These ideas on [tag]how to improve basketball skills[/tag] comes courtesy of Rick. Try these [tag]basketball[/tag] [tag]shooting[/tag] [tag]drills[/tag] and see immediate results!
Drill #1
When working on our mid range jump shots (10-15 ft.) there are very few opportunities to catch and shoot at that range.
I have two lines of girls starting at half court each with their own ball. They are pushing the ball up the court like they would after getting a pass from the guard after a rebound. I have a cone or better yet a coach standing at free throw line extended. The girls are to push hard like they are going baseline and use either a cross over or other move to come back to the elbow to take a shot. When they get comfortable with this I have them do the same thing but I have a [tag]coach[/tag] or player in the lane. If the coach stays low they shoot. If the coach comes to help on defense they pass to a player on the opposite wing for a shot.
I will also run this [tag]drill[/tag] and have them go in for a layup and use a coach with hand pads (we get them from the football team) and bump them when they go up to make them go up strong.
#2.
We record free throws during the week in practice (anywhere from 10-30 depending on the practice) and each week I give out prizes for highest percentage and greatest gain from week to week. At the end of each practice we do our conditioning with free throws. Each player has a one and one. Miss the first one and do 3 down and backs while dribbling. Make the first and miss the second do one and make both no running next girl goes. If I don’t think they are working hard I have them pick up the balls and put them over their heads.
My first day of practice my 12 girls did 33 down and backs with a ball above their heads. They quickly found out how important [tag]free throws[/tag] are.