Basketball Practice Drills

Basketball practice drills help players prepare for different game situations, and to learn the fundamentals of basketball. Below are some useful basketball drills that could be used in practice...

The drill in Diagram I above is one of many basketball practice drills that gives the player practice in the pivot, catching the ball on the run and shooting. The drill is begun by having players lined up in columns at each side of the court with one man under the basket to begin drill by passing to No. 3; No. 3 who receives the ball on the free throw line, pivots and passes to No. 2, who is driving in for a basket. No. 1 then takes No. 3's place and No. 3 takes the rebound and passes to No. 1, who passes to No. 3.

In Diagram II above two guards are stationed near the basket. No. 1 dribbles toward guard and executes a full pivot passing ball to teammate, who is following him. No. 1 screens as No. 2 shoots for basket.

Diagram III above is one of many basketball practice drills that shows a drill which gives practice in the front half pivot. No. 1 dribbles to end of court, stops with the right foot in advance. He then pivots toward the basket and passes to the player who is following to his left. This player takes a close in shot, driving in fast.

Basketball Practice Passing Drills

Diagram IV above is one of many basketball practice drills in passing as well as guarding. The players are lined up in two columns as illustrated. The guard is situated directly between them near the basket. Players No. 1 and No. 2 try and work the ball past him for a close in shot by using short, snappy passes.

Shuttle Passing:

The players are placed in two lines facing each other from ten to thirty feet apart. The ball is passed back and forth between the lines until it reaches the end. Different types of passes may be used. There are variations from this, as it may be done in the same manner except that the players change places with each other or the players may use the bounce pass. This is an excellent drill for early season practice.

Double Circle in Motion:

Two large circles are formed one within the other and both move in the opposite direction. The ball is passed from circle to circle. The players walk through the drill at first and gradually speed it up until they are running. More than one ball may be used.

Accuracy Passing:

Three circles are drawn one within the other upon the wall, waist high. The players throw at the circle from a distance specified by the coach. A bull's eye hit scores three points, etc. Each player is given fifteen throws. Several circles may be drawn with chalk and several boys may throw at one time. Any method of passing may be used.

Dodge Drill:

A large circle is formed with one player placed in the center. Any one receiving the ball may...

throw at the center man. Each time he is hit counts one point for the individual who threw the ball. Ten points wins the game.

Passing:

Diagram VII below shows one of many excellent basketball practice drills for passing, breaking, and footwork. Three columns are formed at one end of the floor. Player No. 2 passes to No. 3, who crosses over to the other side of the court. No. 2 goes in back of No. 3 after passing the ball. No. 3 then passes to No. 1, who crosses to the other side of the court. This criss-cross is continued the entire length of the court...

and return. The important thing to remember is that the player is to go in back of the player to whom the ball is passed.

In Diagram VIII below, player No. 1 dribbles past the center line and makes a long one handed pass to No. 2, who breaks from the side and cuts for the basket.

This drill is good practice in timing and ball control for this type of pass is sometimes used in the fast break.

Diagram IX below shows the ball being passed around a large circle and across the circle in any direction. This is just one of many excellent basketball practice drills that teaches alertness and the habit of receiving passes at different angles and unexpected moments.

Click here to find basketball shooting drills.

Basketball Practice Dribbling Drills:

As shown in Diagram X below a group of players is stationed at different positions of the court. Sev-eral balls may be used as indicated.

In Diagram XI below several lines are formed. Chairs are placed about twenty feet apart and the players dribble around them as diagrammed. This drill gives excellent practice in changing hands while dribbling.

Relays:

Several lines are formed and at the word “go” the player at the head of each line dribbles to the end of the court and back. As he returns, the ball is given to the next player in line. The group finishing first, of course, wins.

Lay In Shots:

Diagram XII above shows two lines formed on either side of the court. The first player begins the drill by dribbling in for a lay up shot. Number 1 player takes the ball off the backboard and passes to the next No. 2 man who is breaking in for a lay up shot.

If you utilize the above basketball practice drills consistently, you will definitely improve as a player and you will sure be ready for game-time situations.

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