Purpose: To work on and improve shooting with the variety of shots and moves in this shooting drill that can be performed alone or with a partner. Drill: You need a partner, a basketball, and a basket. The drill is performed as follows: First 5: Layups off of one or two feet guarded by teammate. Try to make the lay-up clean. Take a couple of dribbles in from an angle and shoot it off the glass. Second 5: Call for basketball from partner and shoot mid-range jump shots. Move to new spot … [Read more...]
Team Free Throw Contest
Purpose: To develop and improve both individual and team free throw shooting with this competitive free throw shooting game. Drill: Divide the team into 2 groups. Each team will line up around the free throw line of their own basket. Split as you see fit; varsity vs. junior varsity, upper classmen vs. underclassmen, or just randomly. The coach will say 'begin' and the first player will shoot 2 free throws and then rotate. Each player will continue shooting 2 free throws and then rotating to … [Read more...]
Second Effort Tip Drill
Purpose: To help develop the ability to jump quickly multiple times in a row. Many times in rebounding situations, the ball gets tipped about but most players will only give one jump which can result in loss of possession. This drill works on the second effort as well as tipping it in to the basket. Drill: Players split into pairs. Use as many baskets as you have available, otherwise simply rotate as needed. O1 starts with the basketball. O2 will jump as high as possible and as he is coming … [Read more...]
Rapid 3-Shot Partner Shooting Drill
Purpose: To work on shooting and following your own shot. Also works on anticipating the rebound, securing the rebound, and finishing. Drill: 2 lines of players per basket; 1 line of shooters from where you wish to shoot and 1 line of rebounders about 10-15 feet from the basket. First player in shooting line has a basketball. The drill begins with the first player taking his jump shot and then following his shot to the basket. As soon as the shot goes up, the first player in the rebounding … [Read more...]
30 Second Team Post Game
Purpose: To practice getting open in the low and high post areas to receive a pass. The defensive player will practice defending the offensive post player. The passers will work on making good, accurate passes into the post. Drill: 2 teams of 5 per basket (you can use less players if necessary). Each player should be partnered with a player from the opposite team who is of similar size and ability. Two players start in the post, one from each team (O1 and X1). O1 is on offense, therefore his … [Read more...]
Free Throw Shooting Practice Chart
One of the most important, yet under-practiced, aspects of the game of basketball is free throws. We've all seen professionals that can hit from deep or glide to the basket and play above the rim, but what about when they go to the line and clang big free throws...It happens a lot! Many big games, whether ahead or behind, come down to teams that can shoot free throws consistently. Free throws cannot be something that is practiced every-so-often. It also cannot be something practiced in an … [Read more...]
1 vs. 2 Rebounding Drill
Go beyond working on rebounding with this drill that also incorporates competition, toughness, and intensity. This drill requires three players; two players on defense start in the lane. One player on offense starts at the free throw line. A coach or manager has a basketball and can shoot from anywhere. When the shot is taken, O1 attempts to secure an offensive rebound. X1 and X2 block him out to secure the defensive rebound. If O1 secures the rebound, he should attempt to score against the … [Read more...]
In-Season Competitive Skill Development Drills
Basketball season is in full swing. This means coaches have been implementing game plans to take on the next opponent. Players don't have the opportunity to get in the skill development needed during practice as they should. So, it's very important for players to find time on their own to work on their skills. I believe coaches should have some competitive drills for their teams to build competitive spirit and that would make players want to get in extra work. The drills should be short, but … [Read more...]
Team 70 Free Throw Drill
Purpose: To develop free throw shooting under pressure. Each player is under pressure to make his shot because the team needs to finish with a total percentage made of 70% or greater. Drill: You can utilize all available baskets but, personally, I like to keep the team all at one basket. If they are all at one basket, they can encourage each other. If you have a lot of players or if you want to speed up the time it takes to do this drill, use more than one basket. All players will take turns … [Read more...]
The Dirty Thirty
Here is our version of the Dirty 30 and what we call Fundo's. These programs are designed for the first two weeks of the season at our morning practice sessions. We will meet from 6:45-7:45am daily and take an hour of time to hit key areas of player conditioning and fundamental development. This is what I have come up with to do just that. It has worked for us in the past, but can be tweaked to suit your specific needs. Enjoy! The Dirty Thirty ~ 30 Minutes of All-Out Effort ~ (Times are given … [Read more...]