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Youth basketball drills

For those just starting out playing basketball, the game should be all about having fun. These drills will show you how to make sure the kids enjoy themselves while they learn the basics of basketball.

There are 23 individual basketball drills in this category.

back to back 1 on 1

A fun drill thats easy to learn.

Steal the Bacon

Split players into two even groups. Groups occupy opposite baselines and each player is assigned a number that matches the number of an opposing player. Ball is then placed at center court. Coach calls out a number. The two players assigned that number break for the ball. First player to the ball is awarded one point. The player reaching the ball first is now on offense and must attempt to score on opposing teams basket. Player is awarded one point for a shot attempt and one additional point for his/her team if the shot is successful. Coach may blow whistle and call play dead at any time. Players return to their baselines and a new number is called. First team to a predetermined score wins.

Watch for the number

Practice keeping heads up in the game.

Cat and mouse

1 player (cat) starts half court in a defensive position. Rest of team (mice) start on one of the baselines (spread out), each with a ball.

At whistle the mice try to dribble to the other baseline without being caught by the cat. The cat (without fouling) steals the ball from the mouse, if the cat does so that mouse now also becomes a cat.

The only rules are the cat can only steal 1 ball per baseline attempt by the mice and the cat must have control of the ball (once stolen), and dribble back to the baseline where the mouse came from (the mouse should not give up on the ball). Also, once mouse crosses the other baseline that mouse is protected so cat cannot steal that ball.

After all of the mice that did not get their ball stolen, stop game and take all of the stolen balls out of play and set your (now) cats and mice up to do it again!!!!

HAVE FUN

Monkey in the middle gets the ball

Three players in line spread out, the ends have a ball each, middle guy faces one end person.

Motion Offense Principles

Teaches the kids the motion offense, using the part to whole method.

Clap pass

You get all the players circled around you. You pass the ball to random players in the group. The player must clap before they catch the ball. They sit out if:
1.They don’t catch the ball
2.They don’t clap
3.They clap when you fake a pass to them

Who’s afraid of…

A fun drill that makes everybody dribble under stress. Involves everyone in the group.

Basketball categories

Ballhandling 158Probably the most basic of basketball skills, but sometimes the most neglected. These drills will show you how to develop ballhandling skills. Remember that weak hand!
Big man 36Perhaps more than any other position on the team, the big man needs drills to perfect inside and post-up moves.
Combination 74Drills that combine other skills, and puts emphasis on technique and fundamentals.
Conditioning 159Basketball requires all around conditioning; stamina, strength, speed, jumping ability and more. These drills show you how to improve in all those areas.
Defense 111Offense wins games, defense wins championships. Playing defense is a skill like everything else. It requires skill, understanding of the game, and dedication.
Offense 78If you want to develop a sound offensive game, this category is for you. These are drills for the individual player and for the team.
Passing 74Another fundamental skill that is often overlooked. These drills will teach you everything from individual passing drills, to team passing drills.
Rebounding 77Like defense, rebounding takes dedication. But rebounding is easier if you understand the basics of boxing out, timing, and the importance of defensive positioning.
Shooting 257More than any other skill, shooting takes practice. Lot's of practice. Fundamentals include form, timing, and mental training.
Skills 32Drills that teach other aspects of the game are collected here.
Transition 47The transition from defense to offense can be a very effective weapon. Teams that know how to run the floor and establish a set offense quickly, have a powerful weapon for scoring easy points.
Warmup 24These drills cover everything from individual to team warmup drills, both for game and practice situations.
Wheelchair 10I'd like to have a lot more drills for wheelchair basketball, so please help me add more drills to this category!
Youth 23For those just starting out playing basketball, the game should be all about having fun. These drills will show you how to make sure the kids enjoy themselves while they learn the basics of basketball.

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