Basketball Practice Drills for Boys

Many youngsters enjoy participating in sports for the friendships, competition and opportunity to learn a new skill. Sports team coaches generally hold practice sessions to help the players learn the basics of the game and how to play together. If you are coaching a boys' basketball team, consider integrating some new drills into your practice sessions to facilitate the learning process while ensuring the entire team continues to have fun.

  1. Partner Passing

    • Have the boys get in teams of two, and give each team a basketball. Position the boys so they are facing each other about 10 feet apart. The boys should pass the ball back and forth between one another using two hands. Beginners should perform this drill slowly and work up to passing the ball more quickly. This drill helps with passing as well as receiving the ball. Make sure to monitor the boys during the drill to ensure they are using proper technique. Once you feel your players have mastered stationary passing, instruct the boys to pass the ball back and forth to each other as they move up and down the court. Again, monitor the players to ensure they are using the proper technique and correct the boys when necessary.

    Pass and Shoot

    • Start with one player standing to the side of the basket at the top of the key with the other players in a line at the center of the court. The first player in the line should dribble toward the basket and then pass the ball to the standing player. The standing player then passes the ball back to the running player who goes on to shoot a basket. The running player now takes the place of the standing player, and the next person in the line gets the ball and so on. This drill helps players learn how to dribble, pass and shoot without losing momentum. Make sure to pay close attention to the boys' technique and offer any tips and advice to help them with proper form.

    Dribbling

    • Have the boys line up along the court and give each a basketball. Instruct them to start dribbling the ball in place. The goal of this drill is for the boys to practice their dribbling skills without being pressured by another player. Instruct the boys to dribble with their left hand only, then their right hand only. Have the boys dribble the ball in figure eights through their legs or ask them to dribble very low to the ground. As the boys become more comfortable, add movement to the drill by instructing them to dribble forward, then stop and dribble the other way when you prompt them to. Watch the boys' dribbling technique closely and offer suggestions for improvement when necessary.