Games to Teach Basketball Skills

Stop and Go Dribble

• This is one of the easiest basketball skill games that can be played by a kid able to dribble a basketball. A coach tells a group of kids to line up in single-file lines along the base line of a basketball court. Then the coach yells “Go," and the kid at the front of each line runs forward dribbling the basketball. When the coach yells “Stop”, the kid has to stop in place and keep dribbling the ball. If he doesn’t stop or can’t control dribbling the ball, the coach sends the kid to the back of the line. The next kid at the front of line then tries the same dribbling drill.

  A coach can also have the kids do other dribbling moves while in the “Stop” position to master coordination. Switching between dribbling with the left and right hand during “Stop” and “Go” drills can get kids used to dribbling techniques used in real games. Teach the kids to crouch down while dribbling the ball when in the “Stop” position to learn the proper move of protecting the ball from a steal during a game.

"Three in a Row" Shooting Drill

• Shooting games can come in a million different variations. But this one is especially good because it teaches free throw ability. Line up a group of players single file in front of a basket and have the player at the front of the line shoot three shots. He has to keep shooting until he makes the shots and then moves back into the line. The next player moves up to make three in a row. Keep this going at a fast pace and it can be a lot of fun.

  A better variation on this game involves having each player move to various spots near the basket to shoot three baskets at those different angles. Keep this going at a fast pace and time each player so they can see how fast they made the shots in each position.

Passing Relay

• One of the best games in learning passing is a basic game of a passing relay. Here, a player can also learn about using your foot to pivot on the court. In this game, two teams are created and players stand in two lines facing each other at a distance of no more than seven feet apart. The player at the first of the line passes the ball to the second player in the line facing him. That player passes the ball to the third player in the line facing him. This repeats down the line. What’s important here is the use of the pivot where the player has to turn at a slight angle to pass to a fellow player. Pivoting is an important tool to master when passing to a teammate located at an oblique angle.

  Try variations using different passes like chest passes or even the tricky bounce pass. A bounce pass is where you throw the ball to the ground and have it bounce into the hands of your fellow teammate.

War

• For a chance to play a little more aggressively and to gain experience dealing with offensive and defensive strategy, this game is a truly fun experience for all. It’s quite simple to play, though it can lead to interesting situations. The rules involve splitting players up into two teams. All players then line up on opposing sides of the court with assigned numbers for each person. A basketball is placed at half court and the coach yells out a random number. The players possessing that number on each side run toward the ball. Whoever grabs it first will be the player for the offense. The one who missed the ball will be the player for the defense.

  At this point, the player on offense can go for a basket, but his fellow players have to stay on the sideline. However, the ball can be passed to the sideliners who have the freedom to move around in their allotted space.

  If the player for the defense steals the ball, he has to pass the ball to one of his sideline teammates in order to “check” the ball. That sideline teammate has to pass it back to the player on defense who will then attempt to make a basket. The true fun of this game comes when two players with different assigned numbers get matched up. This gives the feel of professional basketball where the possibilities of playing with a different defensive or offensive player creates lots of unique situations.