seven spots with cones about 4 m (13 ft) from the rim: two corners, two wings at 45 degrees, two elbows and the top; hand out the worksheet with the map (3 min).
- Explain the math: percentage = makes / attempts x 100, plus the map's color code (red under 30%, yellow 30-50%, green over 50%) (4 min).
- In pairs, each shooter takes five shots at each spot while a passer rebounds; the passer records on the map, and roles switch after all seven spots (10 min).
- Each student calculates their percentages, colors in the map and identifies their strongest and weakest zones (5 min).
- Write a two-week plan on the worksheet: the spot to work on, number of shots per session and a target percentage (3 min).
Rules
- Always shoot with your lead foot behind the cone.
- Only the passer records, never the shooter.
- If a ball bounces toward another basket, walk to get it and give a heads-up.
- Exactly five attempts per spot so the data are comparable.
Variations
Easier
Spots 3 m from the rim and only five of the seven.
Standard
Seven spots at 4 m, five shots at each and an improvement plan.
Harder
Repeat the chart from the three-point line and compare how the percentage drops with distance.
Adaptations
- Wheelchair user: closer spots set by the student; the map stays the same.
- Students who struggle with math: a table of precomputed percentages for five attempts (0%, 20%, 40%...).
- Autism: spot order numbered on the floor and advance notice of every role change.
Learning goals
- Record shots and calculate shooting percentages by zone.
- Read a shot chart to learn your own strengths and weaknesses.
- Plan independent practice with measurable goals.
Equipment for a class of 25
- basketballs: 15
- cones: 7
- worksheets: 30
- stopwatch: 1
Teacher tip
Keep the charts so the test can be repeated in two weeks to see if the plans worked. With seven baskets or fewer, have two pairs share each basket, shooting from opposite sides.
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