Helpful Hoops

Better basketball for coaches and players

With 1167 free basketball drills!

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.

Heads Up Direction Change

Teach players to dribble with heads up

Quick

In a circle, you in middle. The kids copy you running on the spot, jumping etc. When you say quick they get into the defensive position. However if you say get down they continue to do what they were beforehand they are only out if you see them.

Variation of Red Light Green Light

Teaches kids to dribble in all directions and control the ball.

Speed Lay-up Drill

Coach times player for 1 minute; team counts aloud number of shots made and encourages player along the way.

Speed Dribble

Players start at 1/2 court or baseline. Each line or player has a ball. Objective is to reduce the number of dribbles. Very good for young players.

Sideline Lay-Ups

The O’s pass to the outlet line. The line to their left if they are going to shoot left handed lay ups and vice versa. The O then runs the floor to receive a bounce pass at the other end. X throws a baseball pass down the sideline. Then pass to the foul line, the x at the foul line gives a bounce pass to O for the lay-up. X’s always follow their pass to the next line. X at the foul line get the rebound of O and are the next shooters.

Red Light Green Light

Everyone starts at the baseline with a ball. When the coach says ‘green light’, the player starts to dribble and walk. When the coach says ‘red light’, the player stops.

‘Pin’ Ball

Players start in a confined area. Each player has two cloths pins clipped on the back of their jerseys about shoulder blade level.

Basketball categories

Ballhandling 160Probably 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 112Offense wins games, defense wins championships. Playing defense is a skill like everything else. It requires skill, understanding of the game, and dedication.
Offense 79If 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 260More 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.