Basketball is a game that allows two teams numerous possessions to do one thing -- put the ball through the hoop. Just like any sport or activity, practice helps players obtain that goal easier. Drills can play a very large roll in practice, as they help with fundamentals as well as conditioning and endurance.
Step and Pass
This drill uses the entire team, as groups of two lead the way. According to "Basketball Drills and Plays," form two lines; one starting at the middle of the free throw line, the other straddling the out of bounds line. Have the players sidestep down the court as fast as they can. Every two or three steps, have the players make a solid chest pass to one another, ensuring that the ball does not hit the floor.
Under Pressure
This drill focuses on overcoming a defense's full court press. As "Basketball Coach" instructs, have one player stand in the key with the ball. Two outlet players should position themselves on each side of the three-point lane. The ball handler tosses the ball off the backboard, then makes an aggressive rebound. At this point the two outlet players should make sharp cuts toward the ball. The rebounder has the option of passing to either side. After the rebounder makes the pass, each player stays in his respective lanes as they move up the court. The ball is passed back and fourth among the three players until the mid court line. The player with the ball after crossing the line then aggressively dribbles toward the hoop for a lay-up. The opposite outlet player then challenges the lay-up. The center player rebounds the ball and resets the drill.
Press Break
In this drill, according to "Coaches Clipboard," the players are instructed to face up to their defenders and understand the importance of making a solid, crisp pass to one of the outlet players.
One offensive one player should stand just outside the key, close to the basket, ready to receive a pass. Two more offensive players stand just inside the half court line on adjacent sides. Three defenders are used in this drill. Have two players loosely guard the receiver of the inbound pass. The third defender aggressively guards both outlet players.
As soon as the ball handler receives the pass, she pivots strongly and faces the two defenders. The player is instructed not to dribble, but instead to seek out the outlet players. As the ball handler does this, the outlet players are instructed to sprint to an opening and be ready to receive the ball. The ball handler makes the pass and the offensive players move the ball up the court while not letting it hit the ground.
Five Point Drill
This drill is designed to increase players' passing accuracy during pressure. According to "Guide to Coaching Sports," have four players form a square, all maintaining a distance of 10 feet from each other. Have a fifth player stand in the middle of the square. The middle player starts with the ball and makes a solid chest pass to any player. The middle player then follows his pass and takes the place of the player who received the pass. The receiver of the ball then passes to either the left or the right, then follows and takes the player's position. After the ball is passed, the second receiver passes to the opposite corner and takes the player's position. The third receiver then passes to the right or left, follows and takes the player's position. The drill is meant to continue in the side-to-side, corner-to-corner manner for as long as the coach finds it necessary.
Three Person Weave
According to "Online Basketball Drills," this classic drill helps players improve their court awareness as well as their passing and catching abilities. Have three players line up on the baseline, one under the hoop and two wing players to either the side, all equally spread apart. Begin by having the player in the middle pass the ball to a wing. After releasing the ball, the passer moves up the court and follows the pass behind the receiver's position. The receiver then passes to the opposite wing, follows the pass and moves behind the player who received the ball. The drill continues up the court as each player passes, follows the pass and moves into a new position. The last pass should be a bounce pass finished with a lay up.
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