According to "The Baffled Parent's Guide to Great Basketball Drills," the best way to bring a team together is by creating a positive atmosphere. Basketball and communication drills that involve a lot of movement, ball-handling and cooperation are key to fostering good attitudes and helping children develop skills and confidence. These drills, along with plenty of positive reinforcement and an environment that allows mistakes while helping kids excel, are a great way to improve their abilities and morale.
3-on-3 Defensive Drill
Teamwork drills build communication skills while developing athletic ability. This defense drill from Coach's Clipboard helps kids practice working together as they play a 'backwards' half-court game. In this three-on-three competition, the offense doesn't score, but the defense team scores by forcing turn-overs or catching rebounds. This will teach kids to interact closely with their teammates, spot potential weaknesses, and work cooperatively.
Triangle Passing
This drill from "The Baffled Parent's Guide to Great Basketball Drills" develops strength, coordination and communication skills, because it involves three players who are keeping two balls in motion. Place the kids about 15 feet away from each other and give two of them basketballs. Player 1 passes the ball to player 2, and as soon as he or she does so, player 3 passes his ball to player 1--this means both balls are always moving. Kids can vary the types of pass, for example, they can change from bounce to chest passing to enhance difficulty.
Mirror Slap
This drill teaches physical communication skills, quickness and concentration, according to "Youth Basketball Drills." Have the kids break out into pairs and ask player 2 to mirror movements performed by player 1. Start with something simple, like touching the head with the right hand and then the left. Progress to movements of greater speed and complexity according to their skill level.
Moving Communication Drills
According to "Basketball Skills and Drills," there is no such thing as too much communication. Encourage your kids to talk. In practice, have them signal each cut, pass, etc. by using hand gestures and calling out to each other. Encourage this method during practice. During the drill itself, you can institute a point-system as a reminder. Every time a player makes a pass or cut without signaling it, her team gets a point. The first team to 10 points gets rotated out and new players get a chance.
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