Basketball Team Drills for Coaches

The more basketball players can get quality repetitions at a specific skill, the more likely they will replicate it in a game. This means that if you want your team to be better at finishing around the basket, shooting the basketball, etc., you must be willing to spend the needed time working on it. You must be willing to carve out practice time for basketball drills to work on these different areas with your team.

And while all this sounds great, it can be hard sometimes to find useful basketball team drills. Either a drill is only for a small group of players at a time, or it is for a large group but doesn’t offer much basketball skill development. So, in the end, you decide to stay away from team basketball drills altogether.

With the right team basketball drills, though, you can incorporate your whole team and also work on a variety of different basketball skills as well. From passing to shooting to transition and more, team basketball drills will allow you to add quality drills to your practices.

If you want access to our full library of team basketball drills, as well as 800+ other basketball training videos, make sure to check out the Basketball HQ Coaching App!

The Importance of Basketball Team Drills

Confident basketball players are the best players. And while it would be ideal for players to work on their game outside of team practices, this is not always the case. So you must have basketball drills that will allow for working on ball-handling, shooting, finishing, etc., during practice. These team basketball drills will help your players develop the confidence that they need to be successful.

Team basketball drills can also be used to work on specific areas of your offense or team defense. For example, the shell drill can work on specific defensive situations and allow for a ton of quality repetitions. These types of basketball drills are going to translate over to a game directly.

Another great part of team basketball drills is that different positions can work on multiple things simultaneously. A good example would be the guard dump-off shooting drill. Guards will be able to work on penetrating, dumping the ball off to the post player, and then filling up for a shot. Post players will be able to work on spacing on the drive, catching the dump-off pass, and then finishing.

Basketball Team Drills Teaching Points

When running team basketball drills, it is crucial that you also focus on the different teaching points. This will ensure that your players get the most out of each drill and better understand the right way to do things. These teaching points will also allow you to improve and increase your basketball coaching knowledge.

Team Intensity and Accountability

One of the drawbacks of team basketball drills is sometimes a lack of accountability. With many players going at one time, it is hard to make sure that every player moves correctly or gives their best. As a basketball coach, it will be important to challenge your players to give their best regardless of whether they are being watched or not. Also, don’t be afraid to blow the whistle and stop a drill if players aren’t giving their best. Hold your basketball team accountable.

Scoring and Incentives

A great way to keep players engaged is to make different basketball drills a competition. So, set up a scoring system that either rewards an individual player or ensures that the team wins a drill. This will keep things fun and will also encourage players to give their best effort. The incentive can be a reward for the winning team or running if you are on the losing side. Mix it up and find what works best for your team.

Good Player Habits

As your players are going through the different team basketball drills, make sure they practice good habits. You don’t want your players practicing things that they shouldn’t be. For example, you don’t want your players shooting and then immediately chasing after the ball without holding their follow-through. Your players need quality reps, so make sure that they are practicing each move the right way.

The Bigger Picture

As mentioned earlier, a great way to use team basketball drills is to have them emphasize a part of your offense or defense. As a basketball coach, you must explain to your players how it all fits together. They need to be able to see and understand the bigger picture along with you. If you can clearly explain this to them, it will help different basketball skills transfer over to gameplay.

Must-Use Basketball Team Drills

These basketball team drills will allow you to incorporate your whole team into the drill. With these team basketball drills, you can learn how to better maximize your skill development in practice, and will have a much more fluid and beneficial team practice.

Drill # 1: 4 Square Basketball Passing Drill

Working on passing in basketball is something that should be done daily, especially with younger players. A team that takes care of the basketball and is constantly moving the ball is very hard to guard. Not only do players need to practice making good passes, but they also need to practice catching the ball. This will also help with taking care of the ball during a game.

There a multiple types of basketball drills out there that you can do to work on passing in practice, but this is a great drill for practice because it gets all of the players involved at the same time. Team basketball drills like this allow for a large group of players to all be involved at the same time, which helps to maximize your practice time.

Basketball Drill Overview

Drill Name: 4 Square Basketball Passing Drill

Equipment Needed: 1-3 basketballs and 8+ players.

Goals of the Drill

• Work on passing, catching the ball, and footwork.

Coaching Points

• Players need to make accurate passes to their teammates and then meet the handoff with a jump stop.
• To make the drill more difficult, you can add multiple basketballs to the drill.
• Wait till the other balls are on the other side of the square to add a new ball, though.

Basketball Drill Instructions

• Have a line of players on each block and each elbow (making a square).
• One line will start with a basketball.
• The player with the ball will make a chest pass to their left, follow the pass, and jump stop.
• They will then receive the ball back from the player that they just passed the ball to.
• They will then reverse pivot, hand the ball back, and then that player will make the next pass and repeat the action.
• The player that just handed the ball off will go to the back of the line that they passed to and wait for their turn.
• Once the players get comfortable with one ball, add in a second and third ball.
• Also, you can change the direction of the drill at any time as well.

Drill #2: Two-Foot Team Finishing Basketball Drill

This is a great team basketball drill that you can use to get the entire team involved and work on finishing at the same time. Finishing at the basket adds a lot of value to your offense, and you must spend time working on finishing regularly.

The two-foot team finishing drill is something that you can incorporate into pretty much every practice because it is a basketball drill that doesn’t take very long to do and allows every player to get a lot of repetitions at finishing off of two feet.

Basketball Drill Overview

Drill Name: Two-Foot Team Finishing Basketball Drill

Equipment Needed: 1 basketball per player, two chairs/cones, a side hoop (optional), and a passer.

Goals of the Drill

• Work on finishing off of two feet.

Coaching Points

• Practice finishing at full speed to make it more game realistic.
• Stay under control and balanced on the finish.

Basketball Drill Instructions

• Set up a chair on the right side of the basket on the main hoop and the side hoop to the left of the main basket (if available).
• The line of players is going to be out towards half-court on the left side of the court.
• The passer will be just outside the left elbow.
• When the drill starts, the first player in line will pass the ball to the passer, cut hard through the middle of the paint, receive the ball back as they do, and then take one dribble before finishing off two feet outside the chair.
• The player will get their own rebound and (if available) dribble attack to the side basket for a pull-up jump shot.
• If there is no side basket, dribble back in line or dribble attack the opposite hoop before getting back in line.
• The next player in line will go right after the player in front of them finishes the layup.
• You can do this drill for a set amount of time or play the first player to a certain amount of points.
• Layups equaling 1 point and jumpers equaling 2 points.

Drill #3: Reverse Pivot Team Warm-Up Basketball Shooting Drill

This team basketball drill will work on footwork, staying balanced, and getting up a lot of high-quality shots in a short period of time. Sometimes during the course of the season, it becomes difficult to budget off a lot of time for player development because there are so many other areas that need to be worked on.

With a warm-up basketball shooting drill like this, though, you can maximize time with the number of players that can shoot at each basket and because you are using it to get warmed up before practice. Players need to see the ball go in the basket to have confidence in their shot, and this is a really great basketball drill to do that.

Basketball Drill Overview

Drill Name: Reverse Pivot Team Warm-Up Basketball Shooting Drill

Equipment Needed: 1 basketball per player.

Goals of the Drill

• Work on footwork, balance, and shooting.

Coaching Points

• Keep the ball tight to your body when you pivot around and stay low and balanced as you spin around.
• Don’t fall back on your shot and stick your follow-through after you shoot the basketball.
• This drill can be done for a certain amount of reps, makes, or time.

Basketball Drill Instructions

• Each player will have their own ball, and the line will start on the block facing up the lane line.
• The first players in line will jog out and spin the ball to themselves at the elbow.
• They will catch the ball in an athletic stance, reverse pivot, and then shoot the ball.
• The player that shot the ball will get their own rebound and then get back in line.
• Once a player makes four in a row, they will switch lane lines and repeat.

Why Basketball Team Drills

Basketball is a team sport, and as such, it requires a synchronized effort from all players on the court. Team drills are crucial in preparing teams for gameplay as they promote cohesion, communication, and teamwork. Basketball team drills replicate game situations and build chemistry amongst teammates, allowing them to anticipate each other’s movements and play off of one another’s strengths.

Team drills also encourage players to work together towards a common goal, fostering a sense of camaraderie and accountability. By incorporating team drills into practice sessions, coaches can create a strong foundation for their team’s success on the court.

Basketball Team Drills Tips

Here are some helpful tips for incorporating team drills into your basketball training regimen.

1. Have a Plan

Before diving into any team drills, it’s important to have a plan in place. This includes knowing the specific skills you want to work on and how each drill will help improve those skills. Having a clear goal in mind for each drill will ensure that your team is focused and making progress towards their overall improvement.

2. Incorporate Game-like Situations

It’s important to make sure that the team basketball drills you choose to incorporate are applicable to actual game scenarios. This will help players develop skills and techniques that they can use in real-game situations. For example, instead of just running through basic passing drills, try incorporating passing while on the move or under pressure from defenders.

3. Encourage Communication

Communication is key in any team sport, especially in basketball where players need to constantly communicate on the court. Incorporate drills that encourage players to communicate with each other, such as calling out plays or communicating defensive switches.

4. Be Creative

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your team drills. Mix things up and keep them interesting by incorporating elements of competition, different equipment or props, and even music. This will not only keep players engaged but also help them develop skills in a fun and unique way.

5. Focus on Team Bonding

Team basketball drills are not just about improving skills; they are also about building camaraderie and trust among teammates. Make sure to incorporate team bonding activities into your training regimen. This can be as simple as ending each practice with a team huddle or organizing team outings outside of practice.

6. Give Feedback and Encouragement

As a coach, it’s important to provide feedback and encouragement during team drills. Be specific with your feedback and offer tips for improvement. Also, don’t forget to praise players when they do something well. This will not only help them improve but also boost their confidence and morale.

7. Rotate Positions

To ensure that all players are developing a well-rounded skillset, make sure to rotate positions during team drills. This will not only help players understand different roles on the court but also promote versatility and adaptability within the team.

8. Track Progress

Keep track of your team’s progress by recording their performance in drills. This will help you identify areas where the team needs more work and track individual player development. It’s also a great way to motivate players by showing them how much they have improved.

9. Have Fun

Most importantly, make sure that team drills are enjoyable for your players. By keeping things fun and engaging, players will be more motivated to participate and give their best effort. This will ultimately lead to a more positive and successful team dynamic.

By incorporating these tips into your basketball training, you can ensure that your team is continuously improving and working together as a cohesive unit. Remember to always have a plan, incorporate game-like situations, encourage communication, and make it fun for everyone involved.

With these strategies in place, your team will be well on their way to reaching their full potential. So, keep practicing those team basketball drills and watch your team dominate on the court!

Basketball Team Drills Frequently Asked Questions

This section will help to answer a number of frequently asked questions concerning team basketball drills.

What do basketball drills help improve?

Basketball drills are essential for enhancing both physical prowess and skill level while also equipping players to handle unexpected situations effectively. Through targeted training exercises, athletes can boost their quickness and nimbleness, optimizing performance during gameplay.

How do you make basketball drills fun?

To inject fun into basketball drills, opt for activities that blend multiple skills. A drill that combines dribbling through cones, passing, and executing a lay-up, for instance, is far more engaging than practicing lay-ups alone.

This approach not only makes the practice more enjoyable but also maximizes the use of time effectively. Implementing four-minute stations is an excellent strategy for keeping a large group of young players entertained and actively engaged.

How do you make a basketball team tougher?

Building a basketball team that exhibits toughness and resilience on game days can be achieved through a series of specifically designed drills. These drills not only enhance the physical capabilities of the players but also instill a mental fortitude that prepares them for competitive play. Here are some drills to consider:

1. Rip Drill: This drill focuses on improving players’ ability to forcefully take control of the ball in tight situations, enhancing their offensive and defensive strength.
2. Roll Drill: Aims at enhancing players’ agility and ability to quickly recover and transition between offense and defense.
3. 90-Second 3s: A high-intensity shooting drill that tests players’ accuracy under time pressure, simulating game-day stress.
4. Weave Shooting: Combines movement and shooting to improve coordination, stamina, and shooting accuracy on the move.
5. Skip “O” Shooting: Encourages players to work on their long-range shots from various positions, promoting versatility and accuracy.
6. Bounce Drill: Focuses on improving dribbling skills under pressure, helping players maintain control in challenging situations.
7. 3-On-0 Rebound Drill: Enhances teamwork and communication while focusing on aggressive rebounding techniques.
8. Charge Drill: Teaches players to strategically position themselves to draw charges, fostering a defensive mindset that prioritizes team success over individual accolades.

Incorporating these drills into your training sessions will not only improve the physical skills of your players but also build a team characterized by mental toughness and readiness to face the challenges of competitive basketball.

How do you train a basketball team?

Training a basketball team effectively requires a structured approach to ensure players are physically and mentally prepared for both practice and games. Here’s a sensible framework for organizing a basketball training session, broken down into four key phases:

1. Warm-Up Phase: This initial phase is crucial for preventing injuries and mentally preparing the players for the session ahead. Activities should gradually increase in intensity and include dynamic stretches, light jogging, and basic ball-handling or shooting drills. The warm-up should last approximately 10 to 20 minutes, ensuring players’ muscles are loose and ready for more intense activity.
2. Skill Development Phase: After warming up, shift the focus to developing specific basketball skills. This can include dribbling, passing, shooting, defense, and rebounding drills. Tailor this phase to address the team’s weaknesses or prepare for an upcoming opponent. Drills should be varied and challenging, encouraging players to push their limits and improve their fundamentals.
3. Team Strategy Phase: This part of the session is dedicated to implementing and refining team strategies and plays. It involves practicing offensive and defensive schemes, working on team chemistry, and understanding game situations. Use scrimmage games, half-court drills, and specific situational practices to reinforce team concepts and decision-making under pressure.
4. Cool Down and Recovery Phase: Conclude the session with a cool-down period to help players recover and reduce the risk of muscle soreness. This phase should include static stretching, focusing on areas that receive the most stress during basketball activities, and possibly light conditioning work. Additionally, this is a good time for reflection on the day’s training, discussing what went well, and areas for improvement.

Throughout all these phases, maintaining a positive, supportive, and focused training environment is essential. Encourage open communication, provide constructive feedback, and foster a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement.

What is triple threat in basketball?

Triple threat is a stance used in basketball where the player has the ball, bent at the knees with their body facing the basket. This position allows for quick movement and provides three options for the player to attack the defense: shoot, pass, or drive to the basket.

It’s an essential skill for players to master as it gives them more control over their offensive opportunities and keeps the defense guessing. The triple threat position is often used when the player receives a pass or when they have picked up their dribble and are looking to make a play. It’s crucial for players to be able to quickly transition into this stance and be able to read the defense before deciding which option to execute.

Incorporating drills that focus on developing triple-threat skills can improve a player’s overall offensive game and make them a more versatile threat on the court. So, it is important for coaches to emphasize the importance of mastering this technique in order to improve their team’s offensive capabilities. Additionally, understanding and utilizing the triple threat position can also help players develop better decision-making skills as they learn to read and react to the defense in real time.

How do you practice basketball efficiently?

Practicing basketball efficiently involves a multifaceted approach that targets both your physical and mental game. Here are eight strategies to enhance your basketball skills effectively:

1. Focus on Ball Control: Developing strong ball-handling skills is essential. This means working on dribbling with both hands, improving your ability to change directions quickly, and maintaining control under pressure.
2. Identify and Strengthen Weak Areas: Self-assessment is key. Identify the aspects of your game that need improvement, whether it’s shooting, passing, defense, or dribbling, and dedicate time to specifically address these weaknesses.
3. Practice at Game Speed: To ensure that your skills translate effectively into game situations, practice as if you’re in a real game. This includes moving at full speed, making quick decisions, and reacting to imaginary opponents.
4. Enhance Physical Fitness: Basketball is a physically demanding sport that requires endurance, strength, and agility. Incorporate cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and agility drills into your routine to improve your overall fitness level.
5. Work on Lower Body Shooting Mechanics: Your shooting form starts from the ground up. Focus on the alignment of your feet, balance, and generating power from your legs to improve your shooting accuracy and range.
6. Practice Hand Alignment on the Ball: Proper hand placement on the ball can significantly impact your shooting accuracy. Work on consistently placing your hands in the correct position for both shooting and passing to enhance your precision.
7. Watch More College Basketball Games: Observing how collegiate players navigate the court, make decisions, and execute plays can provide valuable insights. Pay attention to their techniques, strategies, and how they handle various game situations.
8. Incorporate Specific Drills to Improve Agility and Reaction Time: Agility and quick reactions are vital in basketball. Include drills that mimic game scenarios, such as defending a fast break or reacting to a loose ball, to sharpen these skills.

By integrating these tactics into your practice regimen, you can maximize your efficiency on the court and elevate your basketball skills to new heights. Remember, consistent effort and a focused approach to training are the keys to improvement and success in basketball.

What are basketball skill drills?

Basketball skill drills are structured exercises designed to develop specific aspects of a player’s game. These drills are essential for players at all levels, from youth basketball to professional teams, as they focus on refining the technical skills required for success on the court. The primary areas targeted by basketball skill drills include:

• Dribbling and Ball Handling: These drills aim to improve a player’s control and maneuverability with the ball, enhancing their ability to navigate through defenders and maintain possession under pressure.
• Footwork: Effective footwork drills enhance a player’s agility, balance, and movement efficiency, crucial for both offensive and defensive plays.
• Changing Momentum: Drills that focus on shifting momentum help players learn how to quickly change direction without losing speed or control, a vital skill for evading opponents.
• Passing: Passing drills work on accuracy, timing, and the ability to read the game, ensuring players can effectively distribute the ball to teammates in a variety of situations.
• Shooting with Proper Form: These drills emphasize the mechanics of shooting, aiming to improve accuracy, range, and consistency by focusing on stance, grip, and follow-through.
• Defensive Movements: Defensive drills teach players how to stay in front of their opponent, block shots, and rebound, focusing on stance, lateral movement, and anticipation.
• Offensive Rotation: These drills practice the movements and positioning required in offensive plays, teaching players how to create and exploit scoring opportunities through coordinated team movement.

Incorporating these drills into practice sessions not only hones the individual skills of each player but also fosters teamwork and understanding of the game’s strategic elements.

How do you motivate a basketball team?

Motivating a basketball team requires a combination of knowledge, discipline, and genuine engagement. Here are nine key strategies to inspire and drive your team to success:

1. Understand the Game: Players respect coaches who have a deep understanding of basketball. Demonstrating competence and a strong grasp of the game’s nuances builds credibility and trust.
2. Implement Discipline: Surprisingly, players often welcome discipline as it signifies that the coach is invested in their growth and development. Establishing clear rules and expectations shows you care about their progress and the team’s success.
3. Explain the ‘Why’: Help players understand the purpose behind drills, strategies, and decisions. When players see the relevance of their actions, they’re more likely to be engaged and motivated.
4. Offer Praise: Recognition of effort and achievement boosts morale and encourages players to continue working hard. Celebrate both small wins and big successes to keep spirits high.
5. Practice Honesty: Be transparent with your team. Honest feedback, even when it’s constructive criticism, helps players improve and shows that you’re committed to their individual and collective success.
6. Bring Energy: Your enthusiasm as a coach is contagious. Displaying high energy and positivity during practices and games can significantly lift the team’s spirit and drive.
7. Incorporate Innovative Drills: Keep practices fresh and challenging by introducing new and creative drills. This not only improves skills but also keeps players engaged and eager to learn.
8. Be Authentic: Authenticity fosters respect and loyalty. Be true to yourself and your coaching style, and players will respond positively to your genuine interest in their well-being and success.
9. Foster Team Unity: Encourage camaraderie and teamwork. A united team where players support one another creates a positive environment that naturally boosts motivation.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a motivating and supportive atmosphere that encourages players to reach their full potential both on and off the court.

How can I improve my bad basketball team?

Improving a basketball team that’s facing difficulties requires a strategic and empathetic coaching approach. Here are some valuable tips for coaches dealing with a struggling team:

1. Schedule Light: It’s crucial to manage the intensity and frequency of both games and practices. A lighter schedule can reduce stress on players and allow more time for focused skill development.
2. Lower Expectations for the Season: Adjusting season goals to more realistic targets can alleviate pressure on the team. Focus on progress and growth rather than just wins and losses.
3. Simplify: Streamline plays and strategies to ensure they’re easily understandable and executable by your team. Complexity can often lead to confusion and errors, especially under pressure.
4. Play a Style That Keeps You Competitive: Adapt your team’s playing style to its strengths. If you’re not a high-scoring team, focus on defense and controlling the pace of the game to stay competitive.
5. Cut Down on Game Goals: Instead of overwhelming players with numerous objectives, concentrate on a few key goals for each game. This allows the team to focus their efforts and improves the likelihood of achieving these objectives.
6. Reduce Conditioning: While physical fitness is important, overemphasis on conditioning can lead to fatigue and burnout. Ensure that physical training is balanced and appropriate for the team’s needs.
7. Give More Days Off: Rest is as important as practice. Adequate rest days can help players recover physically and mentally, reducing the risk of injuries and burnout.
8. Remain Positive: Maintain a positive and supportive atmosphere. Encourage players, highlight improvements, and celebrate successes, no matter how small. A positive environment fosters growth and resilience.

By adopting these approaches, coaches can create a more supportive, effective, and motivating environment for their teams, helping players develop their skills and enjoy the game, even in the face of challenges.

More Basketball Team Drills

There are various types of basketball team drills that coaches can utilize to improve their team’s performance. Some examples include fast break drills, full-court press drills, and rebounding drills. Fast break drills focus on transitioning quickly from defense to offense and scoring in a fast-paced manner.

Full-court press drills emphasize defensive pressure and teach players how to work together to trap opponents and force turnovers. Rebounding drills aim to improve a team’s ability to secure possession of the ball after a missed shot. Coaches can also incorporate game-like scrimmages and situational drills to prepare their team for real-game scenarios.

For basketball coaches looking to enhance their team’s performance and skills, a wide variety of basketball drills are available that cater to all levels from youth to college. These drills cover fundamental aspects of the game such as shooting, ball handling, passing, defense, and team strategies. Below are some drills that can be highly effective for coaches to implement in their practice sessions:

1. Shooting Drills: Focusing on shooting mechanics and consistency is vital. Drills like “Around the World” or “Spot Shooting” help players work on their shooting form from different positions on the court.
2. Ball Handling Drills: To improve dribbling skills and ball control, “Cone Dribbling” or “Two-Ball Dribbling” drills are excellent for challenging players’ ability to handle the ball under pressure.
3. Fast Break Drills: Practicing fast break scenarios with drills such as “3-on-2, 2-on-1” helps teams capitalize on scoring opportunities during transitions.
4. Finishing and Layup Drills: “Mikan Drill” and “Reverse Mikan Drill” are classic exercises for enhancing players’ ability to finish at the rim with both hands.
5. Passing Drills: “4 Square Basketball Passing Drill” involves multiple players and encourages precise passing, timing, and spatial awareness.
6. Defense Drills: Teaching solid defensive fundamentals can be achieved through drills like “Closeout” drills, which focus on proper stance and movement to contest shots without fouling.
7. Team Strategy Drills: Implementing drills that simulate game situations can improve team cohesion and execution of plays. The “Shell Drill” is widely used for practicing defensive positioning and rotations.
8. Rebounding Drills: “Box Out” drills emphasize the importance of securing position and effectively grabbing rebounds, a critical aspect of both offense and defense.

These drills, sourced from comprehensive collections available on platforms like Breakthrough Basketball and Basketball HQ, provide structured and engaging ways to develop individual player skills and team dynamics. By incorporating a variety of these drills into practice sessions, coaches can create an environment that challenges players, fosters improvement, and builds a cohesive team ready to compete at high levels.

Remember, the key to effective practice is not just the drills themselves but how they are implemented. Ensure each drill is executed with intensity and purpose, closely mirroring game conditions to maximize player development and team performance.

Basketball Team Drills Conclusion

In conclusion, basketball team drills are crucial in developing a cohesive and successful team on the court. These drills promote communication, chemistry, and teamwork amongst players, enabling them to perform at their best during gameplay.

As a basketball coach, it is essential to find a balance between individual skill development drills and team drills to create a well-rounded and efficient team. 

One final word of advice: don’t forget to have fun. While drills and practices can be challenging, it’s essential to maintain a positive attitude and enjoy the game. After all, basketball is a sport that brings people together and creates lasting memories. So have fun, work hard, and watch your team grow and succeed on the court. Now go out there and create a championship-winning team!