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Last Updated: March 30, 2024 Approved

Are you interested in becoming a better basketball player? Whether you're a beginner or hoping to
get off the bench and into the game, there are always ways to improve your basketball skills. After all,
even the most competitive of players train their hardest everyday! Try developing your position, or
learn to dribble better, and you'll be well on your way to the NBA or WNBA.

Part 1 of 7:
1
How to Do Dribbling Exercises (Basic)

1 Use correct dribbling posture. Your knees should be shoulder-width and you should be on
your feet ready to move around. Don't stand with your knees locked. Always make sure you Get a
stay balanced, if you do not stay on balance you could end up tripping yourself over. When you Sign
dribble, the ball should be bouncing no higher than your waist. Also when dribbling always move
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your wrist to keep the ball in good control. In a defensive crouch, the ball should come no higher
than your mid-thigh.[1]

2 Learn to dribble. Do as much as you can starting out, you'll need to start getting a feel for how
the ball moves and responds to the force you put on it. It's also a good idea to exercise with
each hand by itself to get comfortable going to the right and to the left. Alternate bouncing it quite
hard and quite softly.[2]

A good dribbling exercise to start with is to dribble twenty times in a row with your right hand
and then switch and dribble twenty times in a row with your left hand. Do three sets of this when
you start a basketball routine and three sets of this at the end.
Stay still at first, but keep your knees bent and bounce on your toes to stay moving. When you
get comfortable dribbling from a stationary position, do this same exercise while walking. When
you get comfortable walking, start running.
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3 Alternate hands on the move. This is called a crossover. Start dribbling down the court or in
your driveway in a zig-zag pattern: go forward and right for two steps and then bounce the ball
over to your left hand and go forward and left for two steps. When you get that down, do the same
thing backwards.

Set up a row of cones fives yards apart in a straight line to dribble around.[3]

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4 Keep your eyes up. One of the most important skills to learn in the early stages of dribbling is
to dribble without looking at the ball. It's hard at first, but eventually you'll need to feel the ball
without needing to see it. Pick a point (like the rim of the basketball hoop) to fix your eyes upon as
you start dribbling and run through your dribbling exercises.[4]

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5 Dribble constantly. Learn to 'feel' where the ball is at all times, have control over it, and be
able to do anything you can with it. The more you practice your fundamentals, the better you'll
become.[5]

Try not to let the ball touch your palm. A good dribble comes from your fingers.[6]
Spend any free down time you have dribbling the basketball. Dribble up and down the court or
wherever you're practicing. Dribble a basketball when you walk to school or to your friend's
house. It's very important to practice as much as you can.

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Part 2 of 7:
2
How to Do Dribbling Exercises (Advanced)

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1 Develop your power dribble. Think of power-dribbling as the "run" in crawl-walk-run. When
you're first starting out, your biggest concern is making sure the ball comes back close to your
hand, but eventually you need to make sure the ball comes back to your hand as quickly and with
as much force and control as possible.

It's all in the wrist. To develop your power dribble, alternate bouncing the ball as you normally
do and then with a few degrees more power. Don't bounce it so hard you lose control: bounce it
firmly several times in a row without letting your arm come way up when you dribble it back
down, then alternate back to a casual dribble.
Try dribbling in the dirt.[7] You'll have to bounce the ball extra-hard to get it to come back at the
same speed you're used to. When you get used to that, move inside and dribble like you've
been dribbling before.

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2 Practice your power crossovers. A crossover is the dribble that alternates the ball between
the hands. A quick crossover makes it harder for a defender to steal the ball or force you out of
your movement. In the late 90s, Allen Iverson was known for his extremely fast and powerful
crossovers.

Start by power dribbling four times with your right hand and make the fifth dribble a hard
crossover to your left hand. Do the same thing with your left. Then, make it three before the
crossover, then two, eventually switching between your hands a few times with your power
dribble, then build it back up.

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3 Dribbling sprints. Run suicide sprints on the court while power dribbling. Dribble from the
baseline to the free-throw line and back, then dribble to the three-point line and back, then to
half-court and back, then the full court. Every time you reach a point, touch the line.

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4 Dribble two balls. When you're getting really confident in your power dribbling, try to dribble
two balls simultaneously. This helps ingrain the dribbling and make it subconscious. If you can
power-dribble two balls simultaneously all the way down the court, you'll be in great dribbling
shape.[8]

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Part 3 of 7:
3
How to Do Shooting Exercises (Mechanics)

1 Remember BEEF+C when shooting. This mnemonic device should help you remember the
fundamentals of shooting the basketball:[9]

B=Balance. Make sure you are balanced before you shoot. Your feet should be planted at
shoulder-width, your knees should be flexed, and you should be ready to jump
E=Eyes. Keep your eyes on the basket while you shoot. Imagine there is a dime balancing on
the front of the rim and that you're trying to knock it off with your shot.
E=Elbow. Keep your shooting-elbow tucked in towards your body when you shoot.
F=Follow Through. Make sure you follow through with your shot; your shooting hand should
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C=Concentration/Awareness. This is the most important part of shooting. Focus on where the
ball is going. Once you've made the decision to shoot, commit to it and focus on making the
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2 Practice shooting "one-handed." The shooting motion is almost entirely in your dominant
hand, so practice that way. If you're right handed, the purpose of your left hand is to stabilize
the ball as you prepare to shoot. It's only there to make sure the ball doesn't slip out of your right
hand. Although you need to make sure you don't use this technique while playing a match; it will
most certainly lead to a faulty shot, and has very less chances of actually going in.

Use the pads of your fingers and hold the ball so you see light through all of your fingers. As
you shoot, push the ball toward your target while rolling it back toward you. This is called
"English" or "spin."
Practice this while lying down. Shoot your basketball straight into the air so it comes back down
onto your hand. You can do this for hours, while listening to music, or when you're having
trouble sleeping. The ball should feel like part of your arm, extending into the hoop.

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3 Practice lay-ups from both sides. A lay-up is all about dribbling, mechanics, and
approach.[10] Using the proper form, you should make a lay-up every time. Practicing lay-ups
especially with your non-writing hand is a great way to make you a more versatile player.

Dribble toward the basket from the three-point line at a diagonal. When you get to the lane line,
you'll have two more steps to the hoop. If you're on your right, dribble one last dribble when you
step on the lane line with your right foot, then plant and jump from with your left. If you're on the
left, do the opposite.
On your right side, bring your right hand up with the ball in it and your right knee up at the same
time. Imagine your elbow was attached to your knee with a string. Lay the ball off the backboard
by aiming at the top right corner of the box behind the rim. Don't try to bounce it off with any
force--your momentum coming in and up should do most of the work.

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Part 4 of 7:
4
How to Do Shooting Exercises (Accuracy)

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1 Go around the world. Once you've got the mechanics of your shot down, practice shooting
from different parts of the court. For this exercise it helps to have a friend or teammate grab your
rebounds and pass the ball back quickly. This drill involves at least 7 positions, but you can tailor it
to your needs. You have to make each shot before you move to the next position on the court. Do it
as quickly and with as few shots as possible.[11]

Start by shooting a lay-up. Run immediately to the baseline at a point in between the lane line
and the three-point line. Have your friend pass you the ball and keep shooting from there until
you make it. From there, run to a point in between the corner of the lane and the baseline and
shoot again. Then move to the corner, then the free-throw line. Keep moving around the lane
until you've made your way around.
Expand the game to include the same points on the three-point line when you're consistently
making shots in the lane.

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2 Shoot free-throws until you can do it in your sleep. An undefended shot, free-throws are the
purest display of shooting mechanics. You can't let your feet leave the ground, so you've got to
perfect your motion and your accuracy.[12]

See how many free-throws you can hit in a row.

Practice shooting free-throws when you're cold and when you're totally winded. If you can
consistently make free-throws while breathing heavily after running lines or doing dribbling
drills, you'll be in good shape for a game.

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3 Practice fade-aways, hook-shots, other close-range techniques while being

defended.[13] It's never going to be easy to get off a clean shot. If you've been practicing by
yourself and making all kinds of shots from all distances, it can be quite a shock to get in the game
and hit nothing but bricks. A defender hurries you, gets in your face, and will try to steal or block
your shot.

A quick turn-around or fade-away shot will require you to over-correct with your arm for going
backwards.[14] You'll lose the strength you get from pushing off with your legs.

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4 Play "Horse" This playground game is perfect for developing shot proficiency from all
corners of the court.[15] When you call your shots, it's tempting to shoot the easy ones, but
when you've got someone else picking where you shoot, things can get a lot more interesting.

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Part 5 of 7:
5
How to Practice Defense

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Develop your defensive stance.[16] To be an all-around good basketball player, you'll not
1 only need to be able to make the clutch three-pointer, but to get back on defense and block a
shot. The first step in developing your defensive game is in your stance.

Keep a wide base with your body weight on the balls of your feet. Keep your butt down and
your hips back.
Your arms should be always up and out. Don't reach in or touch the offensive player too much
or you'll be called for fouls. Use them to distract the player and try to block passes and shots.
Focus your eyes on the player's waist and chest, not the ball. This will give you more of an idea
where he will try to go.[17]
Make sure that you don't focus on the opposing player's stomach or feet. They will beat you to
the basket every time if you do so.

2 Practice your shuffle step. A common basketball practice drill will include shuffle-stepping
(moving quickly sideways) down the court and back.[18] Practice switching directions by having
a teammate dribble left and right. Move back and forth in the defensive stance while mirroring the
movements.
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3 Trap the offensive player with your feet. Push the offensive player toward the sideline by
putting your lead foot in between his lane to the hoop. So, if he's coming down the middle,
push him to the left by leading with your right foot. You want to close off the access to the lane and
to the basket, so trying to push the offensive player toward the side will mess up the offensive plan.

Have a teammate dribble down the court from one baseline to the other. Play defense with your
hands behind your back, forcing the dribbler to change directions with your feet. You'll need to
quickly shuffle step down the court to stay ahead and direct the person with the ball.

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4 Don't jump. A common mistake players make is jumping too often to try to block a shot. When
you're off your feet, you're less useful as a defender. If you think the person you're guarding is
going to shoot, raise your hands in the air, but don't jump. Disrupting the view of the basket can be
just as effective in making the shot miss as blocking it.[19]

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5 Box Out. When rebounding box out and slip in front of another rebounder to intercept, always
box out.[20]

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Part 6 of 7:
6
How to Improve Teamwork

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1 Learn to pass. It may sound obvious, but making crisp and accurate passes can be the
difference between a good team and a collection of individual players. Even if you're all
talented individually, learning to work well as a unit is necessary for success on the court. Team
drills will help your group become efficient passers:[21]

Simulate a fast break. In a group of five, move all the way down the court without dribbling the
ball, letting the ball touch the floor, or moving your feet when the ball is in your hands.
Play hot potato. Having someone control some music playing in the background and pause it
suddenly. Whoever is holding the ball when the music stops is out. You should be passing
quickly and crisply, without dribbling. As you as you get the ball, look for someone to pass it to.

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2 Learn the role of your position. If you play for a team, you'll have a particular role that's yours
to play. While it may be fun to drop back for a three-pointer every time your hand touches the
ball, it's typically not the job of the center to do that. Talk to your teammates and your coach to find
out where you need to be on particular plays.

The point guard is the court general. At this position, you need to see the court and set up the
offense. You need to be a selfless passer and good shooter. You also need to have a good
handle of the ball and court vision.
The shooting guard is the back-up to the point guard. Usually, this is the best shooter or
offensive player on the team.
The small forward is the most versatile. You need to be a good shooter with the ability to go up
for rebounds on offense or defense, and good vision to be able to kick the ball back out to the
guards to set up the offense again.
The power forward is a good defensive player, shot blocker, and an excellent player in the lane.
This is maybe the most physical player on the team.
The center is (among other things) probably the tallest player on the team. You should also be
an excellent rebounder and passer, with the ability to control the lane game on offense.
Use other players for inspiration. When you watch an NBA or college game, specifically watch
the players who play the same position you do. Where is the power forward while the shootingGet a
guard takes a three-point shot? What does the guard do while the center goes up for a reboundSign
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3 Learn to set clean picks or screens. A pick is set when you're on offense and block a
defensive player with your body to allow your teammate a clear lane with the ball.[22] You need
to have your feet set cleanly and be static, or this will be called a foul. It requires a great deal of
communication with your teammate, who should drive the defensive player into your pick, instead of
you driving yourself into the player.

Stand still and up straight, your hands clutched at waist-level in front of you and your feet flat on
the floor. Let your teammate come around you. Be strong, and be prepared to absorb a blow.

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4 Develop creative plays that utilize your team's strengths. The goal of a play should be to
break through the defense and get the ball to an open player for a shot.[23] Give basic pick
patterns names and let the point guard run them on offense. Practice these with cones for defenders
and get your timing down.

The most basic play is for one of the forwards to come out and set a pick for a guard. The guard
then drives to the inside lane and kicks it back to the forward, who should be either open, or
matched with the (probably) shorter defender originally guarding the guard.

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Part 7 of 7:
7
How to Develop Mental and Physical Stamina

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1 Run regularly. A full-court game of basketball includes a lot of running. Players not
accustomed to the running will become winded very quickly. You don't even have to be the
best defender or shooter if you can outlast your opponents on the court. Here are some running
drills to work on and get your stamina up:

Superman Drill. On a court, start on one baseline and run to the nearest free-throw line. Drop
and do 5 push ups on your fingertips, then stand and run back to the original baseline, then run
to the three-point line, drop and do 10 push ups and continue on that same idea for every line
on the court, back and forth, until you reach the first line again. Shoot at least 10 free throws
after the drill while you are tired.
"Kill Drill": this is a full court, down and back timed drill. If you're really out of shape just start
with maybe 4-6 "down and backs" in 1 minute 8 seconds (starting at 1 baseline running to the
other and returning to the original). Sounds like a sufficient amount of time until you run the 160
feet (48.8 m). After you build up some stamina, try 13 down and backs in 68 seconds. Again,
shoot at least 10 free throws while fatigued.

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2 Learn everything you can about the game. Playing smart is just as important as playing
well. Official NBA rules are available for free online, so it helps to brush up on them before
playing the game. You may find something clarified that you’d misunderstood.

Talk to other players, check websites, ask coaches for their tips. Knowing the historical rules
also helps too. Watch old games, watch streetball games, read about the invention of
basketball.

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3 Always be a team player. Look for the open player and pass the ball. Don't hog the ball when
you've got it and try to take low-probability shots that waste your team's chance at points.

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4 Increase your vertical leap. If you're fast, and agile, and can jump, you can get rebounds even
over a taller player. Most super tall guys don't put all their effort into rebounds since they don't
have to. You can beat them if you work at it.[24]

Try jump rope. Jump rope as fast, long, and hard as you can. The better you can do this, the
faster footwork you can have on the court.

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5 Do lots of push-ups, specifically fingertip push-ups. You will be amazed at how much
better you can palm the ball if you have strong fingers. Even if you think you don't have large
enough hands to palm the ball, it can be done if you have stronger fingers.

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Work on your core strength.[25]

6 abdominal crunches, leg lifts, plank, and lower back
extensions. If you have a strong core you will be able to take a hit and still finish strong at the
rim.

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Ryan Tremblay
Basketball Coach
Expert Answer
You really want to build up your calf muscles, your quads, and your glutes so you can jump
higher. Weightlifting, squats, plyometrics, sprinting, high knees, and butt kicks all can help with
that.
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How do I get better at shooting reverse layups?

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Basketball Coach
Expert Answer
Reverse layups take a lot of concentration, technique, and practice. Learning where the ball
should hit the backboard when you take the reverse layup is the most important part and that
takes practice. It is also important to learn when to do a reverse layup and not just do it for looks.
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How can I improve my rebounding skills?

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Learning the proper way to box out is the best way to improve as a rebounder. You can also learn
the timing of when the ball hits the rim and how to anticipate where the ball will go after it hits the
rim. It is a skill to be able to anticipate where the ball will go after it hits the rim. You also must
have the will to want the ball more than everyone else on the court.
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Tips

Run to build up your stamina. It will help you during a game.

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Practice whenever you can. You don't even need a basketball or hoop. You can do push-ups, run,
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If you're not the best on the team, keep trying, you'll get it. You can also ask the coach for tips. Try
to practice whenever you can, have a workout so you're not rusty when you get on the court, and
this goes for any sport.
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Warnings

Listen to your coach. If you think things can only be done "your way" then it will be harder to
improve. So listen to your coach and learn from him/her. Most coaches have had much
experience and are great to learn from.
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1. ↑ https://www.myactivesg.com/Sports/Basketball/Features/Basics-of-dribbling-a-basketball
2. ↑ https://www.basketballforcoaches.com/how-to-dribble-a-basketball/

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3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXh-pLcaGbU
4. ↑ https://www.breakthroughbasketball.com/drills/utilize-balloons-with-your-youth-players.html
5. ↑ Ryan Tremblay. Basketball Coach. Expert Interview. 9 March 2021.
6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coCdV86FPeQ
7. ↑ https://www.stpaul.gov/sites/default/files/Media%20Root/Parks%20%26%20Recreation/Muni%2
0Basketball%20dribbling.pdf
8. ↑ https://www.stpaul.gov/sites/default/files/Media%20Root/Parks%20%26%20Recreation/Muni%2
0Basketball%20dribbling.pdf
9. ↑ https://www.basketballforcoaches.com/how-to-shoot-a-basketball/

More References (17)

About This Article

Co-authored by:
Ryan Tremblay
Basketball Coach
This article was co-authored by Ryan Tremblay. Ryan Tremblay is a Basketball Coach and the Owner of
National Sports ID and STACK Basketball. With over 30 years of experience, Ryan specializes in
basketball coaching, social media marketing, and website design. Ryan created the National Sports ID
as a platform to verify the age/grade of youth athletes and STACK Basketball to inspire young athletes to
grow into mature individuals and basketball players. Ryan was a First Team All-Decade basketball player
in Bergen County and finished in the top 20 all-time leading scorers in the county’s history with 1,730
points. He went on to Caldwell University on a basketball scholarship where he was part of three
championship teams. Ryan was a two-time All-Metropolitan, All-State, and All-Conference point guard
and the all-time three-point leader in the school’s history, landing him in the Caldwell University Athletic
Hall of Fame. This article has been viewed 1,906,171 times.

33 votes - 88%
Co-authors: 292
Updated: March 30, 2024
Views: 1,906,171
Categories: Featured Articles | Basketball

Article Summary
To improve your basketball dribbling skills, try at-home drills like doing 3 sets of 20 fast dribbles on
each hand. Do sprints while dribbling and practice crossovers that transfer between both hands. To
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improve your shooting, lie down and shoot the ball straight in the air with 1 hand. Practice free throws
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and lay-ups from both sides, then move around the court and work on sinking quick shots from every
part of the key. For fun, effective team drills and ways to improve defense, read on!

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