While coaching youth basketball, to get one of my younger teams to use their feet in defense, it was arranged for them to go mountain climbing (i.e. ropes etc). I find that using other sports to break the monotony of drills works well with younger players.
After their first two times up the cliff face using mainly their arms it was pointed out that using their feet made it a lot easier.
After this they again attacked the cliff face and climbed up easily using their feet to push and not just arms to pull.
By the end of the day one of the players commented that defense would be easier if they used their feet. Quite the revelation!
To get another one of my teams to get low and push off for the first step in fast break running,“ I took them roller blading. Next practice session the difference in their start off steps was amazing.
Got a basketball coaching tip, drill, or idea you’d like to share with our community? Leave it in the comments box below and I’ll approve it within a day or two. And don’t forget to read my latest article on kids basketball drills.