Start a Slam-Dunk Season: Pre-Season Youth Basketball Drills

Faith Youth Co-Ed Basketball season starts November 12, 2011.  The league’s philosophy is to instill character traits, heart attitudes, and basketball skills that will honor God on the court and in all of life’s situations.  We encourage children in grades 1-6 from the community with all skill levels including first time players to sign up.  In preparation for the upcoming season, listed below are some basic drills children can work on.

 

Dribbling Definition:  When a player repeatedly pushes, pats, taps or bats the ball toward the floor with one hand to cause the ball to bounce back up to either of his hands; used to advance the ball or keep control of it. ¹

  1. Dribble the ball with the right hand while walking or standing still.  Repeat drill with left hand.
  2. Dribble the ball alternating between the left and right hands while walking or standing still.
  3. Place 5 cones or objects approximately 10 feet apart. Dribble the ball while weaving in and out of the cones/objects. (The ball should be dribbled using the outside hand furthest from the cone)

 

Passing-Definition:  When a passer throws the ball to a teammate; used to start plays, move the ball down court, keep it away from defenders and get it to a shooter. ¹

  1. Overhead Pass – Grasp the ball with both hands above the head and throw it to another person at chest level.
  2. Bounce Pass – Pass the ball towards another person by bouncing the ball once off the floor.
  3. Chest Pass – Grasp the ball with both hands at chest level; rotate hands ending with thumbs pointed downward and thrust the ball towards another person at chest level.

 

Endurance Due to the constant running it is important to increase cardio-vascular endurance.

  1. Run Wind Sprints – Sprint from point A to point B.
  2. Line Sprint – Begin the drill at point A and run out to point B; run back to point A. Then run out to point C (beyond point B) and run back to point A. Run out to point D (beyond point C) and run back to point A.

 

¹ First Base Sports, Inc.,Basketball Glossary, 2002, http://www.firstbasesports.com/basketball_glossary.html#dead_ball

 

Carol Locke