Helena Frye
Basketball drills are an essential part of the game, helping players to develop their skills and improve their performance. There are a variety of basketball drills that can be fun and engaging for players of all ages and skill levels. These drills can range from fundamental skills to more advanced game-like scenarios, covering various aspects of the game such as shooting, dribbling, passing, defence, and footwork. The key is to keep the drills enjoyable and challenging, often by incorporating competition and variety to keep players motivated and improve their overall game.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Drills | 22, 30, 73, 100, 200 |
| Difficulty | Basic, Intermediate, Advanced |
| Age Group | Kids, Youth, First-Graders, High-Schoolers, College |
| Type | Individual, Team, Competitive, Game-like, Fundamental |
| Focus | Shooting, Passing, Dribbling, Layups, Footwork, Rebounding, Defense, Ballhandling |
| Equipment | Cones, Chairs, Benches, Basketballs |
| Number of Players | 2, 3, 7, More |
| Area | Half Court, Three-Point Line, Baseline, Sideline |
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Fast-paced drills
Stations
Set up stations around the court, with each station focusing on a specific skill or activity. For example, you could have stations for dribbling, passing, shooting, and layups. Divide the players into groups and have them rotate through the stations at set intervals, ensuring each group spends an equal amount of time at each station. This keeps players moving and engaged, and also ensures they get a well-rounded workout.
Multi-skill drills
Design drills that incorporate multiple skills, such as running, shooting, and passing. For example, players could start by running to a certain point, then passing to a teammate, and finally taking a shot. This type of drill keeps the pace high and also helps players improve their overall game. It is important to have enough coaches or helpers to supervise each area and ensure players are using the correct form.
Dribbling drills
Dribbling drills are a great way to improve ball-handling skills and keep players active. One such drill is "Scarecrow Tiggy", where all players dribble around while trying to avoid two taggers who are trying to touch their basketballs. This game is fun and also helps players develop their dribbling skills and awareness of other players.
Footwork drills
Footwork drills can help players improve their basic footwork and movement skills. For example, players can practice jump stops, where they jump and then stop in a stance with knees bent and head up. Coaches can make this drill more challenging by adding pivots, where players must pivot in a specific direction without raising out of their stance.
Defensive drills
Defensive drills can be fast-paced and help players improve their defensive skills and awareness. In one such drill, select one or two players to be defenders and have the rest of the players spread out in a small area with a basketball each. The defenders try to steal the ball from the offensive players, who must pass it around and keep it away from the defenders. After a few minutes, switch the defenders and let them have a turn on offense.
These are just a few examples of fast-paced basketball drills that can be used to improve players' skills and keep them engaged and motivated.
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Passing drills
Passing is at the heart of teamwork in basketball. It is important for players to learn the basic types of passes, such as the chest pass, overhead pass, and bounce pass, and also understand how to create space and get open to help their teammates. Here are some fun passing drills that can be used to improve players' passing skills and techniques:
Monkey in the Middle
This drill involves groups of three players, with one basketball. Two players are passers and line up 12-15 feet apart, while the third player is the "monkey in the middle". The two outside players must pass to each other without using lob passes or dribbling. They must pivot and use fakes to open up passing space and get the ball past the defender. This drill teaches players to utilize fakes and pivots to create space to pass, as well as protecting the basketball.
Bull in the Ring
This is a great team passing drill that works on reading the defense and making good passes away from the defense. The drill can be easily progressed as players improve.
Argentina Passing
This is a passing and conditioning drill that requires players to communicate and make good passes without traveling.
No Dribble Advancement
This is a drill for young kids to improve passing and pivoting skills, decision-making, and the ability to handle pressure.
Circle Passing
Players pass the ball around the court and into the basket in this fast-paced team activity. This drill helps players practice passing and moving without the ball.
Passing Techniques
To improve passing accuracy and technique, players can practice the chest pass, baseball pass, behind-the-back pass, and side pass. For the chest pass, players should place their hands on each side and slightly behind the ball, with their fingers spread out. The ball should be held in front of the chest with the elbows tucked in. For the baseball pass, players should start with a balanced stance and use their back foot to pivot and turn their body to the passing side. The passing hand should be behind the ball, and the non-passing hand in front, with the fingers spread out. The ball should be held up to the ear, and the elbows tucked in.
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Shooting drills
The elbow pull-up drill
This drill is excellent for guards who want to work on their shooting form. All you need is a basketball and a hoop or target on a wall to shoot at. Start by standing about 10 feet away from the hoop or target with a basketball.
Short- to long-range shooting drill
This drill enables guards to work on their shooting skills while also getting some competitive game-like experience. You will need a basketball, one other player, and a half-court or full court with a hoop. Start by having your opponent stand at the free-throw line while you stand at the top of the key. Your opponent will pass you the ball, and you will attempt to shoot the ball from short- to mid-range distances inside the three-point line as your opponent guards you. After each shot attempt, return to the top of the key with the ball and repeat until you’ve made 10 successful shots. Once you’ve completed your short- to mid-range shots, return to your original position at the top of the key and have your opponent stand at the free-throw line. Now, focus on making long-distance shots from the three-point line with your opponent guarding you.
Shooting form drill
Players pair up and line up across from each other on different sides of the lane. One player of each pair has a basketball and starts by holding it out in front in one hand. The player with the ball then shoots it using only one hand. This ensures that players aren’t pushing the ball with their off-hand as well.
Olympic shooting
This is a great transition drill that will allow you to hold your players accountable and force them to strive to do better. The goal here is for the team to accumulate 150 points over a 4-minute period. They get one point for a layup, two points for a mid-range shot, and three points for shots from behind the arc. The players will form three lines at each end of the court, with the player in the middle on one side starting with a ball. To begin the drill, this player will push the ball upcourt aggressively, as if they were attacking the middle on a fast break.
Shooting cones
Place 23 cones at the opposite end of the court and split your group up into two teams. Each team should have one basketball and preferably a coach/parent to pass and rebound. Players start shooting on the coach’s whistle. On every make, the shooter must rebound the ball and pass it to the next person in line. They are then ‘rewarded’ by sprinting to the other end of the floor and getting the opportunity to shoot a three-pointer to win a cone for their team. The player only gets one attempt and if they miss, they return to their group. If they make it, they get to collect a cone for their group and place it in their team's ‘safehouse’.
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Dribbling drills
Dribbling is one of the most fundamental skills in basketball, so it's important to master the basics. A good starting point is the stationary crossover dribble drill, which is great for beginners. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and dribble the ball with your dominant hand. Then, quickly switch the dribble to your non-dominant hand in front of your body, stepping your non-dominant foot slightly forward as you do so. Focus on keeping the dribble low and controlled as you continue to alternate hands. This drill teaches the essential skill of changing hands while dribbling, which is key to manoeuvring around opponents and feeling comfortable using both hands.
Once you've mastered the basics, you can try more advanced drills that incorporate movement and defenders. Set up a series of cones to simulate defensive players and practice dribbling through them, making sharp turns and changes of direction. This drill helps you work on creating space and dribbling through contact. You can also try a drill where you dribble from one side of the court to the other while a partner slides and tries to defend you. This will help you improve your ability to react to defenders and make moves at full speed.
If you want to focus on coordination and dexterity, try the Two Ball Dribbling Drill. Hold a basketball in each hand and dribble them simultaneously, trying to maintain control and rhythm with both hands. Gradually increase the speed and intensity of your dribbles as you get more comfortable. This drill will help you improve your hand-eye coordination and overall ball-handling skills, making you a more versatile player.
Another fun drill that will help you improve your ball-handling skills is Scarecrow Tiggy. In this game, most players dribble a basketball while trying to avoid two 'taggers' who are trying to tag them. This drill encourages players to keep their heads up and use both hands, not just their dominant hand.
Finally, a simple but effective drill is to stand in place and focus on controlling the ball with quick and precise dribbles. This will help you build a solid foundation for more advanced techniques. You can also try the 'Pound Dribbles' variation, where you stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and practice pounding the ball hard and fast with each hand, focusing on maintaining control and keeping the ball low.
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Footwork drills
Footwork is an essential aspect of basketball, and players need to master their footwork to improve their game. Good footwork allows players to create space, get past defenders, and set up balanced shots. It also helps them improve their dribbling and shooting skills. Footwork drills are a great way to develop these skills and should be incorporated into every practice session. Here are some fun and effective footwork drills that can be used to enhance a player's performance:
Agility Ladder Drills
Agility ladder drills are excellent for improving foot speed, control, landing coordination, balance, and forward and backward movement. These drills can be performed on a ladder or a staircase. Players start behind the ladder and run through it, placing both feet in each box, then repeat the process with both feet in the same box. For an extra challenge, these drills can be performed on stairs.
Tates Locke Box Drills
These drills are designed to give 100% focus on footwork. They are perfect for players to use during workouts and for coaches to use during practice. The drills start with the offensive player facing away from the baseline. The player must spin the basketball and catch it using a jump stop before moving to the high post or elbow.
Jump Stop and Pivot Drills
Jump stops and pivots are fundamental footwork skills that players need to master. These drills help players learn how to execute a jump stop, front pivot, and reverse pivot. Once players are comfortable with these basics, they can move on to more advanced concepts.
V-Cut Drills
Cuts are crucial in offense, and the V-Cut is a great way to introduce players to this concept. After executing a jump stop and reverse pivot, the player makes a V-cut back to the elbow or free-throw line extended area, followed by a forward pivot. This drill helps players improve their footwork and movement on the court.
Basic Footwork Drills
These drills are ideal for younger players to develop coordination and foot quickness. They can include various exercises such as high knees, jump rope, and grape vine (karaoke) drills, which help with conditioning, strengthening legs, and improving foot speed.
It is important to note that footwork drills should be practiced regularly and consistently to see improvement. Coaches can modify the drills to fit the skill level of their players by adjusting the intensity, speed, or complexity. Additionally, players can seek feedback from coaches or more experienced players to refine their footwork skills further.
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Frequently asked questions
Basketball drills for kids should focus on making the learning experience fun and engaging. Here are some examples:
- Tag: A playground classic, this drill incorporates dribbling and forces players to work on ball handling, speed, agility, control, and spatial awareness.
- Gimme Five: This drill enhances hand-eye coordination and quick decision-making. Players dribble the ball and tap it off five cones or markers while moving forward, developing their ability to react quickly.
- The Two Ball Dribbling Drill: Players dribble two balls simultaneously, improving their coordination and ambidextrous ball-handling skills.
- The Crossover: This iconic dribble move is a fundamental skill, helping players change hands while dribbling and maneuver around opponents.
- Pac-Man: Players act as Pac-men and dribble along the court's lines while others try to tag them. It teaches dribbling, control, and court awareness.
Shooting drills can be made fun by incorporating competition and teamwork:
- Divide players into two lines and have them shoot, rebound, and pass to their teammates. The team with the most baskets in one minute wins.
- Knockout: A classic drill where players shoot foul shots. If they miss, they must make a shot from anywhere on the court before the next player sinks their shot.
- Free-Throw Pressure: Players form two groups, with one group shooting and the other dribbling. The shooters try to 'out' the dribblers by hitting a jumpshot before they reach the starting point.
Defensive drills can be fun when they involve interaction and movement:
- Competitive Defensive Slide: A 2v2 drill where defenders work on their sliding technique and staying between their opponent and the basket.
- 1v1 Matchups: Players line up on opposite sides and compete for a ball lobbed into the middle, working on reaction time and performing under pressure.
- No Defenders: While not a traditional defensive drill, this approach helps players learn shooting, ball handling, passing, and footwork without defensive pressure.
Beginner drills should focus on fundamental skills and building confidence:
- The Youth Coaching System: A comprehensive system by Jim Huber that teaches important skills like shooting, dribbling, passing, and team offense/defense concepts in a fun way.
- Stationary Drills: Players work on maintaining control and keeping their eyes up, learning the concept of 'squaring up' by acting as ghosts trying to tag dribblers.
- Passing Drills: Games like 'Pass the Rock' emphasize making quick, accurate passes with eye contact, helping players learn to pass effectively.
For larger groups, you can modify classic drills or incorporate assistants/parents:
- Horse: A shooting game that can be played with as few as two people but scales well for larger groups, as it only requires one ball and a hoop.
- Mr. Fox: A drill that helps players develop fundamental skills while having fun. It can accommodate larger groups and is a great way to engage multiple players at once.
