Purpose: Some players have difficulty making layups because they tend to jump 'long' instead of jumping 'high' (therefore, they wind up shooting from a bad angle). This drill encourages players to jump as high as possible for a layup rather than broad jumping. Drill: Place an object such as a cone, chair, ball rack, etc slightly behind the backboard. The distance will depend upon the speed of the drill (which should be varied). For moderate speed, place the cone directly under the backboard as … [Read more...]
Two-Man Layup Drill
Purpose: To work on 'finishing' a fast break or slow break situation. Players will work on passing and catching in a simulated break environment. Drill: Begin with players in the three lines, as shown; the basketball is in line O1. A coach or manager (C) stands near the elbow area. O2 starts by cutting hard to the area around the free throw line extended. O1 passes to O2, who executes a jump stop upon the catch. O3 will start his run and cut at the same time as O2 and will run his … [Read more...]
2-Man Elbow Shooting Drill
Purpose: This is a simple basketball shooting drill that is useful in practicing shots from a common crease/opening against most defenses. This drill creates repetition in shooting from the elbow area, thereby presenting familiarity within an offense to gain attempts from these spots. Drill: O1 has the ball and begins under the basket as the rebounder/passer. O2 begins at the elbow (left elbow in this diagram). O2 then moves quickly to the right elbow -- staying low with target hands ready. … [Read more...]
Post Player Ball Roll Head Fake Shooting Drill
Purpose: To develop the head and shoulder shot fake from in the low post. The head and shoulder is necessary and essential to getting a shot off in traffic and to possibly draw a foul. Drill: The player, with a basketball, begins at the right elbow. He starts by rolling the basketball along the lane line towards the baseline. Staying low, the player follows the basketball to the block area, picks it up, squares to the backboard, pump fakes and then shoots a power layup (dunk, if … [Read more...]
Wildcat 3 Ball Shooting Drill
Purpose: To teach the players to prepare to shoot the basketball and to shoot if off the pass or dribble. Drill: 6 players and 3 basketballs are needed. 3 players begin on the floor as shown; the remaining players from three lines under the basket, balls are at front of each line. O4, O5, and O6 will pass to O1, O2, and O3. Shooters should have target hands ready and call for the ball. Shooters will also take a 1-2 step into the pass. After receiving the pass, shoot and follow your shot. … [Read more...]
Post Player Inside-Outside Versatility Drill
Purpose: In today's game, post players must have an all-around versatile game. Scoring just from the post or low block area cannot be the only option. To improve, be dominant, and get to the next level, post players must be able to play inside and outside. No matter what level you coach, make sure you aren't just teaching your tall players to be 'tall' ... help them get better in all facets of the game. This drill helps post players improve by allowing them to work on scoring from four … [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...]
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...]
Crossover Step Layup Drill
Purpose: Learning the Crossover Step Layup move will help to create strong shot opportunities when a player drives to the basket. Drill: Players will line up on the wing, as shown. (If you have several baskets at your disposal, use them.) At least one ball per group. The first player begins by dribbling hard to the cone, jump stops, and then executing the crossover step and finishing with a layup/baby hook shot. Grab your shot and pass back to next person in line without a ball and then move … [Read more...]