Throwing Through a Target

Accuracy wins games. These drills build pinpoint throwing — solo, with a partner, or with simple DIY targets.

DIY Target Ideas

You don't need to buy anything. Here are targets you can build in 5 minutes:

Tire on a Rope Hang an old tire from a tree branch at chest height. Throw through the hole. This is the classic for a reason — the swinging motion adds difficulty as accuracy improves.

Hula Hoop Target Zip-tie a hula hoop to a fence or hang it from a crossbar. Lighter and easier for younger kids to see. Move it higher or lower to practice different throw angles.

Trash Can Challenge Set a trash can or bucket at 10, 15, and 20 yards. Count completions out of 10 at each distance. Simple, measurable, and kids love the competition.

Tape-on-the-Wall Square Use painter's tape to make a 2-foot square on a wall or garage door. Stand back and throw at it with a soft/foam ball. Great for form work when space is limited.

10-Minute Target Accuracy Drill

1) Close-Range Warm-Up (2 Minutes)

Stand 5 yards from the target
10 easy throws — focus on spiral and follow-through, not power
Every throw should hit the target. If not, move closer.

2) Step-Back Challenge (4 Minutes)

Start at 10 yards. Throw 5 balls at the target.
If 4 out of 5 hit, step back 3 yards
If fewer than 3 hit, step forward 2 yards
Keep going until the 4 minutes are up
Write down the farthest distance where accuracy held

3) Moving Target (2 Minutes)

If you have a partner, they jog across the yard with arms out
If solo, use a swinging tire or hang the hula hoop on a string and push it
6–8 throws at the moving target
This builds timing and lead — essential for game throws

4) Pressure Throws (2 Minutes)

Set a timer for 30 seconds
Throw as many accurate balls as possible (count only clean hits)
Rest 30 seconds, repeat
This simulates game pressure — accuracy under fatigue

Solo Accuracy Progression

Use this progression to build accuracy over weeks. Track your results on the tracker page.

Week	Distance	Target	Goal
1–2	10 yards	Large (hula hoop / tire)	7/10 hits
3–4	15 yards	Large target	6/10 hits
5–6	15 yards	Small (trash can / tape square)	5/10 hits
7–8	20 yards	Large target	5/10 hits
9+	20+ yards	Small target	4/10 hits

Coaching Cues

"Step to the target" — your lead foot should point where you want the ball to go
"Finish high" — follow through with your hand above your head, not across your body
"Same motion every time" — consistency beats power
"Aim small, miss small" — pick a specific spot on the target, not just "the target"

Track it. Write down your best distance and hit count every session. Even small improvements matter — going from 5/10 to 6/10 at 15 yards is real progress.