12 youth basketball drills for practice
Simple, proven drills for beginner to intermediate teams, each with timing and coaching points. Mix one or two from each skill into your practice plan.
1. Two-line layups
Two lines at the elbows: one shooting, one rebounding. Shooters dribble in and finish; rebounders pass to the next shooter and switch lines.
- Right side: right hand, right knee up. Left side: the opposite.
- Aim for the top corner of the box on the backboard.
- Younger players can start with no dribble, just a step and lay-in.
2. Stationary ball-handling circuit
Every player with a ball in their own space. Run 30-second rounds: pound dribbles (each hand), crossovers, between the legs, and around the waist.
- Eyes up: call out fingers you hold up to check.
- Fingertips, not palms.
- Add a second ball for older players.
3. Red light, green light dribble
Players dribble across the court. Green means go, yellow means slow, red means jump-stop with the ball protected.
- Great for 5–8-year-olds.
- Reward balance, not speed.
- Add "switch hands" as a new color.
4. Partner passing
Partners 10–12 feet apart. Chest passes, bounce passes and overhead passes, ten each, then add a step-through.
- Step toward your target and follow through, thumbs down.
- Receivers show hands as a target.
- Bounce pass lands about two-thirds of the way to the partner.
5. Form shooting ladder
Start one step from the rim. Make three, then take a step back. Miss twice and step forward.
- Balance, eyes on target, elbow in, follow through.
- Use lower rims or smaller balls for younger players.
- Track makes, not just attempts.
6. Shell drill (4-on-4 positioning)
Four offensive players on the perimeter pass the ball around while four defenders shift: on-ball, one pass away (deny), two passes away (help).
- Say it out loud: "Ball!", "Help!"
- Move on the pass, not on the catch.
- Walk through it first, then go live.
7. Closeouts
Defender starts under the rim and passes out to a shooter, then sprints, chops their feet and closes out with a hand up.
- Sprint two-thirds of the way, then short choppy steps.
- Stay balanced to stop the drive.
- Shooter can catch and shoot, or drive one way.
8. Three-man weave
Three lines on the baseline. The middle passes to one side and runs behind the receiver, continuing up the court to a layup.
- Pass and go behind.
- No dribbles at higher levels.
- Start at walking speed with new players.
9. Box-out battle
Pairs inside the lane. On the shot, defenders find their player, make contact, and hold a wide base before going to the ball.
- Find, hit, get the ball.
- Low, wide and arms up.
- Keep contact controlled; it's positioning, not pushing.
10. 1-on-1 from the wing
Offense catches on the wing with two dribbles max; defender closes out. Play to one score or one stop, then rotate.
- Offense: triple-threat, jab, attack.
- Defense: no reaching; slide and contest.
- Keep groups small to limit waiting.
11. Fast-break 3-on-2, 2-on-1
Three attack two. The shooter and rebounder become the two defenders going back the other way against one.
- Fill the lanes wide.
- Make the defense commit before passing.
- Decide early: score, pass or pull out.
12. Free-throw pressure game
End practice with team free throws. Each make counts toward a team goal; finish with a cheer when the team reaches it.
- Build a routine: same steps every time.
- Celebrate effort and focus.
- Skip running as punishment. It makes practice feel like a penalty.
Matching drills to age
| Age group | Focus | Good drills |
|---|---|---|
| 5–8 | Fun, balance, basic dribbling | Red light green light, partner passing, form shooting (lower rims) |
| 9–11 | Fundamentals, simple team play | Layup lines, ball-handling circuit, closeouts, 1-on-1 |
| 12–14 | Team defense, transition, decisions | Shell drill, three-man weave, 3-on-2/2-on-1, box-out battle |
Warm up before drills, provide water breaks, stop play for injuries, and follow your league's safety and concussion policies.
Free printable: Practice Planner
Plan a focused 60-minute practice in blocks, then sketch drills and note what worked on the court-notes page. US Letter PDF, print as many as you need.