Purpose: To improve passing and finishing skills in a fast break situation. Also improves and develops overall conditioning. Drill: Form four lines on the baseline as shown. One of the outside lines will be designated as the 'trailer' (O1 in this diagram). The ball starts two lines away from the trailer line. Players O2, O3, and O4 will execute a 3-man weave down the court. As they begin, O1 sprints down the court and upon reaching the top of the key extended, makes a diagonal cut to the … [Read more...]
2 Dribble Elbow Shooting Drill
Purpose: A simple 2-person shooting drill that is effective at practicing shots from an often open area against most defenses. This shooting drill creates repetition and helps the shooter become familiar at shooting off the dribble from the elbow areas. Drill: 2 players and 1 basketball at a basket. O1 starts under the basket and acts as the passer and rebounder. O2 begins at the top of the key. O1 passes to O2. O2 catches the basketball and takes two hard dribbles to the elbow, squares up, … [Read more...]
2 and 3 Player Shell Blockout Drills
Purpose: These two simple rebounding drills break down the skill of defensive rebounding. The defenders must work on the ballside blockout and the helpside blockout, depending upon their position to the shooter. Drill: 2 offensive players and 2 defensive players, as shown. Also, have a manager or coach as the shooter. I generally don't like to use other players in rebounding drills because the attempt is to miss the shot -- I don't want players practicing to miss! The shooter will shoot from … [Read more...]
One Shot and Leave Free Throw Drill
Purpose: To improve players' focus and concentration by rewarding them when they make a free throw and giving a consequence when they miss. Drill: At the end of practice, the players will line up on a baseline. One player at a time comes out to shoot one free throw. If the attempt is successful, that player gets to leave. If the attempt is missed, that player goes to the end of the line and the entire team runs a 10-second drill (down-and-back sprint). Drill continues until no one is … [Read more...]
Partner Fast Break Drill
Purpose: Work on offensive transition, finishing the fast break, and conditioning. Drill: 2 players are required to perform this drill. With a team, have the next two go when the previous pair finish. The drill begins with O1 tossing the ball off the backboard and then rebounding the ball. He will then outlet the ball to O2, who immediately dribbles the ball up the middle of the court. O1 sprints down the wing. O2 will perform a jump stop at the free throw line area and pass to O1, who is … [Read more...]
Long Pass Fast Break Drill
Purpose: Develop accuracy in passing and receiving longer passes in a fast break setting. Drill: Players will set up in four lines at each corner of the floor, as shown in the diagram. The first player in line 1 starts dribbling toward midcourt as the first player in line 2 breaks hard down the sideline and then angles toward the basket. The dribbler will make the pass so it is received somewhere between the top of the key and center court. The receiver catches the pass then dribbles in and … [Read more...]
Jump Up Shooting Drill
Purpose: Some players have difficulty making layups because they tend to jump 'long' instead of jumping 'high' (therefore, they wind up shooting from a bad angle). This drill encourages players to jump as high as possible for a layup rather than broad jumping. Drill: Place an object such as a cone, chair, ball rack, etc slightly behind the backboard. The distance will depend upon the speed of the drill (which should be varied). For moderate speed, place the cone directly under the backboard as … [Read more...]
5 on 1-1-1 Drill
Purpose: To teach five players to execute the fast break while being pressured on the rebound, at midcourt, and by their basket. Good drill to use to begin incorporating defense against your transition offense. Drill: The five offensive players set up on one end of the court as shown. One defensive player sets up near the basket, one stands near half court, and one starts near the opposite basket. The drill begins with the coach taking a shot. The 5 players (and 1 defender) go after the … [Read more...]
Pro Rolls
Purpose: To work on layups in a full court situation. Develops the ability to score under pressure, passing, and running the floor. Also a good drill for conditioning. Drill: Players will divide into groups of 3. Only three passes are allowed per length of the court trip. Dribbling is not allowed. The drill begins with the players in the positions as shown: O1 under the basket with a ball, O2 at the free throw line extended, O3 at the midcourt area. O1 starts by passing to O2 and then … [Read more...]
Two-Man Layup Drill
Purpose: To work on 'finishing' a fast break or slow break situation. Players will work on passing and catching in a simulated break environment. Drill: Begin with players in the three lines, as shown; the basketball is in line O1. A coach or manager (C) stands near the elbow area. O2 starts by cutting hard to the area around the free throw line extended. O1 passes to O2, who executes a jump stop upon the catch. O3 will start his run and cut at the same time as O2 and will run his … [Read more...]