Basketball Drills

A team cannot be effective if they do not practice basketball drills often. Drills prepare a team for competition, when they will need to perform. If a team has practiced basketball drills often enough, putting ideas into practice will take no thought.

Basketball Offensive Drills

Offensive basketball drills will make any team prepared for a tough defense. Drills should be practiced regularly, with different scenarios accounted for. Offensive basketball drills should focus on handling the ball, making accurate shots, and breaking away from a defender.

Rebound Shots

Two players can do this drill on either side of the basketball court. Players stand near the hoop and shoot off the backboards. Players shoot and rebound their own shots, regardless of whether they make or miss it. Players then jump to the other side of the hoop and take another shot. Coaches should set a minimum number of shots made or a time limit for the drill, depending on the focus of the exercise.

Full Court Dribble and Shoot

Two players can do this drill at the same time, starting on opposite sides of the court. Players shoot a lay-up and rebound their own shot. They should immediately run down to the other end of the court, dribbling the whole way. Players then take whatever shot they want and get the rebound. This continues until a coach blows his whistle.

This drill can be modified for more advanced players by adding a defender, making it a one-on-one competition.

Defensive Drills for Basketball

There is so much to work on with defense that defensive basketball drills are the best way to prepare a team for everything they might face. Defensive drills should focus on quick movements, being able to read the offense, and being aggressive without being illegal.

Slide to Slide

Players start in a standard defensive stance, with their heads up and their knees bent. As the coach blows the whistle, players slide one direction or the other.

Players should stay low when sliding and not cross their feet, which will cause them to trip and slow down. The feet should also stay apart, preferably shoulder-width apart. Finally, players should slide on the balls of their feet without letting their heels touch the ground.

Block the Pass

An offensive player stands at the top of the foul line with the ball. An offensive players should be to one side of the basket with a defender opposite them. The offensive player tries to break free for a pass while the defender tries to block the pass. If the offensive player does get the pass, the defender should get in position to stop a shot.

Final Thoughts

Basketball drills, both offensive and defensive, are a perfect way to teach youth basketball players how to respond to different situations they will face during a game. Basketball drills give athletes a chance to practice new skills, perfect their coordination as a team, and build confidence in their abilities.

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