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I have had the privilege to be able to coach both high school basketball and youth basketball practices the last 11 years. Unlike high school, where you can practice every day for 2-3 hours 6 days a week, youth\/rec ball, you may only get 1-2, maybe three days tops and maybe 1-2 hours of court time per practice. What I have learned over the years, is to use drills that have multiple components to it. To be able to hit 2-3 skills in training, to maximize the time you have on the court, so you can pack as much into your youth basketball practices as you can.<\/p>\n
There are two drills that I like that hit a lot of the fundamentals that need to be hammered home at the youth level. The first exercise is called \u201cFundamental lines\u201d and the second drill is called \u201cStar shooting drill\u201d.<\/p>\n
Primary Lines:
\nThis is a great drill to warm up with. It focuses on Dribbling, jump stop, Passing and communication. It also focuses on being ready to receive a pass, and catch it in a triple threat.<\/p>\n
How the drill works:
\n\u2022 Establish two lines on the base at the lane lines. (depending on how many players you have, 3-4 per line is ideal. More reps and the line moves quicker)
\n\u2022 The first player in the line has a ball.
\n\u2022 Player A dribbles hard to the Foul line and comes to a jump stop, chinning the ball.
\n\u2022 The player then pivots back toward his line facing the next player in line. (you can choose which foot is pivot foot or what type of pivot. I typically start with front pivot, R-Foot, L-Foot, then reverse pivot)
\n\u2022 Player A now throws a strong chest pass to the next player in line. Before they move the ball, player A must call out player B\u2019s name. (Key for passing is a good step toward your target, fingers pointing at the teammate and thumbs down. The reason I have the player call out the players name is to get them use to talking. A quiet gym is a losing gym).
\n\u2022 Player B, now receives the pass. Catching the ball in a Triple threat position, then repeats the drill.
\no The big thing here is to start the drill out slowly. First time through really exaggerate and stress each movement of the drill. If a player is not doing any part of the exercise, stop, correct and direct. A common problem is the players go through the motions on the drill and go through it quickly, and bad habits can emerge.
\no Typically I run this drill 5-10 minutes, going through progressions.<\/p>\n