Purpose: To practice throwing and catching the long baseball pass. This is a pass that can be used against pressure defense and may be necessary in a late-game situation. This drill also teaches the 'flyer' or receiver to bounce out and shoot a 3-pointer or long jump shot. Drill: Split the team so there is a line of players under each basket. Only one basketball is used and it is given to the first player in one of the lines. The drill initially begins with O1 tossing the ball off the … [Read more...]
Bump Shooting Drill
Purpose: To teach basketball players to concentrate on their shot, even while they are being 'bumped' or fouled during the act of shooting. Drill: Have the players form a line at a spot on the court. A coach or manager stands near the spot where the players will shoot the basketball. The Bump Drill begins with the first player in line dribbling by the coach and going up for his shot. The coach will slightly push the shooters' hip, arm or shoulder as they shoot. The shooter must learn to … [Read more...]
Basketball Fartlek
Purpose: To improve basketball conditioning. Specifically, to develop aerobic and anaerobic capacities. Drill: Have all players line in a single file line on the outside of the court. The players should be spaced about 3 to 4 feet apart from one another. The entire team will begin to jog around the outside of the basketball court, making sure to stay outside the court. Once the players begin jogging, O1 will sprint past the entire line, take the lead position, then slow to the original … [Read more...]
One Dribble Shooting Drill
Purpose: To develop the skill of shooting off of one hard, quick dribble. Drill: Two players and a ball per basket. If space is an issue, you can place more than one 2-man groups at a basket; just shoot from different spots. O1 has the basketball under the basket and O2 stands at the top of the key. O1 passes to O2. O2 receives the pass, takes one hard dribble to the elbow, then pulls up for a jump shot. Repeat as O2 moves from elbow to elbow. Continue in sets of ten for a total of fifty … [Read more...]
Basketball Boot Camp Circuit
Purpose: To develop conditioning and proper footwork through various basketball-related movements. Drill: The players will form one line under the basket. The first player will begin just to the outside of the lane line and will always face the opposite end of the court throughout the entire drill. Each player will execute the following movements and skills: Sprint to halfcourt. Defensive slide to the far side of the center circle. Backpedal to the foul line. Defensive slide to the … [Read more...]
Mikan Drill Variation
Purpose: To work on shooting the layup. More specifically, to develop the skill of going up strong after securing an offensive rebound. Drill: A player and a basketball at each basket. If needed, place a few players at each basket. They can simply rotate taking turns. The player tosses the ball high off the backboard and jumps for the rebound. Grasp the ball and rip it down to a position no lower than the chin. After rebounding, the player will jump back up strong for a layup. Use the left … [Read more...]
Ball Ahead Transition Drill
Purpose: To develop the foundation of your transition offense by practicing the outlet pass and full court finish. Also a useful conditioning drill. Drill: Two players and two coaches or managers are needed for this drill. The players start as shown (O1 by the backboard with the ball and O2 in the outlet area on the wing). A coach or manager stands on each side of the court at about the midcourt line. O1 begins by tossing the ball off the backboard, grabbing the rebound, then making an outlet … [Read more...]
4 Passes Drill
Purpose: To improve passing, communicating, and conditioning. Drill: Players form three lines; one at a baseline and two lines at about the free throw line extended on the same side of the court. The 4 Passes Drill is performed as follows: O1 tosses ball off backboard, rebounds it, throws an outlet pass to O2, then sprints down the lane line to the opposite basket. O2 turns and throws a baseball pass to O3. O3 throws a bounce pass to O1, who is sprinting from the other end. After making … [Read more...]
Short and Long Passing Drill
Purpose: To work on short passes and long passes in a game speed setting. Also develops concentration and focus. Drill: Form two lines on the baseline at the lane lines as shown. Each player in one line has a basketball. The first two players begin by passing the ball back and forth without dribbling or traveling. When they reach the opposite baseline, they come back on the outside, making longer passes. Once a group of two passes the free throw line, the next group begins. Concentration and … [Read more...]
10 Spot Post Shot Drill
Purpose: To improve a post player's jump shooting ability by working on game shots from game spots (also great for young players). The focus of this drill is to concentrate on form and technique rather than speed. Drill: The player begins at spot 'A' as shown in the diagram. The player will shoot 10 consecutive shots from spot 'A'. On a made basket, retrieve the ball and continue from spot 'A'. On a missed shot, he must grab the rebound and finish with a score before going back to spot … [Read more...]