How to Coach With Basketball Drills

Demonstrate the drill. Keep in mind that the talent and skill level of a team may vary greatly. Some kids will naturally pick up the drill with a little verbal communication, while others will need you to go over it again and again. The best way to present a drill is to demonstrate it yourself or have an advanced player demonstrate. First, break down the drill and go through it in slow motion so everyone can understand each move. Outline what the players need to focus on while performing the drill and why it's important for them to perform it repeatedly. After you have walked through the drill, demonstrate it at full speed.

Vary the types and challenges of drills. Many basketball drills are applicable to the individual player. Cones are a coach's greatest aid. You can use cones in a number of ways, including incorporating them into dribbling drills. Tell players the cones are like defenders that they have to avoid contact with. Use some individual drills while mixing it up and coaching some of the many one-on-one, two-on-two, three-on-three and four-on-four drills, or drills for five or more players. You can use basketball drills for dribbling, passing, rebounding, shooting and defense, so incorporate all these skills.

Maintain a live, vocal teaching environment at all times. If you have assistants, inform them that you want to hear them talking to the players constantly. Coach the players through the bad and the good. If a player does a drill correctly, say something like "Nice job" or "Outstanding!" If the player does something wrong, don't be afraid to halt the drill and go over what was not right. Don't bash players who keep performing poorly, and avoid overpraising those who do well. If you are fair, players will respect your judgment. Always push players to their next level, and never settle for average.