Youth Sports Drills

Youth sports can be an important part of the formative years. Children involved in sports learn the art of teamwork, the passion of athletics and the importance of honing in on a skill and perfecting it. Youth sports range from soccer and swimming to baseball and flag football. Teams range from cheer-leading and gymnastics to youth volleyball and basketball teams. Each of these teams uses drills that work on accuracy, cardiovascular stamina and teaching the kids the importance of teamwork.

  1. Basketball

    • Both boys and girls basketball have specific drills. These drills help improve accuracy with the kids and help them benefit in many other sports apart from basketball. Each player starts with two basketballs. The kids bounce the balls with both arms, opposite each other so when one ball is down, the other ball is up. This can be a very difficult drill for youth athletes, especially those starting out in athletics. Once the kids get the hang of dribbling two balls in one spot, have them slowly move up and down the floor.

    Footwork Drill

    • While this youth sports drill is technically for youth football players, the drill can teach athletes of all sports the importance of correct footwork. In football, this is called the "Shuffle Drill" and run with cones and bags yet can be used without any props as well. All athletes will be standing with about 5 feet on either side of them. A good idea is to create staggered lines. The coach gives the first command (which can be determined by individual coaches) then the athlete steps up/runs up a few feet and stops suddenly. The coach then yells another command and the athlete will shuffle to the right, then another command and the athlete will sprint to the left.
      This drill is a great youth sports drill for basketball, baseball, football and soccer.

    Cone Race Drill

    • While intended for soccer players, the cone race drill is an excellent youth sports drill for any young athlete, boy or girl, in basketball, football, baseball, volleyball, soccer and even cheer-leading. This drill works on footwork accuracy and stamina. Start the kids at one end of the gym, field or diamond. Each kid will have a soccer ball (kickball works too.) Approximately 40 yards away should be a series of cones. These cones will be set up in a small circle, preferably 10 cones. The athlete will kick the ball as hard as he can, run down the gym or field, kicking his ball and running the entire length of the gym until he reaches the cones. The goal is to kick the ball at the cones and knock them all down. This drill can also be run by spacing the cones out and having him weave in and out of the cones with the ball.
      A coach could also add a few defenders in the gym along the way to challenge the athlete.