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Basketball drills

  1. Make sure there are two balls for each player. Let the players get an extra ball themselves.
  2. Place the extra basketballs against the wall, behind the baseline.

Exercise 1
  • The player starts from the triple-threat position.
  • The player dribbles forward with the ball to the center line.
  • Player dribbles backwards with the ball to the baseline.
  • Points of Attention:
    • Player pushes the ball forward
    • Player takes the ball back with his fingertips.
Exercise 2
  • Player dribbles with two basketballs to the center line.
  • Player dribbles two basketballs to the baseline, backwards.
drawing Dribble - advanced
This game form consists of two teams. These two teams can either compete against each other, or work together in a race against the clock.

1) Make two teams of about the same number of players.
2) Each team has a ball and its own hoop.

In the middle of the field there is a hoop with pawns in it. These are pawns in the shape of a hat.


  • One player of each team dribbles to the hoop, zigzagging through the poles.
  • The player takes one hat from the hoop and puts it on his/her head.
  • The player dribbles with the hat back to his/her own hoop.
  • The player dribbles back to his/her own hoop, takes the hat off his/her head and puts it in the hoop.
  • The player gives the ball to the next player and the next player can leave.

Can be extended to four teams, with the two other teams dribbling in from the sides of the field.
drawing The hat game
  • Stand on one leg, raise the other as high as possible.
    • Ball with 2 hands above head.
    • Found balance trying to close eyes.
    • Then the other leg.
  • Stand on one leg, stretching the other as far back as possible.
    • Ball in front of you to 15cm above ground, then up again.
    • Drop 45gr to your left to 15cm above ground, then right.
    • Found your balance and close your eyes.
    • Then the other leg.
  • Stretched lunge position with arms spread
    • Close your eyes and slowly move the ball from left to right.
    • Then other supporting leg in front.
  • 2 rows and 1 outlet standing slightly lower (on side of row with ball)
  • Player without ball makes in/out v-cut and comes up to free throw line (asking for the ball)
  • Player in 2nd row passes and goes to rebound passes to outlet on the other side and connects
  • Player who shot the ball becomes outlet at the other end
When the ball bounces far from the hoop (2 options, no matter which player joins the row with the ball)

  • The players line up in two groups on the sideline near the halfway line.
  • The first 2 players of the red group line up on one side of the field and have the ball.
  • One player of the blue team lines up on the other side.
  • As soon as the attacking team crosses the centre line, the 2nd player of the blue team runs around the cone in the centre circle and starts defending.
  • Attacking players try to score before the 2nd player gets there.
drawing 2 to 1 +1
  • 2 rows on the baseline.
  • Front player of one row without ball.
  • Player without ball walks around the pylon, receives pass from front player of other row and makes lay-up/shot.
  • Catch the ball from the back of the pylon.
  • Player who passed the ball goes around the pylon and gets the ball.
  • Adjustments:
    • Move the pylon further and further away.
drawing Warming up: lay-up and shots
  • Make 1 row.
  • Players in the line take turns having a ball.
  • 1st player makes layup, 2nd in lij rebound, both connect behind.
  • Adjustments:
    • Pylon on left or further away.
drawing Warming up: run in line (1 to 1)
  • Square formation, 2 balls.
  • Player passes and runs diagonally to the other row.
  • Receiving player passes on.
  • Balls thus go around the sides of the square, and the player crosses only diagonally.
  • (1 passes to 2, 3 passes to 4, then 2 to 3 and 4 to 1)
drawing Passing square
  • Four pylons, rows with 1 ball.
  • Player with ball dribbles to the middle, jump-stops, pivots (right foot, turns to the right) and passes.
  • Connect behind in row to which you pass.
  • Variation:
  • Pivot to left and pass.
  • Observations:
  • Make a good jump stop.
drawing Warming up: pass, jump stop
  • Create square, 3 against 2.
  • Team of 3 must pass X times without dribbling.
  • Points of attention:
    • Pivot well, protect the ball, pass well, stay calm.
    • If someone gives bad pass (arc pass) then whole team push up.
  • Start at the centre line with 3 x 2.
  • Attackers may only pass and lay-up from a pass.
  • Variations:
    • Bounce pass only.
  • If attackers don't score, or pass poorly --> push up.
  • Let defenders stand a few times, work together.
  • Divide players into groups of 5.
  • Normally we have 2 or 3 baskets available.
  • For example, every 7 minutes turn over, first center explanation. (most guidance on the dribbling skills needed)
  • Station 1. (Basket 1)
    • 3x2 play from the center line without dribbling (only passing, free running, pivoting)
  • Station 2. (basket 2)
    • 1x1 play (substitution, attacker becomes defender, occasionally change the order to get different match-ups, 1-shot attempt or under time pressure to keep up the momentum)
  • Station 3. (Basket 3 - if available)
    • Shooting exercise: 5 positions on edge of bucket (low, elbow, free throw line, elbow low).
    • 1 player shoots, others catch and pass the ball (1 shot per position, highest score of the group)
  • Station 4 dribbling skills. (1-2 pawns)
    • Over the pylon (do not take it with you, keep control, from left to right, 1 hand behind your back)
    • Lift the pylon with the left, dribble with the right (throw the pylon, catch it with the other hand)
    • Left/right and touch pylon (timer, counting) - hand that releases the ball must touch pylon (low position, defend the ball)
    • 2 pawns, dribble left, touch right
    • 2 cones (8 dribble with 1 hand)
  • Station 5 dribbling skills. (row of pawns)
    • Slalom around the pawns, low dribble, back and forth (tempo)
    • Variant: low dribble, feet on both sides of the pawns, cross after every pylon.
    • Low dribble, always touching the according pawns.
    • Stay in control, stay on the same side. (dribble left, touch pylon with right)