Purpose: To work on eight different dribble moves, as well as a few scoring/finishing moves at game speed. Drill: The players will begin in the corner facing the half-court line with the basketball in the outside hand. The series of moves should be performed at game speed and at the spots marked in the diagram. When beginning this drill, you may even choose to set up cones or markers at the spot so that the players know when and where to perform the move. The moves are as follows: … [Read more...]
Float and Shoot Off the Pass Drill
Purpose: To teach the players to 'float' away when a teammate is dribbling at them and to develop the ability to shoot off of that movement. Drill: Form two lines at midcourt, basketball in each line. The first player in each line takes a position on the wing. The next player in line, with the basketball, will dribble toward the wing player. As the dribbler is approaching the wing player, the wing will 'float' toward the baseline. As the pass is in the air, the wing player should be squaring … [Read more...]
Rapid-Fire Continuous 3-Point Shooting Drill
Purpose: To develop three-point shooting techniques and fundamentals while on the move and while becoming tired. Drill: 4 players at each basket (2 shooters, 2 rebounders). You can adjust the number of shooters to more or less as needed. The 2 shooters begin outside the three-point line and the 2 rebounders start under the basket. Each shooter will shoot continuous three-point shots for a total of five minutes, moving to different spots for each shot. The rebounders will pass to the partner … [Read more...]
Full Court Movement Dribbling Drill
Purpose: To improve ball handling and dribbling skills by working on a variety of full-court dribbling and movement skills. Drill: Perform this drill individually or with an entire team. Start on the baseline. The following are the movements to be utilized: Controlled Full Court Dribble with explosion: Perform three dribbles and explode at the free throw line / halfcourt / free throw line. Jump stop at opposite baseline, switch to left hand, and repeat going back down the court. You may also … [Read more...]
Outlet Pass and Go Drill
Purpose: Work on passing and outlet passing, conditioning, finishing (layup). Drill: This drill needs a minimum of 10 players to perform (12+ works even better). Place at least two rebounders at each basket and at least two shooters at each hash mark. Also place a passer on each side of the halfcourt circle. The drill begins with each rebounder tossing the ball off the backboard, rebounding, and then turning and making an outlet pass to the first player in line at the hash (who has stepped … [Read more...]
Tap and Finish Drill
Purpose: This simple individual drill is designed to strengthen and improve hand-eye coordination, left and right hand skills, rebounding, and the ability to 'finish'. Drill: The player will stand with a basketball facing the backboard on the right side of the rim. The shoulders should be square to the backboard. To begin, the player will toss the ball off the backboard and tap it, one-handed, 5 consecutive times. The player should jump to tap as if going for a rebound; the feet should not be … [Read more...]
Team Post Passing Drill
Purpose: This drill emphasizes teamwork, coordination, timing, and good communication. Players develop post passing and outlet passing skills and are forced to see the entire floor. Drill: Players will form two lines at the top, as shown, with a player on each block and a player on each wing. The first player in each line has a basketball. The first player in each line passes to the wing player on their side of the court. Each wing player will then pass to the post player using a bounce or … [Read more...]
Contest the Shooter Drill
Purpose: To work on shooting while a defensive player is running at you. To focus on the shot from various areas on the court that you may shoot from during a game. Drill: Player 'X' begins under the basket with a basketball. Player 'O' can start at any spot on the floor; generally from spots where he/she will shoot during a game. X begins the drill by passing to O. After passing, X runs at O to contest the shot (hands up, yelling, etc). O's goal is to concentrate, focus, and hit the shot. … [Read more...]
Challenge Layups
Purpose: To develop the ability and skill of making layups under defensive pressure. Drill: The players will form two lines at and near midcourt. Wherever you want the lines to start, the defensive line should start about 10 feet behind the offensive line. The players must stay behind their respective cones until the basketball is touched by the offensive player. The drill begans as a coach passes the ball to the offensive player, O1. When O1 receives the ball, he will speed dribble and … [Read more...]
Bull in the Ring Drill
Purpose: To develop the skill of passing against one or two defenders. Drill: Players will form groups of four; 3 passers and one defender. (See variation below for other option). Use any circle on the court such as the free throw circle or center jump circle. Each group will also need one basketball. In the diagram, the top part demonstrates this drill while the bottom demonstrates the variation. The three offensive players must always be touching the circle with one foot while playing … [Read more...]