Basketball involves a number of different skills, including shooting, passing, ball-handling and defense. To become a well-rounded player, you need to master all of these skills. One of the best ways to do this is through drills — repetitive actions focused on a certain skill or technique. Learning basketball drills can help improve your game and make you a better player on the court.
Jump Stop Drill
One of the most challenging things for players learning the game of basketball is knowing how to come to a complete stop after dribbling in order to pass or shoot the ball. To execute a jump stop, dribble the ball while walking. As you’re dribbling, take a small jump forward by pushing off with your right foot. As both feet are in the air, collect the ball in both hands, and come to a complete stop on both feet. Gradually increase the speed at which you execute the jump stop. A simple jump stop drill can help you perfect this technique. Place cones on the basketball court, spaced about 10 feet apart in a straight line. Dribble toward the first cone and execute a legal jump stop when you reach the cone. Begin dribbling again and do another jump stop at the next cone. Repeat this for all the cones, then turn around and repeat the drill in the other direction.
Learn the Fadeaway
Some players may have trouble shooting over tall opponents, and see their shots blocked frequently. To avoid having your shot blocked, try executing a fadeaway shot. The fadeaway is done by jumping backward as you shoot, instead of straight up or toward the goal. The fadeaway helps create space between you and your opponent to help you get your shot off. To practice the fadeaway, have a friend help you, or set up a chair near the low block. Dribble to the block and face your back to your opponent or the chair. Using your pivot foot, spin around as you jump slightly backwards. Adjust your shot and put more power on it, to compensate for the fact that you’re jumping away from the basket. After releasing your shot, get the rebound and repeat the drill from various spots on the court.
Practice Game-Situation Free Throws
Shooting free throws is a high-pressure situation, and often needs to be done when the game is on the line. Practicing free throws when you’re tired and out of breath can help simulate real-game conditions. Mixing a conditioning drill with a free-throw drill is an effective way to improve your free-throw shooting. Place a ball at the near free-throw line and stand at the baseline. Do a ladder conditioning drill. In this drill, you run to and from the near free-throw line, the half-court line, the far free-throw line and the far baseline, touching each line as you reach it. As you run back from the far baseline, stop at the free-throw line and shoot five free throws. Doing it while you’re winded and tired will help you learn how to compensate for fatigue while you’re shooting.
Member Comments