This basketball drill will focus on creating an up-tempo pace on the court and is great to do right after your players warm up.
Creating this fast pace starts in practice. Sometimes you’ll want to spend that time on offense, sometimes you’ll want to spend that time on defense, and other times you’ll want to spend that time in half-court.
One of the things that you’ll want to do on a regular basis is do fast pace, up-tempo basketball drills such as this one: the Open Court basketball drill for kids.
How the Drill Works
Four of your players will be involved in this drill at a time. Supply each of your players with a basketball, then set up cones around the half-court on both sides of the court. Also have one of your players stand beneath each of the baskets. These players’ responsibility will be to rebound the ball once the shot is made.
Have two of your players begin at the 3-point line and dribble at full-speed toward the other two players, who are set up at half-court–these two players are your defenders. The goal is to work on pushing the ball out in front and cover ground. Ideally, your players will want to get to the defender within approximately three dribbles.
Once the player reaches the defender and is going for the basket, he or she will want to work on one of five different moves: inside-out, crossover, hesitation, behind the back, or a combo move.
One thing to keep in mind is that you may want to have your players focus on working on the right hand for part of the drill and then switch to the left hand for another part of the drill. This will help your players be as versatile as possible.
This basketball drill helps to get your players warmed up–nice and loose. It’s extremely important because it’s a great way to set pace and keep your players moving quickly.
While you won’t be able to correct all of the small mistakes that are made during this fast-paced drill, you’ll be able to focus more on the big picture. Here are a few things for your players to keep in mind while doing this basketball drill:
- Keep the ball in front of you.
- Push the ball out front.
- Don’t ever let the ball come above your waist–keep it low.
- Keep your head up so you can see the whole floor.
You’ll want to have all of your players practice this drill–your guards, your big guys, your defenders–everyone!
What do you think of this fast-paced basketball drill for kids? Is it just the thing your players need to pick up the tempo?