Drills for Skills
  Home Forum Teams Graphics

Basketball Drills To Improve Your Skills

 
 

 

March 4, 2007

Often times, many high school basketball players ignore the benefits of practicing outside of their usual required team gatherings. A sense of knowing all and rejecting the need to grow often becomes the downfall of many talented players. Also, a lot of basketball teams on the high school level lose their fundamental approach to the game, as the effectiveness of their offense, defense, dribbling, passing, and shooting suffers from lack of practice and self-improvement. Below are a few basketball drills to consider for regaining or developing basketball strengths, as well as working on weaknesses:

Double Dribble

Taking two balls and dribbling them at the same time is a good way to improve dribbling skills. Advanced players may choose to concentrate on an object, such as a car or something on the wall to increase the difficulty of this common basketball drill. Players should aim to dribble both balls for five minutes without stopping, which will increase ball handling and focus. Each time a ball is dropped, the time must start over.

Increase Both Offensive and Defensive Skills

To complete this drill, three individuals are needed. After placing a basketball on the floor, two players should stand a few feet from the ball (with their backs against one another). A third participant will blow or whistle or say the word, “Go.” At this time, Player 1 has the responsibility of keeping Player 2 from retrieving the ball by boxing the other out. The same drill can be completed with both players sitting on the floor or ground (with their backs to one another), which will not only work on offensive and defensive skills, but also speed and agility.

Rebounding, Blocking, Shooting and Concentration Drill

Three players or an entire team can complete this drill with a designated helper. Once a basketball is tossed into the air, it is the goal of three players to get their hands on the ball (rebound) at the same time. Whoever gains control of the ball will be expected to immediately shoot while the other two are desperately trying anything and everything to prevent a basket.

With this drill, fouls are allowed and players can use any tactic, such as yelling in the ears for distraction or pulling at the arms. For the shooter, the drill works on shooting under pressure, while the others work on blocking. As a team drill, the first of three players to make a basket wins. The other two players sit down, while two more take their place.

Shooting Drill

An individual may stand at the key and alternate shooting from opposite sides to improve their shot selection, as well as increase their options. Many basketball players do not embrace the many dimensions and angles presented on the court. With this drill, the player will shoot from one side, retrieve their own basket, and then run to the other side, making another shot. Regardless if the shot was a success, the alternating continues for at least one minute.

Medicine Ball Routine

Many high school players have access to a weight room to develop the physical aspect of their game. For those who have ignored the power of the medicine ball should know that it works wonders in strengthening the body, as well as increasing speed, agility, and passing ability. With a partner, the medicine ball can become a rather helpful tool.

Players should stand at a distance from one another that still allows passing without dropping the ball. To establish an effective routine, there are three main elements to consider. The first requires partners to face each other and throw 5-10 quick chest passes each. This is followed by throwing 5-10 quick push passes on each side to one another, while making sure to aim for the shoulders. The last suggestion is to stand sideways of one another while achieving 5-10 quick side throws each. Participants should remember that the key to this drill is to quickly get rid of the ball while keeping an efficient athletic position.

Dribbling Drills

Dribbling is an important part of the game and in moments when passing is not possible, you may have to take the ball up the court for your team. A common drill that doesn’t need the help of a partner is to practice dribbling the ball around your legs in the form of the number 8. You may also dribble with one hand behind your back, while lying down on the floor, and with your eyes closed.

Increase Speed and Efficiency

A good way to increase speed and efficiency is to perform basketball slides, which resembles a sideway skip, while making sure the knees are not bent. Sliding with the left leg, the right leg should meet up with the left. You should land on the right foot and repeat the drill again. While performing this drill, the arms should are bent and kept in the running position. The drill requires sliding for 100 yards, where the player would then slide back while facing the same direction.

Overall, basketball drills can help improve the many aspects of playing that allow good players to become great. It is important to note that taking the time to enhance your skills will definitely go a long way in the future.

© Copyright BBallCentral

 

 

 

Sports Articles Home

 

© Copyright 2001-2008 All Rights Reserved

NBA Forum | Wallpapers | Signatures | Basketball Sim Leagues | Sports & NBA Articles | Site Map | Community Home

NBA Graphics