1.

Technique Layups
How the Drill Works:
Players practice performing a layup off 1 step, 2 steps, using one dribble, and then practice
full-speed layups from the three-point line.
Purpose:
Developing great layup technique for all players. It’s important that players learn the basic
technique before they use them in practice and games at game pace.
Setup:-All players need a basketball.
-One line of players starting on the block.
2. Zig-Zag Layups
How the Drill Works:
A player repeatedly attacks the rim for 2 minutes finishing at the basket with a different
variation of a layup every time. On each drive, they must vary the angle of the shot.
Purpose:
This drill allows players to practice their finishing at the basket with different variations of a
layup.
3. Around the Arc
How the Drill Works:
Two players start in the corner of the court, one on offense, one on defense. An offensive
player dribbles around the 3-point arc and must attack and score against the defender, who
can’t go inside the arc until the offensive player goes attacks.
Purpose:
Great one-on-one drill for both offense and defense that I first seen posted by Alex Sarama.
The offensive player practices finishing at the hoop with a trailing defender pressuring them,
while the defender practices contesting the shot from behind without fouling the shooter.
4. Half-Court 2-on-1
How the Drill Works:
The two outside lines are on offense and the middle line is on defense. The coach passes the
basketball to an offensive player and all 3 players sprint up and around the cones and then
compete in a 2 on 1 transition situation.
Purpose:
Allows the offensive players to work on decision making on the fast break and the defender
to work on defending at a disadvantage.
5. Russian Layups
How the Drill Works:
In this continuous drill, players will make a long pass down the floor and then sprint down
the court and receive a pass from another line for a layup.
Purpose:
A great conditioning drill that works on long passing and finishing layups at full speed.
Shooting Drills

Whatever the drill, always pay attention to your shooting stance and form. And always take the time to
readjust and improve. This is the key to long-term improvement.

1. CATCH AND SHOOT FRENZY

Drill Details: Players form a line on the perimeter, each with a ball. The first player shoots
from a designated spot, retrieves their rebound, and passes to the next player. The
sequence continues until all players have shot from that spot. Then, rotate to a new spot.
Rationale: This drill develops quick release, shooting under pressure, and efficient footwork
when catching and squaring up to the basket.
2. FORM SHOOTING FOCUS
Drill Details: Players work in pairs, standing close to the hoop. They focus on perfect
shooting form – elbow in, wrist locked, follow-through – without the ball touching the rim.
Rationale: Building muscle memory for correct form is crucial for consistent shooting.
3. AROUND THE WORLD
Drill Details: Place markers at various spots around the three-point line. Players take turns
shooting from each spot. Once a shot is made, the player moves to the next spot. The goal
is to complete the circuit.
Rationale: This drill improves shooting from different angles and distances, simulating
various game situations.
4. PARTNER PASSING AND SHOOTING
Drill Details: Players work in pairs, with one player passing and the other shooting. The
passer alternates between chest passes, bounce passes, and overhead passes.
Rationale: Teaches players to catch and shoot quickly after receiving a pass, enhancing
their overall court awareness.
5. FREE THROW PRESSURE COOKER
Drill Details: Players shoot a series of free throws with added pressure. For each miss,
players must perform a physical activity (e.g., jumping jacks) before attempting the next
shot.
Rationale: Simulates the pressure of free throws during a game and helps players focus
under stress.
What Are Pass Drills?
Basketball passing drills can help players control the ball and make passing decisions. Like ball
handling, shooting, and dribbling, passing is a fundamental skill of the sport. Whether the
players are working on one-hand passes, two-hand passes, behind-the-back passes, or bounce
passes, these drills reinforce the need to be aware of teammates.
1. Wall pass: This is a great drill for a single player to work on their chest passes. You should start
by facing a wall. Standing about twelve feet away from the wall, chest pass to the wall and catch the
basketball as it bounces back. See how many passes you can make in thirty seconds, then try sixty.
A variation of this involves sliding between two points (you can use cones to mark the space) about
five-feet apart as you pass and catch the ball.
2. Partner pass: This is the basic two-person pass drill. Have your partner stand about five feet
away, then practice your passes for a set amount of time. Start with chest passes, then do bounce
passes, then overhead passes. For variety, you can each step back after a set amount of passes,
seeing how well you can maintain your speed and accuracy as the distance increases.
3. Monkey in the middle: This pass drill works best with groups of three. Two players stand
twelve to fifteen feet apart. The defender is in between them but will start near the player who has the
ball. The two outside passers attempt to pass the ball back and forth, using fake outs, pivots, and
speed to outmaneuver the defender. If the defender successfully deflects or steals the ball, the
positions rotate. Variations include allowing one dribble or only using bounce passes.
4. Fast break pass drill: Position the players in an oval over the full court, anchored by a player
under each one of the baskets. When the coach gives the signal, the first players under the basket
pass the ball to the next player (two basketballs are needed). When the ball reaches the last player
before the basket, that player should make a fast break and layup, with the anchor player getting the
rebound, then initiating the drill once again.
5. 32 advance: The players start in three lines (each will likely have two players in it) behind the
baseline. The two players on the outside will each have a basketball. The middle player begins
moving up the court, while one side passes, and the other side dribbles. The middle player catches
the pass, returns it to the same player, then turns to the other side and receives the pass from the
other player. This continues until they reach the other end of the court, where each makes a layup.
The next row begins, and once it has finished, the drill proceeds in the other direction. Specifying
types of passes—chest, bounce, or overhead—can add complexity to this drill.
6. Bronze passing: This drill utilizes pairs. Starting on either side of the key at the baseline, have
the first pairs move down the court, passing back and forth. (The key is the area on the court beneath
the basketball hoop.) When they reach the three-point line, the next pair should start. When the initial
pair reaches the opposite baseline, they should move out to their respective side lines. Then, have
them pass the ball back and forth over the top of the players now advancing down the middle. Have
the players cycle through different types of passes.
7. Netball: Netball is a cross between a scrimmage and a drill. It can be played three-on-three, four-
on-four, or five-on-five, either half-court or full-court. The rules are like standard basketball, except
there is no dribbling. To advance the ball and score, players must rely on their passing skills. This
helps to reinforce teamwork, and the players should use all of their passing techniques, from pass
fakes to one hand behind the back passes.
The purpose of drills and exercises in basketball is to improve players' skills, techniques, physical
conditioning, and overall performance on the court. These drills help players develop and hone their
shooting, dribbling, passing, rebounding, defensive, and offensive skills. They also help improve players'
agility, speed, endurance, and strength, making them more well-rounded and effective players.
Additionally, drills and exercises help players develop muscle memory, teamwork, and communication
skills, which are essential for success in basketball. Overall, drills and exercises are essential for player
development and ensuring that players are prepared to compete at a high level on the basketball court.