Purpose: To develop skill in blocking out and rebounding the basketball. Drill: 6 Players at a basket, divided into groups of three. The three offensive players start outside the 3-point line. One of them will shoot the ball. The three defenders sit in the middle of the lane with their backs touching each other. As soon as the offensive players releases the shot, all three defenders stand up and find an offensive player to block out. If the offense gets the rebound, they should look to … [Read more...]
Star Passing Drill
Purpose: The Star Passing Drill is useful in the development of passing skills, as well as focus and concentration. Drills: Five players will form the five points of a star, as shown. One player starts with the basketball and passes to the second player on the right. Continue this process for as long as you want. Coaching Points: Practice all the various types of passes such as chest, bounce, one-hand (left and right), and overhead. Variations: Have the players change direction … [Read more...]
Ball Drops
This drill is taken from our book, The Complete Basketball Strength & Speed Program Purpose: To improve speed and accleration off the start. Also develops and improves reaction time. Great for basketball players to improve first-step quickness. Drill: Two people are needed for this drill. You will also need a ball or two (my preference is to use a racquetball or tennis ball). The drill is performed as follows: Each person stands about 5-20 feet apart, facing each other. The … [Read more...]
The Gauntlet
Purpose: Offensively, to work on ball handling, passing, and scoring in highly intense, pressure situation. Defensively, to work at on-ball defense, trapping, and double teaming. Drill: The basketball court is divided into 4 separate zones, as shown in the diagram. Place two defenders in each of the four zones. They must defend their zone, but cannot leave it. Two offensive players must attempt to bring the ball up the court through 'The Gauntlet' and score. On any miss and defensive … [Read more...]
8:40 Partner Basketball Shooting Drill
Purpose: Develop shooting accuracy through repetition. Helps you get shots off more quickly and more accurately. Also a good conditioning drill. Drill: Player 1 begins with a basketball. Player 2 is the rebounder and passer. Player 1 will begin with #1 (see below) and shoot for :30 seconds. Partners will switch roles and player 2 will shoot for :30 seconds. Each shooting drill is performed for :30 with 5 seconds allotted for switch time, i.e. total drill takes 8:40. Shots: Three … [Read more...]
Three in the Circle Basketball Passing Drill
Purpose: For offensive players to work on passing under double-team pressure. This drill can also be useful for defensive players to learn double-teaming techniques and off-ball anticipation. Drill: The drill begins with the coach passing a ball to one of the offensive players around the circle. The two players in the middle that are closest to the ball go to double team the ball. Player 1 attempts to pass to anyone on the circle except for the two players on either side (2 and 9 in this … [Read more...]
4-on-4 Closeout & Rebounding Drill
Purpose: To teach team closeouts and rebounding. A good closeout is the key to blocking out any offensive player. Drill: 4 offensive players line up outside the 3-point line and face the basket. They should be at least five feet apart and line up from one side of the line to the other, as shown. The coach with a basketball begins under the basket and will pass the ball to one of the 4 offensive players. The defense will react by sprinting out to the offensive player they are guarding. The … [Read more...]
3-Man Weave to 2-on-1
Purpose: To develop teamwork, ball control, passing, and conditioning while attempting to score. Drill: The players should get into three lines at one end of the court (additional players should be off the playing court, behind the baseline. The drill starts with the ball in the middle line. The rule to follow and remember in the 3-man weave is to pass the ball and go-behind the receiver (pass and go-behind). O1 passes to O2 and goes behind. O2 receives the pass, passes to O3, and goes … [Read more...]
You Are It Dribbling Drill
Purpose: To develop dribbling skills under intense pressure. Drill: All players line up behind the baseline. Place one less basketball than the number of players on the midcourt line (in the diagram shown, there are 6 players and 5 basketballs). Use only the shaded area between the top of the 3-point lines as shown. On the whistle or command all players attempt to get a ball. The one player who does not get a ball is "IT". "IT" has :15 seconds to get a ball away from any of the players … [Read more...]
3 Line Competitive Basketball Shooting Drill
Purpose: To work on shooting in a competitive situation. Drill: Divide the squad into three groups; each with a basketball. Place three basketballs on the free throw line at the opposite end of the court. On 'go' signal, the first player in each group shoots a jump shot. If the shot is made, the player gets own rebound and shoots a layup. Each made basket is worth one point. If the shot is missed, the player must rebound the ball, pass to the next player in line, sprint to the … [Read more...]