Basketball Drills

A good basketball drill does three things at once: it isolates a skill clearly enough that players can feel what changes, it produces enough reps to build a habit, and it carries over directly to a game situation. Drills that fail one of those tests usually feel busy without producing results. A line of 12 players waiting for a single layup is not a drill, it is a queue. Picking the right drill starts with the skill you are trying to fix, not the drill you remember from when you played.

Seven Core Basketball Skills Every Drill Library Should Cover

Most coaching frameworks group basketball into seven fundamental skill areas. A balanced practice touches most of them every session, even if only one or two get the lion's share of the time:

• Dribbling. Ball control with both hands, including crossovers and changes of pace.
• Shooting. Form, range, and shot selection from every spot on the floor.
• Passing. Chest, bounce, overhead, and skip passes thrown on time and on target.
• Rebounding. Box-outs, positioning, and pursuit on both ends.
• Defense. Stance, slides, closeouts, and help-side rotations.
• Footwork. Pivots, jump stops, and triple-threat positioning.
• Conditioning. Game-pace endurance and quickness under fatigue.

For a deeper breakdown of how to weight these seven skills across a 60 or 90-minute session, see our basketball practice plan templates, which map the skills to timed practice blocks. The drills in the rest of this guide give you the specific exercises for each area.

Match the Drill to the Gap

Start with the most common breakdown you saw in your last game or scrimmage. If your team turned the ball over against pressure, run dribbling drills under contact next practice. If shots fell short in the second half, run conditioning so legs hold up later. Match the drill to the gap. Avoid stacking three drills that attack the same skill in one practice unless that skill is the entire point of the session. USA Basketball publishes skills and drills organized by player development level(opens in new tab) (introductory, foundational, advanced) and matching the drill to the player's stage stops you from teaching a 10-year-old a footwork pattern she is not yet ready to absorb.

Dribbling builds the foundation under everything else. Players who cannot dribble with both hands at speed have only half a court to work with on every possession. The drills below progress from stationary control to full-court pressure and add a defender once the basics hold up.

Stationary Dribble Series

Each player with a ball, spread across the court. Coach calls a move and times it for 20-30 seconds: right hand pound, left hand pound, crossover, between the legs, behind the back. Cue points: low dribbles below the waist, head up, fingertips not palm. Belongs in every practice as a five-minute opener.

Two-Ball Dribble

One ball in each hand, dribble together, then alternate (left high, right low; switch). Forces the off-hand to keep up with the dominant hand and exposes weakness fast. Add walking variations once players can stay stationary without losing control.

Full-Court Cone Weave

Six cones placed about 12 feet apart down the length of the court. Players dribble with the right hand on the way down and the left hand on the way back, executing a crossover at each cone. Run two lines at once to shorten wait time. Progress to behind-the-back or between-the-legs at each cone once players can finish smoothly.

Zig-Zag Crossover

Five cones placed in a zig-zag pattern from baseline to half-court. Players change direction with a hard crossover at each cone, finishing with a layup. Builds the ability to change directions without losing the ball. Cue: plant the outside foot, push off, get the ball low through the move.

1v1 Full Court

Offensive player starts with the ball at the baseline, defender one arm's length away. On the whistle the offensive player tries to score at the far basket. Teaches dribbling under pressure, change of pace, and finishing after a long push. Rotate every two attempts so the same pair does not run the drill into the ground.

Hesitation and In-and-Out Moves

Two short add-ons for the cone series. The hesitation freezes the defender by slowing the dribble and rising slightly as if pulling up, then attacking before the defender resets. The in-and-out fakes a crossover by pushing the ball toward the off-hand, then bringing it back with the same hand. Both belong in any high-school or older player's toolkit.

Shooting rewards practice more than any other skill, but only if the practice is structured. Random jumpers from three-point range build bad habits that stick for years. Start close, focus on form, and move back only when the form holds. The drills below cover form work, range, free throws, and shooting under conditioning stress.

Form Shooting (BEEF)

BEEF stands for Balance, Eyes, Elbow, Follow-through. Players shoot from 3-5 feet in front of the rim with correct form: feet shoulder-width apart, eyes locked on a single target, shooting elbow under the ball, full wrist snap on release. 20 makes at each distance before stepping back two feet. A foundational shooting drill that belongs in every practice from youth through high school.

Mikan Drill

Named after Hall of Famer George Mikan. Player starts under the rim. Right-hand layup on the right side, rebound, immediately left-hand layup on the left side, rebound, repeat for 60 seconds. Counting makes turns it into a benchmark; aim for around 15-20 makes in 60 seconds depending on age and skill level. Builds finishing with both hands and quick rebounding.

Spot Shooting (5 Spots)

Place five cones at the free throw line extended: two corners, two wings, top of the key. Each player shoots from each spot with a partner rebounding and feeding. Count total makes across all five spots. First to ten wins. Rotate roles every minute. Adds competitive pressure to shooting practice and teaches players to set their feet quickly.

Free Throw Routine

Free throws decide close games. Treat them like a drill, not an afterthought. Each player shoots ten free throws with a fixed pre-shot routine (dribble count, breath, target). Coaches log the percentage. Repeat at the end of practice when legs are tired. Players who shoot 75% fresh and 50% tired have a conditioning problem disguised as a shooting problem.

Catch and Shoot

Passer at the top of the key, shooter spotting up at a wing or corner. Pass crisp on target, shooter sets feet and shoots in one motion. 20 reps from each spot. Teaches footwork on the catch, the most common shot situation in a real game. Add a closeout defender once the catch and shoot looks clean.

What Is the 39 and 3 Drill?

Most coaches asking about a "39 and 3" drill are looking for the 40 in 3 drill. Two players pair up. The drill calls for 40 makes in 3 minutes across four shot categories (layups, elbow jumpers, wing jumpers, baseline shots), 10 makes per category. Whoever finishes fastest wins; if no one finishes, score the furthest progress. The drill stresses both shooting accuracy and conditioning because the 3-minute clock forces a fast pace through 40 makes, with a partner rebounding and feeding the ball back to the shooter. Variants substitute different shot types, but the core structure (10 makes x 4 categories x 3-minute clock) holds. Small typing differences in PAA results sometimes surface this as "39 and 3" or "39 in 3." Basketball Coach Weekly publishes the full 40 in 3 protocol(opens in new tab) including paired-player scoring and progress tracking.

Beat the Pro

Player picks five shooting spots and a target make-rate (e.g., 7 of 10). The "Pro" earns one point per miss; the player earns one point per make. First to seven points wins. Builds focus under adversity (losing a few shots in a row to the Pro forces the player to lock back in). Works for ages 10 and up.

Around the World and Pull-Up Jumpers

Two range-builders. Around the World runs through a fixed sequence of seven spots from baseline to baseline, requiring two consecutive makes from each before moving on. Pull-up jumpers are added once players can dribble with both hands; one or two dribbles into a jumper teaches the footwork on a transition shot off the dribble.

Passing is the skill youth coaches and beginner adults underrate the most. Players want to dribble because it feels like control. But teams that pass well score more, create open shots, and turn the ball over less. The drills below build the habit of looking up, throwing on time, and moving after the release.

Partner Pass Variations

Two players ten feet apart. Coach calls the pass type: chest, bounce, overhead, skip. 10 reps per type. Targets are simple: thumbs down on the chest pass, two-thirds of the way to the receiver on the bounce pass, ball over the head with a step into it on the overhead. Belongs in every practice for ages 8 and up.

Monkey in the Middle

Two offensive players ten feet apart, one defender between them. Offensive players pass the ball back and forth without letting the defender deflect or steal it. Pivots allowed, no dribbling. Defender rotates every 60 seconds. Teaches pass fakes, reading the defender's hands, and protecting the ball with the body.

3-Man Weave

Three players line up across the baseline. The middle player passes to either side and sprints behind the receiver. New receiver passes to the third player and sprints behind. Continue down the court, finishing with a layup. Teaches crisp passes on the move, cutting after a pass, and filling lanes on a fast break.

Star Passing

Five players at five spots forming a star (top, left wing, right wing, two corners). Pass across the star (top to right corner, right corner to left wing, left wing to right wing, etc.) following the pass. Builds continuous-motion passing while moving without the ball. Once smooth, add a defender chasing the ball.

Outlet and Fill Lanes

Rebounder grabs an imagined defensive board. Outlet pass to a guard waiting at the wing. Guard pushes the ball up, two other players fill the lanes for a 3-on-0 fast break to a layup. Teaches the rhythm of an outlet, lane-filling, and finishing in transition. Add a single chase defender to make it 3-on-1.

Wrap Pass Around a Defender

Two offensive players, one defender between them. Offensive players use a wrap pass (around the defender's hip) instead of a chest or bounce pass. Teaches reading the defender and getting the ball to the open hand. Useful for guards who feed the post or wings who feed cutters.

Defense is half the game. Strong defense at any level is equal parts mindset and skill. The 5 D's capture the mindset; the drills below build the physical skills (stance, slides, closeouts, help rotations) that turn effort into stops. Drill defense as much as you drill offense and you will outscore better-talented teams.

What Are the 5 D's of Basketball?

Many coaches teach the 5 D's as a defensive mindset framework. The most widely cited version is Discipline, Determination, Desire, Deflection, and Dedication, with some programs swapping in Diligence or Defense:

• Discipline: stay in stance and stick to the scouting report even when tired.
• Determination: compete on every possession, not just the ones that feel decisive.
• Desire: want the stop more than the offense wants the bucket.
• Deflection: active hands in passing lanes to break the offense's rhythm.
• Dedication: bring the same effort to every practice, not just game night.

The 5 D's give players a checklist they can self-assess. The drills below convert that mindset into repeatable physical reps.

Defensive Slide Lines

Players line up on the baseline in a defensive stance: knees bent, chest up, hands active at shoulder height. Coach signals direction with the hand. Players slide laterally without crossing their feet. Go for 30-45 seconds at a time, three rounds. Builds lower body strength, lateral quickness, and the muscle memory of a real stance.

Closeout Drill

Defender starts under the basket, offensive player at the three-point line. Coach passes the ball to the offensive player; defender sprints out, breaks down with choppy steps in the last three feet, and lands in a closeout (one hand high, one low, weight balanced). 10 reps per side. A defensive skill that often gets less practice time than dribbling or shooting and shows up in every game.

Zig-Zag Defense

Cones placed in a zig-zag from baseline to half-court. Defender slides while staying in stance, mirroring an imagined dribbler down each leg of the zig-zag. Add a live offensive player once the slide pattern looks clean. Builds the conditioning to slide for an entire possession.

Shell Drill

Four offensive players around the perimeter, four defenders in a help-side shell. The offense passes the ball around the perimeter while defenders shift positions: the on-ball defender pressures, the two one-pass-away defenders deny, the help-side defender drops to the lane. No shots allowed. Teaches rotations, communication, and help-side concepts without the chaos of live scoring.

Help and Recover

Three offensive players (top, wing, baseline), three defenders in matching positions. On a dribble drive from the top, the wing defender helps, then recovers when the ball kicks back out. Teaches the timing of the help and the discipline of getting back to your man before the catch-and-shoot. Add a second drive on the same possession to stress conditioning.

Box Out and Charge Drills

Two finishing reps. Box out: one offensive rebounder, one defender; on the shot, defender finds the offensive player, makes contact, and pursues the ball. Charge drill: offensive player drives at a defender holding a stance; defender steps in, takes contact (use mats or pads for younger players). Both build toughness and pay off in close games.

Conditioning is what holds technique together in the fourth quarter. Tired players miss free throws, blow rotations, and fail to box out. Conditioning drills are most effective when they include a basketball movement, not just running. The drills below combine endurance with skill so players are not asked to choose between the two.

Suicides (17s)

The classic conditioning test. Player runs sideline to sideline 17 times in a fixed time (guards typically aim under 60-65 seconds, with posts a few seconds slower because of size and stride). Run as a pre-season fitness test, then again mid-season to track progress. Pair with skill drills so players are not just running.

Lane Slides

Player slides laterally in the lane: touch the right block, slide to the left block, touch, slide back. Repeat for 30-45 seconds. Builds lower body conditioning and the lateral quickness defenders need.

Full-Court Layup Lines

Two lines (one on each sideline) sprint the full length of the court, finish with a layup, sprint back, and rejoin the line. 10 minutes of continuous flow. Combines conditioning, finishing under fatigue, and rebounding. Cue: full speed, contested-pace finish, no walking back.

Tap Drill (Rim Touches)

Player jumps and taps the rim or backboard 10 consecutive times, lands and jumps as quickly as possible. Two rounds per player. Builds explosive vertical conditioning and rebounding pop. For players who cannot reach the rim, set a target on the backboard or net.

11-Man Fast Break

Five offensive players run a 5-on-0 fast break to a layup. As the ball goes up, three new defenders pick up three of the original five (now defenders), creating a 3-on-2 going the other way. The flow continues end-to-end with substitutions on the fly. Eleven players keep the drill moving without breaks. Combines conditioning, transition offense, and defensive recovery in one drill.

Defensive Slide Lap

Player slides in defensive stance around the entire perimeter of the court (baseline, sideline, baseline, sideline). Two laps. Builds the leg endurance to hold a real stance for an entire possession late in a game. Cue: stay low, do not pop up to rest.

Game situation drills connect everything else. Skill drills build the moves; game drills build the decisions (when to attack, when to pass, how to defend the last 24 seconds with a one-point lead). Spend roughly a quarter to a third of each practice in some form of live or scripted competition.

3v3 Half-Court

Three on three in the half-court. First team to five baskets wins. Coach freezes play once or twice per game to highlight spacing or help defense, keeping stoppages short. 3v3 produces more touches and decisions per player than 5v5, and small-sided games like 3v3 are widely used to build decision-making across age levels. Rotate teams every five minutes. For research on how to manipulate game constraints (court size, scoring rules, defender count) to target specific skills, see our small-sided games design guide.

5v5 Scrimmage

Full-court 5v5 with score and clock. Run as live as you can with adjustments built in: walking through the first possession, calling out coverages, freezing for teaching points. Use this to install plays, test rotations, and let players make game-speed decisions without the pressure of a real opponent.

Late-Game Situational

Set the scoreboard: 30 seconds left, your team down by two, defense in the bonus. Run the situation live. Reset and run again with different rules (down by one, up by three, free throw situation). Teaches end-of-game execution: when to foul, when to call timeout, what shot you want. Many close games are lost by teams that have never practiced these moments.

Sideline and Baseline Inbounds

Run two or three inbounds plays from the sideline (after a timeout) and two or three from the baseline (BLOB). Defense plays it live. Inbounds plays decide more games than coaches admit; teams that practice them score easy buckets when it matters.

Press Break

Five offensive players try to advance the ball against a 1-2-1-1 or 2-2-1 press. Set the rule: catch and rip, short pass to the middle, attack the seam. Run for ten minutes. Teaches composure and shared responsibility against pressure. Even teams that rarely face full-court press benefit from the spacing and decision-making this drill builds.

2v1 and 3v2 Fast Break

Numbered advantage drills. 2v1: two offensive players attack one defender, finish with a layup or pull-up. 3v2: three offensive players against two defenders, requiring a pass to set up an open shot. Teaches reading the defender and sharing the ball in transition. The decision (drive or pass) matters more than the finish.

A drill library should serve every player on your roster, not just the ones who can already do the move. The beginner section below covers the foundation a first-time player or rec-league adult needs before joining a regular practice. The advanced section covers reads and screen actions that high-school and adult players can absorb once the foundation is solid.

Beginner Drills

Beginners need ball-feel and balance before they need plays. Pivot foot practice keeps a foot planted while the player rotates the upper body, teaching travel awareness. Triple threat stance positions the ball at hip height with knees bent, ready to shoot, pass, or drive (the stance every offensive possession should start from). Two-step layup approach breaks the layup into "outside foot, inside foot, jump" repetitions. Wall pass reps give a solo player 200 chest-pass repetitions in five minutes against a flat wall, building hand-eye coordination without a partner.

For complete beginners (adults new to basketball or older teens taking it up later than peers), pace is the biggest factor. Move through drills slowly enough that form holds, even if it feels too slow.

Advanced Drills

Once the seven basic skills hold up under pressure, advanced players benefit from drills that read defenders and set up teammates. Pick and roll reads cover the four ball-handler decisions (pull up, reject, snake, deliver) plus the screener's choices (roll, pop, slip). Off-ball screen reads cover the cutter's three options (curl, fade, straight). Pin-down curl and fade adds a screener and a shooter; the shooter reads the defender's positioning to choose curl (defender trails) or fade (defender goes over). Dribble hand-off (DHO) links a guard's dribble to a teammate's catch with a hand-off motion that often opens a half-step of separation.

Position-aware advanced drills work better when players know the role each spot demands. Our basketball positions explained guide breaks down what each of the five positions does and which drills sharpen each role.

One practice plan gets you through Tuesday night. A library of drills you trust gets you through October to March. Keep the drills you actually run somewhere you and your assistants can pull them up in seconds, tagged with players, equipment, time, and difficulty so the right drill lands in the right slot. Building a categorization system that scales beyond a Google Doc takes some thought. Our drill library organization guide covers tagging conventions, search heuristics, and how to keep a library current as your roster changes. The library below pulls every drill from this article into a single reference. Download the table as an image, save it as a PDF, copy it into a spreadsheet, or print it for a binder.

Building a Weekly Rotation

Pick one drill from each major category (dribbling, shooting, passing, defense) for the week. Add one conditioning drill and one game-situation drill. That gives every practice the same six-block structure regardless of which specific drills you pull. Rotate the specific drills every two weeks so players stay engaged but the skill categories stay consistent. Across a 16-week season that produces roughly eight repetitions of each fundamental, enough reps for habits to form. Drill rotation also lets you build progressive sequences within a category: start with a fundamental, layer on contact, then add a decision. Our drill progression design guide covers how motor learning research applies to building those sequences so reps actually transfer to games.

Tracking Drill Effectiveness

The drills that deserve the most practice time are the ones that fix what is breaking down in games. Logging stats during drills (free throw percentage at the start vs end of practice, made layups in 60 seconds, shell drill possessions without a breakdown) makes the difference between drills that feel productive and drills that actually move numbers. Our basketball stat sheet includes columns for tracking the same metrics during practice and games, so you can see whether a drill carries over.

If you coach multiple teams or age groups, keeping drills organized by skill, age, and equipment saves setup time every week. See how Striveon's drill library tags drills by skill area, age range, and equipment needs so assistants can pull up the right session in seconds. When the same drills feed directly into training events that schedule, notify players, and record attendance, the link from plan to practice happens once and stays in sync. When practice plans connect to session tracking that records which drills you ran and who attended, you can look at the season in one view and see exactly what you have covered. That visibility helps you plan the next week based on gaps, not guesses.