One of the great things about basketball training is the variety of activities you can do to stay in shape and improve various aspects of your game. Because running, shooting, dribbling, passing, defense, as well as overall strength and fitness are necessary parts of your game, take the time to engage in activities that focus on all of these basketball aspects to see your all-around game improve.
Tipping Drill
You can do this drill on your own or make it part of a team drill to improve hand-eye coordination and boost the spring in your legs. Bounce the ball lightly off the backboard on the right side of the basket and then jump to tip the ball with your right hand back to the same spot as it starts to fall. Try doing this nine times in a row before tipping the ball into the hoop on the tenth tip. Do the same on the left side of the basket with your left hand. If it's a team drill, have the players follow in close succession to keep the ball from hitting the floor.
Six-in-Thirties
This running drill is meant to work your leg muscles in basketball-like conditions, as well as boost your speed and your cardiovascular capacity. Stand at the end of the court and sprint to one end of the court and back to your starting line. Repeat two more times without stopping, for a total of six full-court sprints. Try to do it in 30 seconds or less. Repeat the six-in-thirty drill two more times, but take a break to shoot 10 free throws in between in each round to catch your breath and learn to shoot while winded. For variety, dribble a basketball at full speed for each of the sprints.
Mikan Drill
Named after NBA Hall-of-Famer and hook shot specialist George Mikan, this drill will improve your ability to shoot hooks with either hand, and will also improve your jumping ability. Stand two or three feet in front of the basket and shoot a right hook (be sure to jump off your left leg). Rebound the ball, return to the same spot and shoot a left hook, jumping off your right leg. Repeat 10 times with each hand. This takes practice, but it will improve your shooting with both hands and give you a shot that is difficult to block. Repeat the drill from different points around the basket.
Passing Drill
Passes that are crisp and accurate are vital to running a good offense in basketball. You'll need a partner or teammate for this drill. Stand about six to eight feet away from your partner and, stepping forward with your right foot, use two hands to make a strong chest pass. Your teammate should to the same. Repeat, stepping forward with your left foot. Do this five times with each foot, then back up a couple of feet and repeat the drill. BestBasketballDrills.com suggests repeating and backing up until the two of you can no longer make a good pass to each other. By doing this activity regularly, though, your strength and accuracy should allow you to extend the distance between you over time.
