Purpose: To work on shooting utilizing shots that you will get against a zone defense, specifically when executing the inside-outside pass opposite. To help players learn the benefits of the 'pass opposite' when playing against a zone defense. Drill #1: Inside Outside Pass Opposite O1 passes to O4 in the low post. O4 turns and passes opposite to O2 for the shot. Coaching Points: O4 should keep catch ball and keep at chin level or above head. O2, instead of simply standing … [Read more...]
Lipscomb 35 Shot Drill
Purpose: To work on and improve shooting with the variety of shots and moves in this shooting drill that can be performed alone or with a partner. Drill: You need a partner, a basketball, and a basket. The drill is performed as follows: First 5: Layups off of one or two feet guarded by teammate. Try to make the lay-up clean. Take a couple of dribbles in from an angle and shoot it off the glass. Second 5: Call for basketball from partner and shoot mid-range jump shots. Move to new spot … [Read more...]
Team Free Throw Contest
Purpose: To develop and improve both individual and team free throw shooting with this competitive free throw shooting game. Drill: Divide the team into 2 groups. Each team will line up around the free throw line of their own basket. Split as you see fit; varsity vs. junior varsity, upper classmen vs. underclassmen, or just randomly. The coach will say 'begin' and the first player will shoot 2 free throws and then rotate. Each player will continue shooting 2 free throws and then rotating to … [Read more...]
Rapid 3-Shot Partner Shooting Drill
Purpose: To work on shooting and following your own shot. Also works on anticipating the rebound, securing the rebound, and finishing. Drill: 2 lines of players per basket; 1 line of shooters from where you wish to shoot and 1 line of rebounders about 10-15 feet from the basket. First player in shooting line has a basketball. The drill begins with the first player taking his jump shot and then following his shot to the basket. As soon as the shot goes up, the first player in the rebounding … [Read more...]
Free Throw Shooting Practice Chart
One of the most important, yet under-practiced, aspects of the game of basketball is free throws. We've all seen professionals that can hit from deep or glide to the basket and play above the rim, but what about when they go to the line and clang big free throws...It happens a lot! Many big games, whether ahead or behind, come down to teams that can shoot free throws consistently. Free throws cannot be something that is practiced every-so-often. It also cannot be something practiced in an … [Read more...]
In-Season Competitive Skill Development Drills
Basketball season is in full swing. This means coaches have been implementing game plans to take on the next opponent. Players don't have the opportunity to get in the skill development needed during practice as they should. So, it's very important for players to find time on their own to work on their skills. I believe coaches should have some competitive drills for their teams to build competitive spirit and that would make players want to get in extra work. The drills should be short, but … [Read more...]
Team 70 Free Throw Drill
Purpose: To develop free throw shooting under pressure. Each player is under pressure to make his shot because the team needs to finish with a total percentage made of 70% or greater. Drill: You can utilize all available baskets but, personally, I like to keep the team all at one basket. If they are all at one basket, they can encourage each other. If you have a lot of players or if you want to speed up the time it takes to do this drill, use more than one basket. All players will take turns … [Read more...]
Under the Basket Competitive Shooting Drill
Purpose: To practice shooting and scoring from under the basket in a competitive drill situation. Drill: At least 4 players and 1 basketball at a basket. Players form two lines, one on each side of the rim. O1 starts with the basketball, shoots the short jump shot and runs to the end of the opposite line. O2 jumps up, grabs the rebound (make or miss), shoots it back up and runs to the end of the opposite line. This continues with O3, O4, etc. Perform drill for one minute. To make drill … [Read more...]
Intensity Shooting Drill
Purpose: Teach players intensity and effort in this shooting drill by having them attempt to make as many shots as possible in one minute. Drill: One player with one basketball will start under a basket. To begin the Intensity Shooting Drill, shoot a layup. After grabbing the basketball from the net, take 2 hard dribbles away from the basket in any direction. Stop to turn and square up, then shoot the basketball. After the shot, hustle after your rebound and continue for one minute. Goal … [Read more...]
Roll-Out Jump Shot Series
Purpose: To develop jump shot skills by learning to shoot game-type shots. Also helps to develop the ability to create open space and to shoot off the dribble. Drill #1: Roll-Out J Start with your back to the baseline and your outside foot touching the lane line. Roll the basketball towards the free throw line. Run after the basketball and pick it up as it crosses the free throw line, pivot, and face the basket. Shoot the jump shot. Follow shot. If made, continue drill. If missed, gather … [Read more...]