Helping young basketball enthusiasts develop their skills goes beyond teaching the basics—coaches need to keep practice sessions exciting, purposeful, and tailored to each player’s growth. This guide delivers a comprehensive selection of basketball drills designed specifically for children.
By focusing on clear instruction, creative exercises, and a structured approach, these drills foster both individual skills and team cohesion. Coaches can utilize these drills to create sessions that are fun, engaging, and packed with opportunities for improvement.
Shooting Drills and Games for Kids
- Spotlight Shooting
- Objective: Teach kids to shoot from various spots on the court, improving accuracy and range.
- Setup: Place cones at five key positions: both corners, both wings, and the top of the key. Each player should have a basketball and line up behind the cone closest to the baseline.
- How It Works:
- Players take turns shooting from their cone.
- After shooting, they retrieve their rebound and rotate to the next cone.
- Once everyone has completed all five spots, reset and repeat the cycle.
- Coaching Points:
- Emphasize correct shooting form and follow-through.
- Challenge players to beat their previous records for shots made from each spot.
- Add a timer to build urgency and simulate game-like pressure.
- Free Throw Challenge
- Objective: Build consistency under pressure and reinforce free throw routines.
- Setup: Players line up at the free throw line, each with a basketball.
- How It Works:
- Each player shoots five free throws in a row.
- Record how many are made out of five and note areas for improvement.
- After one round, players rotate to allow everyone to take a turn.
- Coaching Points:
- Teach players to develop a personal routine—dribbles, breathing, and focus—before each shot.
- Encourage them to take their time and treat each shot as a game-winning opportunity.
- Gradually introduce mild distractions (such as light background noise) to simulate game conditions.
- Arc Mastery
- Objective: Help players master the correct shooting arc for consistent swishes.
- Setup: Set up three lines a few feet from the basket. Each player in line has a ball.
- How It Works:
- Players take turns shooting one-handed shots from a short distance, focusing on a high arc.
- Coaches stand nearby to provide immediate feedback on form.
- After making a certain number of swishes, players can move slightly farther back.
- Coaching Points:
- Ensure players maintain balance and hold their follow-through.
- Remind them that a higher arc often leads to a softer, more accurate shot.
- Reinforce the importance of foot positioning and wrist action.
Dribbling Drills and Games for Kids
- Control the Ball
- Purpose: Teach kids the importance of maintaining control while dribbling.
- Setup: Each player has a basketball and lines up at the baseline.
- Instructions:
- Players dribble down the court using only their dominant hand.
- Once they reach the opposite baseline, they switch to their non-dominant hand for the return trip.
- Increase the difficulty by adding cones or markers to zig-zag around.
- Coaching Tips:
- Emphasize keeping their head up to develop court awareness.
- Encourage players to dribble low and maintain a steady rhythm.
- Challenge advanced players to incorporate quick changes of direction.
- Around the World
- Purpose: Improve ball-handling speed and coordination.
- Setup: Players form a circle, each with their own ball.
- Instructions:
- Players dribble around their legs, starting with clockwise rotations.
- After several rotations, switch to counter-clockwise.
- Progress by having them “pass” the ball around their waist, then their ankles, without using their hands to hold it.
- Coaching Tips:
- Encourage controlled movements rather than speed at first.
- Ensure players keep the ball moving at all times.
- Once comfortable, challenge them to perform the drill without looking at the ball.
- Partner Passing While Dribbling
- Purpose: Combine dribbling and passing skills in a fun, interactive way.
- Setup: Divide players into pairs. Each pair has one ball and starts about 10 feet apart.
- Instructions:
- Both players begin dribbling in place.
- One player passes the ball to their partner, who catches it and continues dribbling.
- Repeat, gradually increasing the distance between partners.
- Coaching Tips:
- Stress the importance of making strong, accurate passes.
- Remind players to maintain their dribble when receiving the ball.
- Vary the types of passes—bounce passes, chest passes, and overhead passes—to keep the drill interesting.
Passing Drills and Games for Kids
- Quick Hands Relay
- Purpose: Develop fast, accurate passing under pressure.
- Setup: Form two teams and line each team up in single file at the baseline.
- Instructions:
- The first player in each line passes the ball to the next player, who immediately passes it back.
- This continues down the line until the last player receives the ball, then reverses back to the first player.
- The team that completes the relay first wins.
- Coaching Tips:
- Encourage players to use crisp, direct passes.
- Reinforce proper hand placement and follow-through.
- Mix in different types of passes (chest passes, bounce passes) to improve versatility.
- Triangle Passing Drill
- Purpose: Improve spacing, timing, and decision-making.
- Setup: Arrange three players in a triangle, spaced about 15 feet apart. Each group of three has one basketball.
- Instructions:
- Players pass the ball around the triangle, first in one direction, then reversing after a few rotations.
- After completing several cycles, introduce a defender in the middle of the triangle.
- The passing team must keep the ball moving without the defender intercepting it.
- Coaching Tips:
- Teach players to anticipate where the next pass should go.
- Emphasize quick, accurate passes and proper body positioning.
- Encourage communication among teammates.
- Stationary Keep Away
- Purpose: Help players understand spacing and decision-making while under pressure.
- Setup: Form two teams within a confined area, like the key or three-point arc. Only one basketball is needed.
- Instructions:
- One team starts on offense, trying to keep the ball away from the defensive team.
- Players cannot dribble; they can only pass to teammates.
- The defensive team scores points by forcing turnovers or deflecting passes.
- After a set time, switch roles so each team gets a chance to play offense and defense.
- Coaching Tips:
- Stress the importance of quick decision-making.
- Teach offensive players to keep proper spacing to create passing lanes.
- Encourage defenders to remain active and communicate.
Footwork and Defensive Drills and Games for Kids
- Pivot Points
- Purpose: Teach players how to pivot properly and maintain balance under pressure.
- Setup: Place cones or markers at various spots on the court. Each player has a basketball.
- Instructions:
- Players begin at a cone, holding the basketball in triple-threat position.
- On the coach’s signal, they practice pivoting in different directions—front pivot, reverse pivot—while staying low and balanced.
- After several rotations, they move to another cone and repeat the process.
- Coaching Tips:
- Encourage players to keep their knees bent and maintain a wide, balanced stance.
- Remind them to keep their eyes up while pivoting.
- Gradually introduce passes or shot fakes to simulate game situations.
- Defensive Slide Circuit
- Purpose: Build agility, speed, and proper defensive stance.
- Setup: Set up cones in a zig-zag pattern across the court.
- Instructions:
- Players start at one end of the court and perform defensive slides in a zig-zag motion, following the path of the cones.
- At each cone, they change direction and continue sliding until they reach the other baseline.
- Once they complete the course, they sprint back to the starting line.
- Coaching Tips:
- Ensure players stay in a low defensive stance with their hands active.
- Emphasize quick, controlled movements rather than speed alone.
- Monitor footwork closely—players should avoid crossing their feet while sliding.
- Closeout Challenges
- Purpose: Teach proper closeout technique to defend shooters effectively.
- Setup: Position one player on offense with a basketball and another on defense. The offensive player stands at the three-point line.
- Instructions:
- The defensive player starts under the basket. On the coach’s whistle, they sprint toward the offensive player.
- As they approach, they slow down, adopt a low stance, and raise their hands to contest the shot.
- The offensive player takes a shot, and the defender must box out and secure the rebound.
- Coaching Tips:
- Focus on controlled closeout speed—players should never run past the shooter.
- Emphasize maintaining balance and staying low throughout the closeout.
- Teach defenders to keep their hands up and avoid unnecessary fouls.
Fun Basketball Games for Kids
- Basketball Obstacle Course
- Purpose: Combine multiple skills—dribbling, shooting, passing—into one engaging activity.
- Setup: Create an obstacle course on the court using cones, hoops, and markers. Include stations for dribbling through cones, making a short pass to a partner, and taking a shot.
- Instructions:
- Players take turns navigating the course.
- At each station, they must complete the required task (e.g., dribble through the cones, pass into a target, or make a layup).
- Once the player finishes the course, the next player begins.
- Coaching Tips:
- Adjust the course difficulty based on the players’ ages and skill levels.
- Add a timer to create friendly competition.
- Celebrate improvement and effort rather than just speed.
- Shooting Hot Spots
- Purpose: Add excitement and variety to shooting practice.
- Setup: Place numbered markers around the court at various distances. Each number corresponds to a point value (e.g., closer shots = 1 point, longer shots = 3 points).
- Instructions:
- Players start at the lowest-point marker and take a shot.
- If they make it, they move to the next marker; if not, they stay until they sink the shot.
- The goal is to score as many points as possible within a set time.
- Coaching Tips:
- Adjust point values and shot locations to keep the game fresh.
- Create team versions by combining individual scores.
- Encourage good form and proper shot selection, even under time constraints.
- Passing Elimination
- Purpose: Build passing accuracy and decision-making in a lively game format.
- Setup: Arrange all players in a circle with one ball.
- Instructions:
- Players pass the ball around the circle as quickly as possible.
- If someone makes a bad pass or drops the ball, they step out of the circle.
- The circle gradually shrinks until only two players remain. The last person standing is the winner.
- Coaching Tips:
- Keep the atmosphere light and fun—focus on the challenge, not the mistakes.
- Use this game as a quick, enjoyable cooldown after a tough practice.
- Gradually introduce more complex passes to increase difficulty.
Additional Dribbling Drills for Young Players
- Figure-8 Dribbling
- Purpose: Enhance ball-handling precision and control.
- Setup: Players stand in place with a basketball.
- Instructions:
- Players dribble the ball around one leg, pass it through to the other hand, and then dribble around the other leg—forming a figure-8 motion.
- Repeat the pattern multiple times, first slowly, then at increasing speeds.
- Coaching Tips:
- Keep the dribble low and controlled.
- Encourage players to maintain good posture and keep their heads up.
- Focus on smooth, fluid movements rather than rushing.
- Speed and Change-of-Direction Drills
- Purpose: Improve agility and reaction time while dribbling.
- Setup: Place cones in a straight line or zigzag pattern across the court.
- Instructions:
- Players dribble quickly toward each cone. Upon reaching the cone, they perform a crossover or behind-the-back move before heading to the next cone.
- Continue this pattern down the line, increasing the pace as players gain confidence.
- Coaching Tips:
- Emphasize staying low and keeping the ball close.
- Use quick, sharp movements at each cone.
- Vary the types of dribble moves to keep it challenging.
Additional Passing Drills
- Passing Relay Races
- Purpose: Build teamwork and passing accuracy.
- Setup: Divide players into two or more teams. Have them line up at one end of the court, with one basketball per team.
- Instructions:
- The first player makes a chest pass to the next teammate and then runs to the back of the line.
- The second player repeats this pattern.
- The team that completes the relay first, with accurate passes, wins.
- Coaching Tips:
- Focus on correct passing technique—thumbs down on follow-through, stepping into the pass.
- Stress the importance of teamwork and communication.
- Adjust the difficulty by increasing the passing distance or switching to bounce passes.
- Overload Passing Drill
- Purpose: Teach players to make smart decisions under pressure.
- Setup: Form groups of 4–5 players, with one defender.
- Instructions:
- The offensive players pass the ball to one another while the defender tries to intercept.
- The goal is to maintain possession for a set amount of time, such as 30 seconds.
- Coaching Tips:
- Encourage quick, accurate passes and constant movement.
- Teach offensive players to use fakes and look-offs to throw off the defender.
- Rotate the defender regularly to keep everyone involved.
Additional Defensive Drills
- Mirror Defense
- Purpose: Teach players to react quickly and maintain proper defensive stance.
- Setup: Players pair up, with one player on offense and one on defense.
- Instructions:
- The offensive player moves side to side, forward, and backward, while the defender mirrors every movement.
- After a set time, switch roles.
- Coaching Tips:
- Keep defenders low with arms out and active.
- Stress quick, short steps rather than lunging.
- Teach players to anticipate rather than just react.
- Closeout and Recover
- Purpose: Combine closeout techniques with defensive rotation skills.
- Setup: Position three offensive players around the perimeter and three defensive players under the basket.
- Instructions:
- A coach or teammate passes the ball to one offensive player. The corresponding defender closes out on that player.
- The ball is passed to another offensive player, requiring a new closeout.
- After several passes, rotate players.
- Coaching Tips:
- Emphasize controlled, balanced closeouts.
- Reinforce proper footwork—no crossing feet or losing balance.
- Encourage defensive players to communicate and anticipate passes.
Additional Fun Games for Skill Development
- Basketball Knockout
- Purpose: Make free-throw practice more engaging and competitive.
- Setup: Players line up behind the free-throw line with two basketballs.
- Instructions:
- The first player shoots. If they make it, they pass the ball to the next person.
- If they miss, they must grab their rebound and make another shot before the second player scores.
- Any player who fails to make their shot before the next person does is out.
- Coaching Tips:
- Focus on form and speed.
- Encourage players to stay calm and composed under pressure.
- Make it fun but also highlight the importance of accuracy and hustle.
- 1-on-1 Half-Court Showdowns
- Purpose: Build competitive spirit, ball-handling, and defensive skills.
- Setup: One offensive player and one defender start at the top of the key.
- Instructions:
- The offensive player tries to score, while the defender prevents them from getting an open shot.
- After each possession, switch roles.
- Keep score and rotate players frequently.
- Coaching Tips:
- Encourage offensive players to use multiple moves—crossovers, spins, step-backs.
- Teach defenders to stay in front of their man and contest every shot.
- Make sure the competition stays friendly and focused on improvement.
- Speed Dribble Races
- Purpose: Improve dribbling speed and ball control.
- Setup: Mark a start and finish line on the court. Each player has a basketball.
- Instructions:
- Players dribble as fast as they can from start to finish while maintaining control.
- The fastest dribbler to cross the line wins.
- Increase the challenge by adding obstacles or requiring a specific dribble move at each marker.
- Coaching Tips:
- Encourage players to keep their heads up and maintain control, even at top speed.
- Highlight proper technique—low dribbles, quick hand changes, strong finger control.
- Use this drill as a fun way to end practice or a warm-up activity.
- Team Passing Challenge
- Purpose: Enhance teamwork and passing precision in a competitive environment.
- Setup: Divide players into two teams. Assign each team a half-court and provide one basketball.
- Instructions:
- Teams must complete as many passes as possible within a set time limit (e.g., 60 seconds).
- The goal is to maintain continuous movement and avoid turnovers.
- After time runs out, the team with the most completed passes wins.
- Coaching Tips:
- Encourage communication and constant movement off the ball.
- Emphasize accuracy and speed in passing.
- Use this as a high-energy drill to build chemistry and quick decision-making skills.
These 25 drills and games provide a solid foundation for young basketball players to improve their skills, from shooting and dribbling to passing and defensive techniques. By incorporating these activities into practice sessions, coaches can create a dynamic learning environment that encourages growth, teamwork, and a love for the game.
