When it's just you, the ball and the hoop, you can improve your basketball game with practice drills. Before you work on your shot or your dribble, tie on a pair of comfortable athletic shoes and warm up a couple of laps around the court and jumping jacks followed by stretches. Stay hydrated with water or sports drinks and stretch again after your drills.
Figure Eight
The figure eight drill helps you with ball handling and dribbling. With your right hand, dribble the ball through your legs, around the left leg, back through your legs, and around the right leg until you have completed the figure eight. Repeat this drill with your left hand, then with both hands, and vary the height of your dribble. Practice this dribble looking straight ahead, imagining other players around you on the court.
Fast-Break Shooting
With the fast-break shooting drill, you work on your jump shot from the 3-point line and your rebounding. From the half-court line, spin the ball to the 3-point area in one bounce. Run and grab the ball, immediately going into a jump shot. Run and grab your rebound if you miss. Dribble the ball back to half-court and repeat.
Free Throws
Mastering the free throw under pressure can mean the difference between winning and losing a close game. NBA coach Hal Wissel, who holds a doctorate in physical education, recommends taking shots with your eyes closed to heighten your nonvisual senses, particularly your kinesthetic sense, which is the feel of body movement. Alternate five shots with your eyes open and five shots with your eyes closed. If you can, have a partner rebound your shots for you, so you can stay on the line and keep your eyes closed between shots.
Skip Dribble
Skip dribble is another beginning ball handling and dribbling drill. Stand up straight and walk the length of the court in a scissor-like motion as you dribble the ball back and forth between your legs. Dribble the ball only one time as it passes under your legs. Keep your toes pointed straight ahead and also hold your eyes straight ahead as you dribble back and forth across the court.
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