Basketball players hoping to make it to the next level are always looking for ways to improve their skills, whether in practice or at home. Some basketball drills are easy enough to do at home all by yourself. All you need is a ball, a hoop and the desire to get better.
Kill Dribble Drill
An easy drill that helps you practice your ball handling and varying the height and speed of your dribble, the kill dribble drill can be done anywhere with a ball and a hard surface. Stand and dribble the ball at a normal height and speed. Quickly push the ball to the ground and perform a low, fast dribble for 10 to 12 dribbles. Push the ball to the floor and let it bounce up to start a higher dribble, then continue a normal dribble again for another 10 to 12 dribbles. Repeat this pattern for one minute, then switch hands and repeat the drill to develop equal dribbling skills with both hands.
Catch and Shoot Drill
Catching the ball and going up for a shot is an essential skill you'll need during the game when the defense is closing out on you. Even if you're at home alone, you can still use a simple drill to develop this technique. Stand underneath the basket with a ball. Toss the ball with a backspin to a spot about where the corner of the free throw line would be on a marked basketball court. As soon as you toss the ball, run toward the spot, turn around, catch the ball, square up your body and take a jump shot. After the shot, run to grab your rebound, then toss the ball again, this time to the other corner of the free throw line. Repeat those steps until you are able to accurately shoot from those two spots, then move to other spots on the court, such as the baseline or out further to where the three-point line would be.
Mikan Drill
The Mikan drill is an effective practice technique, especially for basketball forwards and centers because it helps players develop proper footwork, rebounding and close-range shooting all in the same drill. Better yet, you can do it all on your own at home. Stand under the basket with a basketball. Move to the right and jump off your left foot as lay the ball in the basket off the backboard with your right hand. Immediately grab the ball out of the net and make a move to the left side, jumping off your right foot and using your left hand to lay the ball off the backboard and into the basket. Repeat both these actions for one minute, keeping track of how many baskets you make.
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