If you’re coaching youth basketball, focusing on fundamentals is essential. However, players often perceive these fundamental drills as basic and boring. As a coach, you must find ways to make these vital skills enjoyable, competitive, and engaging — like how parents cleverly hide vegetables in meals!
When you incorporate these fundamentals into game-like situations, your players will experience even more significant benefits.
Below is a comprehensive list of 20 excellent basketball drills for beginners. These drills are designed to effectively teach new players the fundamentals of the game and help them improve their skills swiftly.
Basketball Drills for Beginners
Shooting Drills
1. Perfects
This is an excellent drill to kick off every practice. It helps players understand the correct shooting technique.
- Setup: Start with three players at each basket, one positioned below each low block and another in the middle of the key.
- Objective: Players aim for a “perfect” shot — one that goes through the basket without hitting the rim.
- Execution: They can shoot without jumping, using one or two hands, depending on their age and strength. After shooting, they rotate positions.
2. Spinout Shooting
This drill is effective when multiple players are training together.
- Setup: Players spread out across the gym, ideally near a line for aiming assistance.
- Objective: Players spin a basketball with a backspin before stepping into their shots, focusing on timing and footwork.
- Execution: They finish with a jump shot, ensuring the ball trajectory aligns with the target line.
3. BDT Shooting
This partner drill incorporates decision-making, making it game-like.
- Setup: One player acts as the shooter while another serves as the passer, signaling shooting or passing movements.
- Execution: This drill enhances communication and quick reactions while mimicking real-game scenarios.
4. Good Shot, Great Shot
This drill encourages players to evaluate shot quality.
- Setup: Designate four spots on the floor for offensive players, with three defenders in the paint.
- Objective: Players aim to work the ball for an open shot, emphasizing ball movement over individual play.
Passing Drills
5. 4 Corner Passing
This fundamental passing and catching drill involves fast-paced movement.
- Setup: Four lines of players – two at low blocks and two at the elbows.
- Execution: Players pass to the next line and follow the ball, increasing tempo by introducing more basketballs.
6. Monkey in the Middle
It’s a fun, competitive way to work on fake passing.
- Setup: Two offensive players pass the ball while one defender tries to intercept.
- Execution: Passes must be strategic, minimizing risks of interception by effectively faking movements.
7. Ultimate Passing
This drill enhances spacing, footwork, and passing without dribbling.
- Setup: Teams of 3-5 players work to complete successful passes without letting the ball hit the floor.
- Objective: Reach the “end zone” by passing, boosting teamwork and communication among players.
8. 10 in a Row Passing
This drill requires teams to focus on precision and consistency.
- Setup: Form two teams of players aiming to complete ten consecutive passes without any errors.
- Execution: Encourage aggressive defense to create turnover opportunities.
Dribbling Drills
9. Dribble Races
It’s a classic drill that hones ball-handling through competition.
- Setup: Divide players into small teams and designate a dribbling course.
- Objective: Encourage specific techniques, such as weak-hand dribbling, to enhance skills.
10. Mirror Dribbling
This drill promotes head-up dribbling among players.
- Setup: Players line up diagonally across the court, facing each other.
- Execution: Players dribble toward each other and perform designated moves, maintaining space and awareness.
11. 2-Ball Dribbling
Using two balls challenges players’ control and coordination.
- Setup: Players dribble two balls simultaneously, focusing on stationary drills before moving.
- Execution: Gradually introduce dynamic ball-handling moves and changes of direction.
12. Tennis Ball Dribbling
Incorporating a tennis ball increases difficulty in dribbling.
- Execution: Players dribble their basketball while tossing and catching a tennis ball, enhancing concentration and multitasking.
Footwork Drills
13. Partner Pass and Pivot
This drill emphasizes stopping and pivoting skills.
- Setup: Players work in pairs along the sideline with one basketball.
- Objective: Practice proper stopping techniques and correct pivoting while passing.
14. 4 Corner Pass and Pivot
A chaotic but beneficial warmup drill is focusing on multiple skills.
- Setup: Players dribble toward the lane and pivot before passing to nearby teammates.
- Execution: Encourage quick transitions and ensure players use the correct pivot foot.
15. The Red Light Game
A competitive game honing ball-handling and response skills.
- Setup: Use verbal commands to direct players’ movements while dribbling.
- Objective: Enhance agility as players react to “red light” commands by stopping or changing direction.
16. Passing Tag
A game-like drill for improving pivoting and passing under pressure.
- Setup: Split players into Passers and Runners.
- Execution: Runners evade while Passers tag them; Passers must pivot and pass quickly.
Finishing Drills
17. Octopus Finishing
A versatile drill for developing finishing techniques.
- Setup: Place cones around the perimeter for players to navigate and finish layups from various angles.
- Execution: Players alternate between right- and left-handed finishes while maintaining control.
18. Chaser Layups
Focus on layups while under defensive pressure.
- Setup: Partner players off, starting slightly apart for a competitive layup drill.
- Execution: Offensive players race to finish as defenders attempt to cut them off.
19. 1-on-1 Rip Layups
This drill simulates in-game situations by encouraging aggressive play.
- Setup: Offense faces off against a defender at the three-point line.
- Execution: The offensive player rips the ball and drives for a quick layup while evading defense.
20. 1-on-1 Block Finishing
A contested finishing drill focusing on protection and skill.
- Setup: Players stand on the blocks, with a coach passing the ball when the drill begins.
- Execution: Offensive players pivot to shield the ball while finishing against a defender.
Conclusion
These basketball drills for beginners are an excellent way for your team to work on foundational skills while engaging in competitive and enjoyable activities. Players will enhance their skills and develop fundamental decision-making abilities crucial for their growth in the game. By focusing on fun and structured practice, you can foster an environment where young athletes can thrive.
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