Basketball Drills for Beginners – Begin Here!

Simple Easy Training Programs and Tips for Beginners

Warm-Up Drills

Beginners warming up with mobility and cardio before basketball practice
Start every session with 5–7 minutes of light cardio and mobility.

30s On / 15s Off

Cycle through jacks, high knees, and butt kicks to elevate heart rate.

Mobility Focus

Hip circles, ankle rolls, and thoracic twists for smooth movement.

Form Check

Stay tall, relax shoulders, breathe through the nose when possible.

Dribbling Drills

Player practicing ball handling on an outdoor court
Keep eyes up—use your peripherals to feel the ball.

Low Pound x20

Waist to knee height, quick rhythm, switch hands every 20 reps.

In-&-Out Series

Right in-&-out to cross, left in-&-out to cross. 3 sets each.

Figure-8 Timer

1 minute continuous figure-8, count touches and beat your best.

Passing Drills

Basketball rebounder setup to return passes consistently
Snap your wrists and aim for the receiver’s chest or target spot.

Target Squares

Tape 3 squares on a wall—chest, low, and lead. 20 passes each.

Weak-Hand Focus

10 mins of one-hand push passes (both sides) to build control.

Catch-Ready Hands

Always show a target. Catch with soft hands—absorb, then attack.

Shooting Drills

Player receiving form coaching while shooting
Lock in on form: balance, elbow under ball, smooth follow-through.

10-Spot Form

Five spots each side of the rim, make 5 at each—focus on arc.

Footwork First

1-2 step into shot; right-left on left side, left-right on right side.

FT Routine

Same breath, same dribble count. 2 shots, then a quick sprint—repeat.

Beginner Basketball Tips

  • Eyes up
  • Stay low
  • Listen to coaches

Bonus: Track makes/misses in a notebook—small wins compound fast.

Fun Drills for Kids

Kids enjoying basketball drills in a playful practice environment
Make it a game—fun builds consistency and confidence.

Easy Basketball Exercises

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