Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Basketball Drills to Improve Ball and Player Circulation

"Every day is player development day." 

"Basketball is a game of cutting and passing." Offense depends on pre-shot, shot, and post-shot activities. Alternative activities improve ball circulation (pre-shot). Here are a handful of activities that teach ball and player movement. 

1. Dribble tag. 

Six players at each end inside the spacing (three-point line). Each has a basketball. Players must remain inside the arc. One is IT until tagging a teammate. Modify the drill with constraints like non-dominant hand dribbling

2. Ultimate 1. Passing and cutting touchdowns

Two teams of four, five, or six players (depending on roster availability). The goal is to advance the ball (passing and cutting only) to the other "end zone." If the ball touches the floor, it's a turnover at the site and the opposing team takes immediate live ball possession. One point by advancing into the end zone. Game to five. 

3. Ultimate 2. 

The rules are similar to Ultimate 1 (no dribbling) but scoring layups is the object. 

4. 10 (or 20) passes.

Cut and pass without turning the ball over. Sidelines out of bounds at midcourt. Off-ball screens are allowed. Team must complete ten (or twenty) passes before shooting. If the ball hits the floor, it's a turnover.  

5. Kirby Schepp keep away. 

Play 'keep away' inside the volleyball lines without and later with screening.


Summary (ball circulation drills):

  • Dribble tag
  • Ultimate 1
  • Ultimate 2
  • 10 (or 20) passes
  • Kirby Schepp keep away

Lagniappe. Focus on strengths. 


Lagniappe 2. The operative word is work. This is not 'free shooting'.