The two rebounding drills below are simple, effective drills to help teach youth basketball players how to move to the basketball and to get in the habit of jumping and extending to secure the rebound. Of course, if your higher level players aren't rebounding, they might also benefit from getting back to the real basics of rebounding! Purpose: To develop rebounding skills by learning to move to the basketball and to catch it at its highest point. Drill 1: 2 players with 1 basketball … [Read more...]
Team Low Post Basketball Shooting Drill
Purpose: To work on cutting to the low post, receiving the pass, and finishing with a post move and score. Perimeter players also work on passing into the low post. This drill specifically allows the entire team to work on low post shooting in a quick, simple manner that is especially useful if there is only one coach or one basketball hoop available. Drill: At least 4 players at one basket, each with a basketball except for the first player who will begin the drill. If you have a lot of … [Read more...]
Basketball Pickup Drill
Purpose: To improve lateral quickness, agility, conditioning, and reaction. An especially good drill for developing footwork and quickness for inside players. Drill: Two people are needed for this drill, with at least one basketball. The player that will be executing the drill stands at the free throw line. The coach, or partner, has the basketball at the top of the key area. The drill begins with the coach rolling the basketball to one side of the player. The player must slide over as … [Read more...]
Mikan Drills
Purpose: To help the players practice the following skills: right- and left-handed layup, right- and left-handed hook shot, power move, and ball fake to power move. This is also a great conditioning drill. Drill Procedure: Drill #1: Right and Left Hand Layups. Player stands to the right of the basket, inside the foul lane area at point 'X'. Drill begins with the player taking a right-handed layup, catching the ball before it hits the floor, and executing a left-handed layup from the left … [Read more...]
Moving Without the Basketball Drills
Purpose: This series of basketball drills teaches the players five moves to make without the basketball in order to get open; the backdoor cut, buttonhook cut, square cut, fade cut, and dip move. 1) Drill: Moving without the ball is one of the most important aspects of the game and also one of the least worked on. The following five moves are essential in developing a complete player. In the following five drills, the players begin at the foul line extended and execute each of the five … [Read more...]
Post Player Fundamental Drills & Moves
In today's game, it seems as if post play is taught less and less as post players continue to develop a more 'all-around' game. While I do agree that having an all-around game is necessary and beneficial, post players - as well as any player - can be that much more difficult to defend with a good repertoire of inside and post up moves. These fundamental drills and inside moves should be worked on daily in practice during the season, and individually during the offseason. You will see the … [Read more...]
Jab Step and Crossover Drill
Purpose: To teach the various possible moves off of a jab step and how to get open to receive a pass. Drill: The offensive player will perform a V-cut to get open. The player starts on the wing and will make a cut toward the same side low block. If on the right side of the court, as in the diagram, he will plant the right foot and then pivot back up the lane toward the passer. When he comes toward the ball, the player shall give an outside hand (or both hands) as a target for the … [Read more...]
No Foul, No Jump Ball Drill
Purpose: To teach the players to be strong and to make strong moves around the basket area while being fouled in a competitive situation. Drill: Players of about equal size pair up at a basket. They play 1-on-1 under the basket, keeping the ball in the shaded area as shown. There are no fouls or jump balls in this drill. The first player to reach 10 baskets wins. Coaching Points: The coach must make sure the players do not get carried away and use excessive physical contact. The point is … [Read more...]
Offensive Putback Rebounding Drill
Purpose: To instruct offensive players in how to get offensive rebounds and to finish by scoring the basketball. Drill: At least three players and coach/manager are needed at each basket. In the diagram, 'C' is the coach; 'O1' is the rebounder; and each 'X' is a rebounder. The drill begins with the coach having two basketballs. He will start the drill by tossing one ball up against the backboard. Player 1 rebounds the shot and puts it into the basket. As soon as the first ball goes through … [Read more...]
Drive to Jump Stop Layup Drill
1) Purpose: The purpose of this drill is to teach basketball players the proper technique of coming to a two-footed jump stop before shooting a layup. Drill 1 - Drive Baseline, Jump Stop Layup Drill: The first player in line starts in a corner and drives hard to the basket. A good jump stop must be executed to shoot the layup. Rebound the basketball and pass to next person in line (each player could also have his/her own basketball depending upon number of personnel and number of … [Read more...]