Purpose: This simple layup drill helps a basketball player practice the footwork and technique involved in shooting a layup. An obvious drill youth basketball coaches can use to help teach the layup and the technique it requires. Drill: Begin this drill by standing at the right elbow area of the lane. Start the movement by taking a dribble with the right hand and, at the same time, stepping forward with the left foot. (The step and dribble should occur simultaneously). Next, step with your … [Read more...]
Command Speed Dribble Drill
Purpose: To improve the speed dribble and to learn to protect the basketball while dribbling under control. Also develops ability to react. Drill: The players line up on a baseline as shown, each with a basketball and facing a coach. On the first command (coach will say 'go' or blow a whistle), the players will speed dribble straight ahead. On the second command (coach may say 'stop' or blow the whistle again), the players will stop and dribble under control. At the next whistle, they will … [Read more...]
1-on-1 Box Out Drill
Purpose: Work on rebounding -- both offensive and defensive -- in a competitive situation. Drill: Divide into groups of three -- a shooter, offensive player and defensive player. If you have the space, you can have 3 players at each basket; otherwise you can place more than one threesome at a basket. The shooter will take shots from various spots on the court. The offensive rebounder should always begin about 10-15 feet away from the basket and the defensive player will start in defensive … [Read more...]
Run-Shuffle-Run Intensity Drill
Purpose: Work on defensive movements (run, shuffle, backpedal) in an intense setting. Also improves conditioning in a basketball-specific way. Drill: This drill begins with the players in a line at a baseline corner, as shown. The players, one at a time with a gap between each other, will run to the midcourt, shuffle across the midcourt line to the other sideline and then run to the opposite baseline. Without stopping, they will then shuffle across the baseline, backpedal to midcourt, shuffle … [Read more...]
Reaction Rebounding Drill
Purpose: Teach players to react quickly when a shot is taken and to compete for the rebound. Drill: The coach stands on the free throw line with a basketball; 2 lines of players behind. The first 2 players stand next to each other in front of the coach, facing the basket. On the shot, both players must react and attack the basketball -- only one can get the rebound! Once rebounded, next 2 players step up. For a variation, you can play so the 'winner' stays. Coaching Points: Go up tall, come … [Read more...]
Two Ball Line Passing Drill
Purpose: To develop passing skills, peripheral vision, and quick hands. Drill: Line up players as shown with one player out in front of the line. The player in front, O1, has a ball and the first player in the line has a ball. Player O1 begins by passing to the second player in line; at the same time, the first player in line passes to O1. O1 catches and passes to the third player, while the second player passes back to O1. This continues down the line and back. Rotate. Coaching Points: Be … [Read more...]
3-on-2 to 2-on-1 Drill
Purpose: To work on the transition game where the offensive is at a man advantage. The emphasis of this drill is dependent upon your fast break strategies and whether you choose to focus on the offense or defense. Drill: Form three lines on the baseline as shown. Two players, X1 and X2 line up on either side of the halfcourt line. The first three players in line begin by tossing the ball off the backboard, making the outlet pass and breaking down the court. On the toss, the two defenders will … [Read more...]
Box Chase Speed Drill
Purpose: To develop footwork, quickness, agility, speed, and balance with a fun and competitive drill. Drill: Set up 4 cones in a box formation as shown; about 15-20 feet apart. One player will start at each cone (4 players needed for this drill). The players will follow the pattern shown on the diagram: Sprint from cone A to B Slide from cone B to C Backpedal from cone C to D Slide from cone D to A Following the pattern, each player attempts to catch the person in front of them. If they … [Read more...]
Seventeen Drill
Purpose: To improve conditioning and basketball-specific sprint speed. Great pre-season / early season drill. Drill: The players will start at one sideline, sprint and touch the other sideline, sprint back and continue the process until they have touched the sidelines a total of seventeen times. The cycle should be completed in :60 seconds or less (time may be adjusted dependent upon age group). … [Read more...]
Target Passing Drill
Purpose: To practice making accurate chest and bounce passes. Excellent passing drill for youth and beginners and can be a very competitive drill of more experienced players. Drill: Make two 18-inch squares on a wall with tape. The left square should be about 4 four feet up from the floor and the right square should be three feet away from it and about two to three feet up on the wall. The player will stand about 10-12 feet from the wall and make a chest pass into the left box and then a bounce … [Read more...]