Basketball requires regular practice in order to show improvement. Practice sessions have to be about skill development and conditioning, and these two characteristics feed off each other: those who are in the best shape have the greatest capacity to improve. This can be accomplished with drills that will help basketball players improve consistently.
Opposite-Hand Dribble
Most players become overly dependent on their dominant hand. Coaches want players who can dribble with both hands because it makes that player more difficult to defend and gives a team more offensive options. To improve your opposite hand dribbling, set up five cones five feet apart from each other just past half court. Once you cross half court, dribble with your left hand (if right-handed) to the left of the first cone, then dribble with your right past the second cone, your left to the third cone and continue in that manner. Once you get past the last cone, dribble at top speed with your left hand back to center court.
Three-Point Shooting
The three-point shot has become one of the most important parts of successful offensive basketball. In order to become a successful three-point shooter, you need to practice the shot religiously, taking dozens of three-point shots every day. While that seems obvious, few shooters put in the time and effort needed to become a great shooter. Start off at the right baseline and shoot five shots from beyond the arc at that spot. Move to the right wing, the top of the key, the left wing and the left baseline, and shoot five shots from each spot. Shoot quickly and practice at game pace. Do two sessions every day and your shot will improve.
Defensive Quickness
Coaches demand great defensive play from all their players. While excellent shooting may be the result of overall athletic talent, defense is all about effort. In order to work on your defensive efficiency, play the two-on-one drill. Two offensive players will have the ball. As they cross into the front court, the offensive players will try to score. However, they can't shoot the ball for the first 15 seconds and three passes must be made. This gives the lone defensive players a chance to harass the passer and the receiver and stop the play. If the defender can stop three of 10 attempts, that's a "win" in this drill.
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