Skill Drills

Quick hands
With legs spread, hold the ball between legs with one hand in front and one hand reaching behind you, drop the ball and switch hands catching the ball before it hits the ground. Repeat as quickly as possible. You can also do this with both hands in front then catch it with both hands behind.

'Pin' Ball
Players start in a confined area. Each player has two cloths pins clipped on the back of their jerseys about shoulder blade level. On command, everyone goes after cloths pins on everyone else. Winner is player with most pins. Helps young players with aggressiveness.

Line Basketball
This is a team favorite for years, and is good for any age players. The players are able to practice offensive and defensive skills, and helps them to dribble while keeping their eyes up and seeing the floor. It is a great drill to build up 'intensity'. most of all, it is FUN!!!

Divide the players into 2 groups. Number your players 1 through whatever, placing the same number on each team at opposite ends of the floor. Designate which end the team is to shoot at. Each player cannot move from their designated spot, and must keep one foot on the sideline. The coach places the ball at center court. When the coach calls a number, the player with that number goes for the ball and tries to score. They may use their teammates on the sideline to pass to, but they cannot dribble or more from their spot.

Shoot, pass, drive
Player stands 1 foot from ring facing basket, coach stands under the bucket with a ball. Coach passes to player and calls out either;
  • pass: player pass straight back to coach
  • shoot: player shoots quickly
  • drive: player drive to bucket hard on one side (next time drive called they go to opposite side)
Jump and Run
This drill is used to increase jumping ability and to condition players. It is an easy drill, but best when used with more than 5 players. The players jump off two feet and hit the net until they can no longer jump. After a short rest, they run back and forth hitting the net on each basket. This is a great conditioner and players like trying to touch the rim. This drill increases calf strength and will help your players jump quickly and often.