Skills & Drills
Warm Up Basic Drills
Ball Handling;
10 Times round head one way, then change direction. x2 each way
10 Times round waist one way, then change direction. x2 each way
Bend knees 10 Times round left leg without looking at the ball x2 each direction
Bend knees 10 Times round right leg without looking at the ball x2 each direction
10 times figure f 8 x2 each direction
Dribble round right leg (Don’t look at the ball)
Dribble round left leg (Don’t look at the ball)
Figure of 8 Dribble (Don’t look at the ball)
Finger taps – limit time.
10 times - Between legs Drop & Catch, use either sides and front and back.
Corner Route Drill
The player with the ball passes to the corner ahead of him and follows his pass.
The receiver passes back to him and breaks toward the next corner clockwise. The first player once again passes to his original receiver and goes to the end of the player’s line.
As the drill progresses, add more basketballs. Can also use as:- dribble jump stop, pass. (work on basics)
Coaching points;
Be sure not to double dribble, all in one motion. Don’t look at the ball. Get the feel of the ball so all motion feels natural. Continuous ball handling drills/practice’s time after time you should start to feel the ball as part of the hand.
Basketball Individual Improvement plan
2 Ball Dribble
Two ball dribble up the floor, keep your head up-look at the rim in front of you.
Work on a piston dribble, after reaching bottom baseline, come back by dribbling the two basketball’s backwards.
Work at speed.
Come up and down the floor 10 trips.
Pivot and shoot
Start from baseline, toss ball out to foul line, run after the ball, catch with a two footed jump stop.
Pivot so feet are square to basket, keep shooting hand in the centre of the ball and elbow underneath the basketball.
Shoot the basketball at the centre of the basket.
Work on either side to work on a bank shot….
Repeat this action until you have scored 5 shots from each spot.
Alternate Lay-up
Starting from the elbow, face the basket, dribble the basketball into the basket and shoot a lay-up, collect your own rebound and dribble out to opposite elbow, turn at the elbow and then shoot a lay-up on the other side of the basket.
Make sure you dribble on the outside hand.
Repeat the alternating lay-up drill for 45 seconds. Record your score.
Weak Hand Lay-ups
Shoot as many “weak” hand lay-ups as you can in 35 seconds.
Dribble the basketball from one end of the court to the other, no rebounds.
Just dribble from one of the court to the other on your weak hand, shoot, rebound and then go the other way.
Record how many “Weak” hand lay-ups you make in 35 seconds.
Free Throw Conditioner
Shoot ten free throws in pairs. Before you start run two full court sprints, shoot a pair of free throws and then run two full court sprints.
Continue like this until you have shot a total of ten free throws.
Record how many you make out of 10.
Wall Pass
Stand twelve feet away from the wall, pass the basketball against the wall and catch the basketball as many times as possible in fifteen seconds. Be sure to meet the ball, (don’t wait for ball to return) and step into the pass.
Record how many passes you make in 15 seconds.
Sideline sprints
One shooter and one rebounder.
Player with ball, shoots from elbow, then sprints to opposite sideline, to return to the next elbow to receive a pass and shoot.
Repeat Action for 45 seconds.
Record how many you make in 45 Seconds.
2 Ball - Passing in pairs
Both players have a ball.
One player makes a bounce pass and the other makes a chest pass.
Make as many passes as you can in 45 seconds.
Be sure as soon as you push ball away for the pass, that you get your target ready to receive the ball.
Record how many passes you make in 45 seconds, then switch pass and start again.
FUN DRILLS
Train Drill
In groups of 2 or more, hand ball over player in fronts head, and move to front, when reach opposite end, dribble back, jump stop, pivot bounce pass and sit down.
When last player is their just dribble back and sit down. 1st group back wins.
Circle Clap Game
Make a circle with players…
Have coach standing in the middle with the ball.
Coach passes to different players, but before they catch, they must clap…
If they don’t clap they’re out and sit down, if they clap and don’t receive a pass, they need to sit down, and if they drop the ball they would be out.
Can make give them 3 lives/chances call game out get letter O then U then T their out…
Can make more difficult by making them clap more than once.
King Of The Court - Knock Out
Every player gets a basketball.
Players can pair up in twos and/or threes or can work as individual game.
Players must dribble the ball while they try to knock the ball away from other players.
Players who lose control of ball must sit out.
Set up boundaries(they must play within half court). As the game goes along you can narrow the dribble area (i.e. three point area, 3-sec lane, etc..)
Teamwork variation. Players must hold hand of their teammate. To knock others' ball out, they can bounce their ball while they momentarily attempt to knock out others' ball with the same hand. - They can't let go of their teammates hand!
This is a good 'stress relief' type drill where the players have a lot of fun. It works great because they do work on their ball handling, defense, and teamwork skills. I recommend appointing teams yourself - so you can pair up varied levels of players.
I like the teamwork add on since it gives those 'not so good'Ball-handlers a better chance to win for once.
Movement Drills.
Passing & moving
3 lines on baseline, basket ball in middle line. This drill is to execute a fast break movement without dribble, quick pass’s moving up the court, for a good close basket. Start middle player pass out, return to middle, out to other side, etc all way up court.
Limit amount of pass’s, start with 7 pass’s up court, cutting it down to finish with 4 pass’s.
3 pass’s Drill
2 lines either side of key line. Passing between each other up to half court, guy without the ball cuts back to basket for a return pass to move onto a lay-up.
3 on 2 2 on 1
Limit pass’s going to half court, then using good spacing 3 players attempt to score past 2 defenders.
The last player to touch ball (e.g tunrnover, or a basket) gets back to defend the opposite end basket against the 2 players that where defenders.
Get Down – Fastbreak drill
Have three people come out and face the basket.
When the coach shoots the ball, one of the three rebounds the ball, while player 2 & 3 are filling both outside lanes.
The rebounder quickly gives an outlet pass to player 2.
Player 2 then passes the ball to player 3 who should now be at about free-throw line extended of the other end of the court.
Player 3 now passes back to player 1, who has sprinted up the court for a no dribble lay-up.
Work on a V cut then L cut
Part 1 (V Cut):- Player at the top, 1 at the wing. Ball at the wing, pass to the top, make a good V cut to get free from the defender, one hard bounce and make a bank shot.
MAKE SURE TO PUT THE REBOUND IN.
Part 2 (L Cut):- L cut. As said cutting in shape of letter L, so ball at wing and player at top without the ball, make good pass to the top, make a good L cut to get free from the defender, one bounce if needed and take a good shot.
MAKING SURE YOU FOLLOW SHOT AND BOTH PLAYERS REBOUND
Jab step
One line at top of 3 point line; face basket.
Make a good jab step to convince defender of a change of direction, turn and go other way.
Do this at speed with good convincing jab step.
Pass and cut
One line at top of 3 point line facing basket with the ball, other line at the wing position.
Top line makes a pass to the wing, moves away from the ball at one speed and makes a good change of speed and change of direction to cut back to opposite side ofbasket to finish with a good close shot. Changing lines after each go.
Backdoor cut
Same set up as pass and cut apart from ball is unable to be passed to wing, as defended well. So wing player should take defender backdoor. So Wing player moves up towards the ball, then a turn (Reverse Pivot) at speed to go backdoor signalling for the ball and should ends up with a good close basket shot, changing lines after each shot.
V-cut/backdoor:- (with pressure)
You need a coach or player at the top of the key with a ball with an offensive player on either wing, One defender guards the offensive player.
A second defender is on the opposite low block waiting to pick up the offensive player.
The drill starts with the offensive player v-cutting to get open on the wing.
When the offensive player comes open, the coach or player with ball gives him a good pass and the offensive player must get into triple threat position.
After getting in triple threat position, the offensive player passes the ball back to the coach or player and then cuts down along the baseline to the opposite side of the court.
Once reaching the opposite side of the court, the second defender picks up the offensive player and denies the wing pass.
The offensive player must execute a backdoor cut to get open for a lay-up.
Upon completion of the drill, the offensive player becomes the first defender, the first defender rotates to become the second defender and the second defender rotates to the offensive line.
COACHING POINTS
ALWAYS USE DEMONSTRATIONS!
Good spacing is very important when playing against defence.
Make all game like; making sure footwork is carried out properly.
Catch on jump stop – stepping into the pass.
Be sure to always come to ball with hands ready as target.
Most important on all pass’s – pass where player is going to, not coming from. So player can move onto ball.
Back to Basics
Warm up
Why warm up?
Jogging on the spot......Slowly.
Jogging and punching down towards the ground….
Jogging and punching towards sides…
Arms out, knees up. Then finally heals against butt.
Jog around, when I clap my hands come to a 2 footed jump stop.
Drill: 1
equal lines – ball in front of each line.
Which part of hand do we dribble with? Why?
Dribble towards the opposite line and back without picking up the ball and come to a two footed jump stop, hand ball to partner.
Explaining why jump stop? Balance, etc!
Explain the double dribble rule!
Drill 2:
set up as before, but take end person from each line to face there line – at opposite side.
Dribble towards player facing – come to a jump stop. Perform some ball handling (round waist) and exchange places – player dribbles towards opposite line – jump stop - performs some ball handling, hand ball over, etc. continuous!
Drill 3:
same set up as drill 2.
Passing.
Bounce pass.
Dribble towards player facing, come to a jump stop at a good distance away from partner.
PASS & CATCH WITH TWO HANDS! WITHOUT STRAIGHT LEGS
Making sure of a good target to pass ball to, two thumbs touching, in front of chest.
Stepping forward and making a good single bounce half way between you and player passing to, pass, receive return pass, perform ball handling and move behind pass. Then next player does same but other way.
Drill 4:
As last drill but using a chest pass!
Chest pass.
As bounce pass, except without the bounce and still aiming the ball at target towards chest. Stepping forward and stretching out with arms, and following through with fingers spread and thumbs pointing down.
COACHING POINTS
EXPLAIN TRAVELLING RULE, NOT WALKING WITH BALL OR TAKING STEPS FORWARD OR BACK FOR A BETTER PASS. WHICH IS WHY YOU SHOULD DRIBBLE WITH HEAD UP.
EXPLAIN TRAVELLING RULE
EXPLAIN DOUBLE DRIBBLE RULE
PASS & CATCH WITH 2 HANDS
ONLY PASS IF YOU SEE A CLEAR TARGET TO PASS TO!
ALWAYS USE DEMONSTRATIONS!
Passing
Pair up
Bounce pass
Dribble towards opposite sideline and back, come to a jump stop at a good distance away from partner.
PASS & CATCH WITH TWO HANDS!! WITHOUT STRAIGHT LEGS - STEPPING INTO THE PASS!
Making sure of a good target to pass ball to, two thumbs touching, in front of chest.
Stepping forward and making a good single bounce half way between you and player passing to, pass and move behind pass.
Chest pass
As bounce pass, except without the bounce and still aiming the ball at target towards chest. Stepping forward and stretching out with arms, and following through with fingers spread and thumbs pointing down.
COACHING POINTS:
EXPLAIN TRAVELLING RULE, NOT WALKING WITH BALL OR TAKING STEPS FORWARD OR BACK FOR A BETTER PASS.
PASS AND CATCH WITH 2 HANDS!
Passing Made Simple
All a player needs for this drill is a ball and a wall.
Stand 10-12 feet from the wall and practice chest, bounce, wrap around, and over-the-head passes to a designated spot on the wall.
Proper release, proper leg work into the pass must be emphasized.
Keep your eyes focused on your target.
Make 25 chest passes, 25 bounce passes, 25 wrap-around passes from both sides with both hands, and 25 over-the-head passes, then step back 5 feet and repeat.
Complete this cycle and step back 5 more feet to complete another cycle from approximately 20 feet away.
The Rapid Fire Slide requires a ball and a wall.
The distances from the wall are the same as "Passing made simple drill", and the types of passes completed and the repetitions.
What makes this drill different is that you slide 15 to 20 feet to your right and then back, all the while completing your repetitions of passes.
The added degree of difficulty – movement – makes for a better passer come game time.
Passing & Moving
3 lines on baseline, basket ball in middle line.
This drill is to execute a fast break movement without dribble, quick pass’s moving up the court, for a good close basket.
Start middle player pass out, return to middle, out to other side, etc all way up court.
Limit amount of pass’s, start with 6 pass’s up court, cutting it down to finish with 3 pass’s.
Put a time limit on drill e.g get up court in least amount of pass's, and score in 30 sec's.
COACHING POINTS:
Catch the pass on a jump stop, eliminate travelling.
Making sure to move ahead after pass, moving up the court in a good space of time.
Make sure to step into pass.
PASS AND CATCH WITH 2 HANDS!
Circle Passing
The following drill is a passing drill that relies on your players thinking and moving to keep the drill moving.
All pass's can be included in the drill and you can use different combinations of pass's if you want.
This drill is set up by getting your players into a circle with spacing between your players on the outside of the circle of about four or five feet if possible.
You need two players lined up in the centre of the circle back to back.
On the outside of the circle you need the two players who are facing the two middle players to have a basketball each.
Before starting make sure that all of the players are working in either a clockwise direction or anti-clockwise direction – not both.
A variation on the drill is to change the direction once the drill has started.
The drill starts with the two players on the outside of the circle passing their basketball into the two players in the middle who they are both facing.
After passing the basketball into the middle the player on the outside of the circle now follows their pass into the middle to exchange places with the player they have just passed the ball to.
The two middle players who have received the first two passes now pass the balls out to the next player on the outside of the circle.
After passing the basketball out from the middle of the circle to the outside you now follow to the outside of the circle to fill the space left by the person who passed the ball to you originally.
Make sure all of the players maintain good spacing around the circle throughout the drill.
You can add more basketballs into this drill if you wish but again I would only do this with skilled players.
Dribbling and Passing Series
Warm up;
Jog on spot, knees up, heels against butt, jogging and punching out in front, arm circles. Jogging faster now, jumping, marching, star jumps, cool down by jog slowly then walking.
Drill 1;
Use 4 lines spread a good distance apart, sideline to sideline spacing.
4 lines in a square formation, a guy from each line dribbles to line to their right and make’s a two footed jump stop and hands the ball over. All lines go at same time, adding more basketballs regularly.
Drill 2;
As above, but put a bounce pass into it. Move on to the line you pass to. Making sure passers step into pass, and receivers have hands ready.
Drill 3;
As above but, chest pass.
Drill 4;
Same set up as before.
Players at front of line, dribble to the middle, make a 2 footed jump stop and pivot to your right and pass and move to the right. Use bounce pass.
Stepping into your pass, and being sure not to travel on your right pivot. Keeping low all the way through the pivot.
Drill 5;
As before but pivot left and make a chest pass and move to the left. Make sure player passing to has his/her hands ready.
Stepping into your pass, and being sure not to travel on your left pivot. Keeping low all the way through the pivot.
Drill 6;
Get the class into even groups, last guy in each group to stand opposite them at a good distance without ball. Now guy at front of line with the ball, dribbles half way between them and guy opposite, make’s a jump stop, step forward and makes a good bounce pass. Making sure their exchanging lines.
Doing same coming back, exchanging the place with guy you pass to.
Drill 7;
Same as last drill except with a chest pass.
COACHING POINTS:
Make sure all material and coaching given will be relevant to this class, include rules travelling, double dribble, etc.
If they get the hang of drill quickly, do it at speed, but keep it fun!
King of the Court
(Knock-out)Working on Ball Handling
Skill
Dribbling
Players Required
Use the whole team
Description
Drill involves ball handling, pressure and teamwork.
Instructions
Every player gets a basketball
Players can pair up in twos and/or threes or can work as individual game.
Players must dribble the ball while they try to knock the ball away from other players.
Players who lose control of ball must sit out.
Set up boundaries
(they must play within half court)
as the game goes along, you can narrow the dribble area
(i.e. three point area, 3-sec lane, ft circle, etc.)
Teamwork variation
Players must hold hand of their teammate.
To knock others' ball out, they can bounce their ball while they momentarily attempt to knock out others' ball
with the same hand. - They can't let go of their teammates hand!
Tips
This is a good 'stress relief' type drill where the players
have a lot of fun. It works great because they do work
on their ball handling, defense, and teamwork skills.
11 man fast break
2 defenders each end, line at each foul line extended on both sides.
And 3 guy’s start at the half court, to play 3 on 2 against 2 defenders on one side of court.
If basket scored, player who scored pass's out to one of the 2 lines and play's 3 on 2 towards the other side.
Other 2 attackers rotate to fill spot as the next 2 defenders.
If ball is stolen, the defender that gets the ball pass’s to 1 of the sides and carries on at opposite side.
Make sure players without ball, run ahead of the ball, fill the lanes.
Spacing is very important.
Defenders must communicate between each other.
Play game like! At full speed.
Fast Break Layup Drill
This is a Transition Offense drill
Skill
Fast Dribble and Layup
Players Required
2
Description
Drill is for teaching fast break skills.
Many young players are not able to complete the layup on a fast break due to lack of "fast dribbling" skills.
Also helps with players getting comfortable with finishing the drill by making the layup while moving at high speed.
Instructions
Start with defender at baseline and offensive player with the ball at the foul line.
The offensive player starts a fast dribble toward the far hoop and the defensive player chases to put pressure on the player attempting to make the fast break layup. Players go on voice command..."Break!"
Tips
Adjust distances between the starting distances of players based on the abilities of the players involved.
Best to match up players of equal ablity.
Pressure on offensive player should be constant but not too much that players could get tangled up and take a hard fall.
Fouling the offensive player is NOT an option. This is intended to be a fast paced drill but also fun.
Variations
Use an extra defender and offensive player at the opposite end.
Starting offensive player 1 must make a pass to the offensive player 2.
Offensive continues for shot while defenders apply pressure.
Other variations are to start with a rebound and an outlet pass.
Get Down
This is an Offensive Drill working on Fast Break
Players Required
3
Description
This drill is a good beginner drill that focuses on
rebounding the ball, getting a good outlet pass, and getting
the ball down the court with hustle and good passes.
This is also a good conditioning drill.
Instructions
Have three people come out and face the basket.
When the coach shoots the ball, one of the three rebounds the ball,
while player 2 & 3 are filling both outside lanes.
The rebounder quickly gives an outlet pass to player 2.
Player 2 then passes the ball to player 3 who should now be at about
free-throw line extended of the other end of the court.
Player 3 now passes back to player 1, who has sprinted up
the court for a no dribble lay-up.
Tips
You really need to emphasis not only good passses, but also
passing in front of the receiver.
Also emphasis on hustle on this drill.
It will not work if someone is not hustling down court.
Once your player have this drill down, it can be a very good conditioning tool.
Variations
Can also add one element in once they get the drill down.
Call it an INCENTIVE. If someone is not where they are
suppose to be for a pass, they must run 5 full court sprints.
If someone passes a bad pass, they must do 25 chest passes
against the wall.
Once your team becomes a little more comfortable with this
drill you can add 1 defender, 2 defenders and so on.
or make a time limit on drill.
3 Man Weave Sprints
works on your "Ball Handling" at speed. Skill generally involved is Passing
Players Required
3-15
Description
Start with your basic 3-man weave but this weave has a twist.
Every time a player drops a pass or misses a lay-up, the entire team runs a sprint or does a athletic activity, that builds endurance.
Tips
If the players show any form of discontent add sprints.
If it is a bad night or the drill is first being used, Have your assistant do a double or nothing shot such as a three pointer or behind the basket shot.
Variations
Sit ups pullups pushups jumping jacks or any activity can be substituted for sprints.
Shooting off Weave
Ball Handling
Skill
Passing, shooting
Players Required
6
Set up
3 players on base line, to start drill. with 1 ball.
2 players with ball each on both base lines. which are passers.
Description
Start with your basic 3-man weave but as get inside 3 point area, player with ball makes a layup.
Other 2 players get a pass from bass line for a jump shot.
Player that made layup continues same motion towards other basket with 2 new players that were passers. Making sure to take ball out of bounds, make game like.
This is a continuous drill for time coach sets.
This is a good drill that builds endurance.
Tips
Set goals, e.g. baskets scored, time limit, etc.
If the players show any form of discontent add sprints.
Variations
Add 1 defender.
Count missed baskets and include in sprints after drill.
Change shots, bank, to a 3 pointer.
Head up Dribble
Skill
Dribbling
Players Required
Min 2
Description
Easy dribbling drill for all ages
Instructions
Minimum of two players spaced 5-8 feet apart (depending on age level).
Each player has a basketball and one has a ping pong ball, or bean bag.
Dribbling with you good hand (proper form required) you underhand pass the ping pong ball back and forth while dribbling.
If you miss the ping pong ball dribble to get it and continue the drill.
Switch to your off hand and continue drill (5-10 min drill total)
Tips
When they switch to their off hand it might help to have a person behind each player to catch the ping pong balls. Watch out .......... they are everywhere!
Variations
None at this time.
Pass & Cut
One line at top of 3 point line facing basket with the ball, other line at the wing position.
Top line makes a pass to the wing, moves away from the ball at one speed and makes a good change of speed and change of direction to cut back to opposite side of basket to finish with a good close shot.
Changing lines after each go.
Run from both sides.
Coaching points
Explain why the change of speed, change of direction.
Try putting a defender into it.
Keep good spacing.
Backdoor Cut
One line at top of 3 point line and other at the wing.
Ball starts at the top.
Player can't make a pass to the wing so wing player gets needs to get open, by taking the defender backdoor.
Wing player moves up to take defender with him/her, makes a reverse pivot to put the defender behind them, at speed on pivot go backdoor signalling for the ball moves towards the basket.
Pass the ball ahead for cutter to move onto.
Changing lines after each shot.
Try from both sides.
Coaching points
Good spacing is a must, easy to defend when not spread out.
Pass where player is moving to not from.
After players have learned the cut do this at speed.
Transition 1 v 1
Add defenders when coach is happy.
To make the offensive player change directions to work on full court on-on-one defence.
Pair up. Then line up on the baseline with each pair having a ball.
Defender, player X slides to spot M( marked with a cone) touch cone with hand.
Offence waits till defender touches cone and then starts the starts dribble.
Defender is trying to sprint to half court to meet offence.
Offence is trying to score at opposite end of the court.
Defence is trying to slow offence down forcing to change direction on dribble.
Play out one on one on the opposite end until offence scores of defence gets rebound or steal.
Stay low on slide, sprint hard, and working to make offense change directions with dribble.
This will slow down offense and make it easier to defend.
Coaching Points
Be sure to slide on defence, assume the heal toe position.
Express the point to what defence is trying to achieve.
Side line push to end line push.
be sure to coach the Set on Smother Position's.
3 on 2 - 2 on 1
Limit pass’s going to half court, then using good spacing 3 players attempt to score past 2 defenders.
The last player to touch ball (e.g tunrnover, or a basket) gets back to defend the opposite end basket against the 2 players that where defenders.
The remaining 2 attackers stay in key at basket they where attacking, to defend against next 3 attackers.
Coaching Points
ALWAYS USE DEMONSTRATIONS!
Good spacing is very important when playing against defense.
Make all game like; making sure footwork is carried out properly.
Catch on jump stop – stepping into the pass.
Be sure to always come to ball with hands up as target.
Most important on all pass’s – pass where player is going to, not coming from. So player can move onto ball.
2 v 2 - Full Court
Put your squad of players into pairs and line them up behind the baseline at each end of the court. One pair starts with a basketball, they attack the opposite end of the floor against the first pair at the other end.
If the offensive pair score they become defenders immediately.
The original defenders go behind the baseline that they have just tried to defend to await their turn again.
The next pair of players get the basketball and become the next attackers going to the basket at the other end to the starting point.
If the defenders manage to get the basketball by either forcing a turnover, grabbing a rebound or blocking a shot then this pair of defenders become the offensive pair and they attack the basket at the opposite end of the court.
You can play this drill / game for a set time by keeping score or have the first pair to get to a set points total.
You might want to award different amounts of points for executing different aspects of the game, different points of emphasis.
You can also run this drill 3 v 3 or 4 v 4 or even 5 v 5 depending on the numbers of players you have to work with.
2 v 2 - Half Court
Put your squad into pairs and line them all up behind the baseline at one end of the floor.
This drill is run on the half court only. you can run a group either side of court.
The first team comes out as the offensive team followed by the next pair who are the defending team.
These two teams play 2 versus 2.
If one team scores they have to pass or dribble the basketball out to the three-point line before they can attack the basket again.
In the meantime the first pair who lost out go to the back of the line and the next pair on the baseline become the next pair of defenders.
If the defenders make a turnover, grab a rebound or block a shot they become the next attacking pair after they have either passed or dribbled the basketball out to the three-point line.
The attacking team that lost the ball will retire to the back of the line on the baseline.
You can condition this game to suit yourself or you can run different combinations of players.
Coaching Points
Be sure to condition drill. Time limit, scores etc.
Be sure the pairs are evenly matched.
Passing & Shooting
2 lines at half court one at each corner at half court.
Coach or a player can stand at top of key, to receive pass's.
Drill starts with one line pass to coach, coach hands ball over towards to elbow diagonal to were they were lined up.
Get ball and shoot, get own rebound and join other line.
Each line alternates the pass to the coach, cutting to the diagonal elbow to receive the pass back.
Individual scoring or team to make certain number of points e.g. 10 baskets.
Coaching Points
MAKE SURE U PASS AND RECEIVE WITH 2 HANDS.
GET IN SHOOTING POSITION BEFORE TAKING SHOT, DON’T RUSH SHOT.
Make all game like; making sure footwork is carried out properly.
Catch on jump stop – stepping into the pass.
Be sure to always come to ball with hands up as target.
Most important on all pass’s – pass where player is going to, not coming from. So player can move onto ball.
Ball Handling
10 Times round head one way, then change direction. X2 each way
10 Times round waist one way, then change direction. X2 each way
10 times round knees, then change direction. X2 each way.
Bend knees 10 Times round left leg without looking at the ball x2 each direction
Bend knees 10 Times round right leg without looking at the ball x2 each direction
10 times figure figure 8 x2 each direction
Dribble round right leg (Don’t look at the ball) right hand dribble only.
Dribble round left leg (Don’t look at the ball) left hand dribble only.
Figure of 8 Dribble (Don’t look at the ball)
1 minute arms strait in front, finger taps.
1 minute arms strait up above head, finger taps.
10 times - Ball on back of neck, drop and catch behind back. (keep back strait)
10 times - Throw ball up strait up, take a step forward and catch behind back. (keep back strait)
Dribble right hand on the spot, then sit down whilst dribbling, dribble to the side and then behind, then get up.
Dribble left hand on the spot, then sit down whilst dribbling, dribble to the side and then behind, then get up.
Defence Slide
Start bottom of key, get butt out knees bent, arms out, palms up.
3 slides to other side of key touch key line with nearest foot, slide back, Continuous.
30 seconds each time.
X2 each.
Coaching points
Keep palms up, arms wide spread, feet slide.
Don’t bring feet together, might fall over.
Keep low and keep attitude of real game like situation.
Lay-up Sprint
Start right hand side in far corner, with a player with ball at each side of 3 point line.
Corner player runs towards opposite/ far end basket, to receive pass from player with ball, to run onto pass and finish with a right hand lay-up.
Leave ball and run to opposite side of court receive pass to run onto and score right hand lay-up.
PLAYER SHOULD MAKE 5 BASKETS IF COMFORTABLE MOVE ONTO 7 BASKETS.
Change to left side, left hand lay-up, making sure player takes off inside foot (right) and shoots with left hand.
Any dribbles should be with left hand.
THIS DRILL CAN BE USED FOR JUMP SHOT, PASS AND CUT. Use drill develop it get most out of it.
Coaching Points
Passers need to pass ball to were players running onto.
Passer gets rebound.
Shooter must have hands ready to receive pass with god arm signal, Don’t be in a hurry to shoot, make a good shot at shooters pace.
Need to get players to use left, it doesn’t come naturally to all players and should encourage to shoot with left on the left side, with a left hand dribble.
Lay up Difference Drill
Pair your players up on the baseline about 15 feet apart with a basketball between two.
Get your players to line up on the baseline on either side of where the three-second area starts.
Start the basketball on one side throughout the drill.
Begin by working on our right hand lay-up so start with the basketball on the left hand side.
The drill commences by passing the basketball across to your partner.
After passing you need to cut up the three-second area to the elbow.
After reaching the elbow of the three-second area look to make a hard cut back to the basket from where you started, as soon as you make this cut back look to receive a return pass ready to make a lay-up.
After making the return pass your partner rebounds any missed shots and then the two players swap lines.
Obviously to work on your left hand lay-up shots start with the basketball on the right side on the baseline.
You can also run this drill as a Jump shot drill, instead of making a cut back to the basket, catch the basketball at the elbow and shoot the basketball.
Coaching Points
Set targets, 1st to so many baskets, etc. Time limit drill.
Make sure the cut back to basket is at speed.
Make sure to pass to going to were player can move on to.
GOOD PASSING - MAKES GOOD SHOOTING!
35 Second Weak Hand Lay-ups
Shoot as many “weak” hand lay-up’s as you can in thirty five 35 seconds.
Start on the baseline at one end, dribble full court, shoot a lay-up, collect your own shot and dribble full court going the other way.
Coaching Points
Rebound shots do not count.
You are allowed one shot only – then dribble the other way.
Push ball ahead, move onto. Weak hand dribble only.
3 Passes Drill
2 lines either side of key line.
Passing between each other up to half court, Both touching the half court.
Player without the ball cuts back to basket for a return pass to move onto a lay-up.
Set targets, number of baskets.
Changing sides, finishing with right hand lay-up moving onto left hand lay-up.
Coaching Points
Make sure all footwork is carried out properly.
Right hand lay-up: - Step right, and jump off Left, shooting with right hand.
Left hand lay-up:- Step left and jump off right, shooting with left hand.
Important on all pass’s – pass where player is going to, not coming from, So player can move onto ball.
21
Shooting/lay-up
Skill
Lay-up both hands, 15ft shot
Players Required
6+
Description
Two teams of players line up on either side of the top of the block in two lines facing the basket, one ball for each line.
Instructions
Both teams begin at the same time.
P1 starts by shooting a jump shot. He/she then gets their own rebound and dribbles full length of court to opposite end and makes a lay up.
Again get your own rebound, come back down (dribbling), pull up at foul line, shoot, rebound, pass to next in line.
Each basket is worth one point.
Tips
If on right side, lay up is with right hand, vice versa on left side. On the way back down after lay up come to a jump stop before shooting.
Variations
Shoot from different spots on the floor.
Conditioning Shooting
In pairs
Start at elbow, shoot a jump shot, then sprint to opposite side-line and back to different elbow to receive pass for jump shot.
Passer must rebound with aggression (game like) and pass to were player is running to, not from.
Record scores/ try and beat previous score.
RUN FOR 2 MINUTES.
Coaching points
Square feet up to face basket.
Passers/ Rebounder need to rebound with aggression with a quick fire pass to were player is moving onto.
5 minute Lay-up Drill
Line up with line in each far corner of court on right hand side.
1st player of each line starts wit ball at half court, dribbles to make a right hand lay-up.
At same time player on opposite side dribbles to make right hand lay-up on opposite side of court.
As one goes next goes just after, joining the nearest line to basket which shot at, continuous for 5 mins, record score and try again to beat previous.
Change to left hand lay-ups.
Coaching Points
Good lay-ups only, right left up….
Don’t rush your shot or it may not go in and will look messy.
Ball Passing Drill
This drill is started by getting your players into pairs with each player having a basketball.
Depending on the age, experience and the physical size of your players have them face each other about 10’ – 15’ apart.
Before starting this drill give your players a number – either 1 or 2.
Player Number 1 is going to make a CHEST PASS and Player Number 2 is going to make a BOUNCE PASS.
The drill starts with both players passing their basketball’s both at the same time, so that each player is passing and then catching their partners basketball.
This is a drill that your players will enjoy and will find tiring if they execute the drill correctly and they work together.
Basically one basketball goes to the floor – the bounce pass and the other pass goes from chest to chest.
After a period of time you can obviously change the passes that the two players make or you could include other passes such as the overhead pass.
You can also run this drill as a timed drill making it competitive either with the pairs trying to beat their first score or it could be a competitive drill within a squad of players, all of these factors will be determined by the age and the experience of the players.
Also, you can run this drill on the move up and down the floor.
Another addition, is to have your players pass their basketballs up and down the floor and to finish either with lay-ups or jump shots.
Coaching Points
Do not allow travelling to be part of this drill otherwise you are wasting valuable practice time.
Make sure that you keep the floor clear and leave suitable gaps between the pairs of players that are working on the floor.
Very close attention needs to be made to the footwork of your players in this drill if you are going up and down the floor.
3 Throw Conditioning
Shoot ten free throws in sets of two.
Before you start, run two full court sprints down and back.
Then shoot your pair of free throws.
Then run two full court sprints, and shoot two free throws.
Continue until you have taken your ten free throws.
Make sure that you sprint hard when you are running.
Coaching Points
This drill is great as game like, for shooting the important foul shots when tired.
Make sure players really sprint hard.
V Cuts
V cuts, one line at top, one at the wing.
Ball at the wing, pass to the top, make a good V cut to get free from the defender, one bounce and make a bank shot, making sure of putting the rebound in.
Use this for lay-ups, jump shots from different positions, etc.
Both players rebound.
Changing sides.
Coaching Points
EXPLAIN BASKETBALL ISN’T A GAME IN STRAIGHT LINES, CAN’T GET TO BASKET IN A STRAIT LINE, NEED CUTS.
EXPLAIN WHY WE USE A V CUT, AN L CUT, PASS AND CUT ETC…
WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE A BALL IN YOUR HANDS YOU SHOULD NOT BE STILL, ALWAYS ON THE MOVE, CUTTING IN AND OUT.
A CHANGE OF SPEED AND CHANGE OF DIRECTION IS BEST WAY TO LOSE A DEFENDER.