Successful basketball players work to acquire mastery of the fundamentals, including ball handling, defense and shooting. Youth players and other beginners should focus on these skills when practicing--but even if you have played for years, continue to work hard on the basics. Performing regular drills that stress the fundamentals will help you achieve your goals and realize your potential as a player.
Cone-Dribbling Drills
Magic Johnson, one of the all-time great players in the National Basketball Association, recommends performing cone-dribbling drills to improve your ball-handling skills. Place five cones on the court in a line, each about 5 yards apart. Start on the left side of the first cone and dribble to the second cone with your left hand. Crossover dribble to your right hand just before you get to the second cone; then head for the third cone. Crossover dribble again when you reach the third cone. Continue like this through the rest of the line. Keep the ball below waist height at all times.
Free-Throw Shooting Game
The victor in a basketball game can come down to which team makes the most free throws, so mastering the shot should be a key element of your practice regimen. If you practice with a group, divide into two teams and practice shooting free throws in a game-like situation. First, a player from the first team shoots two free throws, followed by a player from the second team, then another player from the first team and so on. The team that makes the most shots wins the game. Start again if both teams make the same number of free throws. Focus on proper shooting technique with each repetition.
Two Balls on the Block
Performing the two-balls-on-the-block drill helps improve your jump shot from short range, as well as your agility and cardiovascular endurance. Place a ball on each block near a basket and stand between them. Have a rebounder stand behind each ball. Shuffle to the left, pick up the ball and shoot it; then repeat to the right as the rebounder on the left retrieves the ball and sets it back on the block. Continue moving back and forth for 30 seconds, keeping track of how many shots you make. Gradually increase the time to 60 seconds. You can also perform the drill with the balls positioned farther from the basket.
Defensive Slide Drill
You will not become a complete player unless you regularly practice defense. Performing the defensive slide drill improves your agility and defensive footwork. Start on either end of the court, facing the baseline. Shuffle backward two steps at a 45-degree angle to the left; then plant your left foot, drop-step with your right foot and shuffle two steps in the opposite direction. Continue changing directions every two steps until you reach the opposite baseline, then turn around and repeat. Keep your hips and knees flexed as you shuffle and avoid clicking your heels together or crossing your feet.
References
- We Play: Cone Drills; Magic Johnson
- "Coaching Youth Basketball"; American Sports Education Program; 2001
- "Survival Guide for Coaching Youth Basketball"; Keith Miniscalco and Greg Kot; 2009
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