Basketball Pregame Drills

The official start of a basketball game is when the buzzer sounds and the referee blows the whistle for the tip-off, but for players, the game begins during pregame warm-ups. There are a wide variety of drills basketball players use during warm-ups, but all are designed to prepare the body and mind for a game of basketball.

  1. Proper Mindset

    • Players should have the proper mindset during pregame drills. That means treating the drills as part of the game itself. Passes should be crisp and the shots should be similar to those taken during the game. Many coaches believe players should expend enough energy during pregame drills that they start sweating.

    Proper Attire

    • It is easier for your muscles to loosen when you are warm, so wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt during warm-ups. There are warm-up products made specifically for basketball. The clothing is not thick, but helps keep players warm and allows them to stretch their muscles and get them ready for the game.

    Layup Drill

    • Split the team evenly into two lines on either side of the key. The first player in either line should be at the level of the top of the three-point line, about halfway between the sideline and the middle of the key. The first player in one line should have a basketball and dribble in to make a shoot a layup. The first player in the other line should run in to grab the rebound, then pass it to the next player. Continue this drill until all players have shot layups and grabbed rebounds at least two times from each side of the basket. Tweak this drill by having the shooters take jump shots instead of layups.

    Jog and Pass

    • Divide the two equally. Form two lines at half court --- one line on each sideline. Give the ball to the first player in line on one side. That player should pass the ball to the first player in line on the opposite side of the court, and then jog or run across the court and go to the end of the line. The player who now has the ball should throw it across the court to the first player in line, and the run or jog across the court and join the end of the line. Keep the drill going until each player has passed the ball and run or jogged across the court at least three times.

    Free Throws

    • Line up the players around the free throw line. Each player should shoot two free throws while the other players rebound the ball. Continue until all players have shot at least three sets of two free throws. Players who are rebounding should also stretch their leg and arm muscles.