Private training is different than team practice.
In a team practice, you can hide a weak left hand in a 5-on-5 drill. In a private session, you can’t. You see everything. The good stuff and the holes.
That’s why you need a go-to library of basketball drills you can pull from fast—based on age, skill, and what the player needs today.
This page is that library.
You’ll get 40 drills total, organized by skill:
- Ball handling (10)
- Shooting (10)
- Footwork (5)
- Defense (5)
- Game situations (5)
Each drill includes: setup, execution, coaching cues, common mistakes, and progressions/regressions, plus age tags so you can coach faster.
Bookmark it. Print it. Build your whole private training plan around it.
Basics of basketball drills for private training sessions (what matters most)
Before we jump into the drill library, here are a few truths that make private training work.
The “why” behind good basketball drills
A good drill does at least one of these:
- Builds a skill (like a tighter handle)
- Builds a habit (like landing balanced)
- Builds decision-making (like reading a closeout)
A bad drill looks cool but doesn’t transfer to games.
The private training rule: simple + intense + tracked
For most players, the best sessions are:
- Simple drills
- Game-speed reps
- Measurable goals
Examples of trackable goals:
- Make 7/10 from a spot
- 30 seconds of clean pound dribbles (no loss)
- 10 finishes in a row with the weak hand
Safety and working with minors (quick but important)
If you train kids, protect them and protect your business:
- Have a clear parent communication plan
- Follow safe supervision rules
- Consider background checks and liability coverage
If you want the business side, start here: insurance info. For broader youth safety guidance, check CDC youth sports safety.
How to run private sessions using this basketball drill library
Here’s a simple structure that works for most 45–60 minute sessions.
Simple session template (45–60 minutes)
- 5–8 min: Warm-up + footwork (low stress)
- 12–15 min: Ball handling (skill focus)
- 15–20 min: Shooting (main focus)
- 8–12 min: Game situations (put it together)
- 2 min: Review + “homework”
Practical examples with real numbers (so you can plan fast)
Example A: 9-year-old beginner (45 min)
- 6 min: Footwork basics
- 12 min: Stationary dribbling + simple moves
- 15 min: Form shooting close + easy finishes
- 10 min: 1-dribble decisions (fun, small wins)
- Goal: 50 total makes (close range), 0 fear of the ball
Example B: 14-year-old travel guard (60 min)
- 8 min: Footwork into shots
- 15 min: Change of pace + combos
- 25 min: Game-speed shooting (catch + dribble)
- 10 min: Live reads (closeout, PnR feel)
- Goal: 120 shots, 70+ makes (mix of ranges), 10 clean reps of each move
Example C: 17-year-old wing (60 min)
- 8 min: Footwork + contact prep
- 12 min: Handle into space (two-dribble max)
- 25 min: Shooting off movement + fatigue
- 12 min: Game situations (closeout, drive, kick)
- Goal: 150 shots, 60–75 makes depending on difficulty, film 2 clips for review
Basketball dribbling drills: 10 go-to ball handling drills (private training)
These are your bread-and-butter basketball dribbling drills. They scale from basketball drills for beginners to advanced guards.
Pound Dribbles (Right/Left)
Age tags: Kids, Beginners, All levels
Setup: One ball. Space to dribble.
Execution:
- 20 seconds hard pounds right hand
- 20 seconds hard pounds left hand
- Rest 20 seconds
- Repeat 2–4 rounds
Coaching cues: “Athletic stance. Eyes up. Push the ball through the floor.”
Common mistakes: Slapping the ball, standing tall, staring down.
Progression: Add movement (walk forward/back).
Regression: Softer pounds, shorter time (10 seconds).
V-Dribbles (Front/Side)
Age tags: Kids, Beginners, All levels
Setup: One ball.
Execution:
- Dribble in a “V” shape in front (right hand only), then left
- Then side V-dribbles (outside hip)
Coaching cues: “Snap it. Wrist loose. Ball stays below the waist.”
Common mistakes: Ball too high, moving feet too much.
Progression: Speed up, add eyes-up callouts (coach holds up fingers).
Regression: Wider stance, slower rhythm.
In-and-Out Dribble (Stationary)
Age tags: 11+, Intermediate
Setup: One ball.
Execution: Fake crossover without switching hands. Repeat 10–20 reps each hand.
Coaching cues: “Sell the fake with your shoulders.”
Common mistakes: Not shifting weight, fake is too small.
Progression: Add one hard dribble forward after each fake.
Regression: Do it slow with big shoulder turn.
Crossover + Retreat (Control Builder)
Age tags: 12+, Intermediate, Guards
Setup: Cone 10–15 feet away.
Execution: Attack cone, hard crossover, then retreat dribble back 2–3 dribbles. Repeat both sides.
Coaching cues: “Low on the cross. Retreat with your hips back.”
Common mistakes: Standing up on retreat, crossing too high.
Progression: Add a second move after retreat (cross → between).
Regression: Walk speed first.
Between-the-Legs Rhythm Series
Age tags: 12+, Intermediate
Setup: One ball.
Execution:
- 20 reps between-the-legs (front-to-back)
- 20 reps (back-to-front)
Coaching cues: “Knee points. Ball goes through the window.”
Common mistakes: Ball hits the leg, feet too close.
Progression: Add a pound-cross-pound pattern.
Regression: Wider stance, slower reps.
Behind-the-Back Wraps (Stationary)
Age tags: 13+, Intermediate/Advanced
Setup: One ball.
Execution: Wrap behind back, catch with other hand, repeat 10–20 reps.
Coaching cues: “Elbow out. Snap it around your back pocket.”
Common mistakes: Throwing it too far, losing posture.
Progression: Add a dribble between wraps.
Regression: Practice the motion without dribbling (wrap passes).
Two-Ball Alternating Pounds
Age tags: 12+, Intermediate
Setup: Two balls.
Execution: Alternate pounds (right up while left down). 20–30 seconds.
Coaching cues: “Same height. Same rhythm.”
Common mistakes: One ball gets lazy, eyes drop.
Progression: Alternating + walk forward.
Regression: Two-ball same-time pounds first.
Cone Slalom (Change of Direction)
Age tags: Kids, Beginners to Advanced
Setup: 5 cones, 5–6 feet apart.
Execution: Zig-zag through cones using 1 move per cone (cross, between, etc.).
Coaching cues: “Attack the cone. Change speed after the move.”
Common mistakes: Dribbling around the cone in a big circle.
Progression: Add a finish at the rim.
Regression: Use only crossover, slower pace.
Stop-and-Go (Change of Pace)
Age tags: 11+, All levels
Setup: 20 feet of space, 1 cone at the end.
Execution: Jog dribble → sudden stop → explode for 2 hard dribbles. Repeat 6–10 reps.
Coaching cues: “Sell the slow. Then burst.”
Common mistakes: No real speed change, traveling on stop.
Progression: Add a move on the burst (hesi → cross).
Regression: Walk-through footwork first.
1-Dribble Escape Series (Pressure Tool)
Age tags: 13+, Intermediate/Advanced
Setup: One cone as “defender.”
Execution: From stance, take one dribble to escape:
- Push cross escape
- Between escape
- Behind escape
5 reps each.
Coaching cues: “One dribble, big space.”
Common mistakes: Too many dribbles, drifting upright.
Progression: Add live pressure (coach reaches).
Regression: No cone, just clean technique.
Basketball shooting drills: 10 shooting drills that translate to games
If you run private sessions, your players want one thing: more makes in games. These basketball shooting drills are built for that.
Close Form Shooting (The Fix-It Drill)
Age tags: Kids, Beginners, All levels
Setup: 3–6 feet from hoop.
Execution: 25–50 makes focusing on clean form.
Coaching cues: “Quiet feet. Elbow under. Finish high. Hold follow-through.”
Common mistakes: Pushing with both hands, jumping forward.
Progression: Step back 1–2 feet every 10 makes.
Regression: One-hand form shots (guide hand behind back).
Spot Shooting (5 Spots)
Age tags: 11+, All levels
Setup: 5 spots (corners, wings, top).
Execution: Make 5 at each spot (25 makes).
Coaching cues: “Same routine every shot.”
Common mistakes: Rushing, drifting sideways.
Progression: Make 7 each (35 makes) or add time limit.
Regression: Move spots closer.
Catch-and-Shoot Off a Pass (Game Rhythm)
Age tags: 12+, Intermediate+
Setup: Coach/partner passes. 3 spots.
Execution: 10 shots per spot (30 total).
Coaching cues: “Hands ready. Dip to rhythm. Feet set on catch.”
Common mistakes: Catching tall, slow feet.
Progression: Add a “relocate” step (pass → slide → catch).
Regression: Self-toss to simulate pass.
1-Dribble Pull-Up (Right/Left)
Age tags: 13+, Intermediate+
Setup: Cone at wing.
Execution: Catch or start with dribble. One hard dribble to elbow area → pull-up.
- 10 makes going right
- 10 makes going left
Coaching cues: “Stop on two feet. Chest tall. Up and down.”
Common mistakes: Fading, long steps, off-balance stop.
Progression: Add defender pad/contact.
Regression: Start closer, slower speed.
“Beat the Closeout” (Shot or Drive)
Age tags: 13+, Intermediate/Advanced
Setup: Player on wing, coach closes out from paint.
Execution: Read:
- If space → shoot
- If hard close → 1–2 dribbles to rim or pull-up
8–12 reps each side.
Coaching cues: “Read the feet. Attack the top foot.”
Common mistakes: Pre-deciding, drifting wide.
Progression: Add a kick-out pass after drive.
Regression: Coach gives a verbal cue (“shot” or “drive”).
Free Throw Pressure Sets
Age tags: All levels
Setup: Free throw line.
Execution:
- Shoot 10. Record makes.
- If under 7/10, run a quick consequence (like 10 push-ups) or redo the set.
Coaching cues: “Same breath. Same routine.”
Common mistakes: Changing routine, rushing after a miss.
Progression: “Make 2 in a row” to end.
Regression: No consequence—just track.
Finishing: Mikan (Right/Left)
Age tags: Kids, Beginners, Bigs too
Setup: Under the rim.
Execution: Alternate right/left layups, 20 makes.
Coaching cues: “High off the glass. Quick feet.”
Common mistakes: Bringing ball low, wrong footwork.
Progression: Reverse Mikan, then power Mikan.
Regression: One side at a time.
Finishing: 2-Foot Power Finish
Age tags: 12+, All levels
Setup: Start at block.
Execution: One dribble into paint → jump stop → finish strong. 10 each side.
Coaching cues: “Chin the ball. Elbows out. Finish through contact.”
Common mistakes: Floating off one foot, soft gather.
Progression: Add pad contact.
Regression: No dribble, just step-in jump stop.
Shooting Off Movement (Curl/Fade)
Age tags: 14+, Intermediate/Advanced
Setup: Cone as screen. Partner passes.
Execution:
- Curl to midrange jumper (10 shots)
- Fade to corner/wing jumper (10 shots)
Coaching cues: “Show hands early. Tight turn. Square in the air.”
Common mistakes: Wide curl, slow feet into shot.
Progression: Add a 1-dribble pull-up if covered.
Regression: Walk-through footwork first.
“21 Makes” Competitive Shooting
Age tags: 12+, All levels
Setup: 3 spots.
Execution: Make 21 total shots.
- Swish = 2 points
- Make = 1 point
Track time. Try to beat it next week.
Coaching cues: “Game pace. Next shot mindset.”
Common mistakes: Lazy rebounds, slow reset.
Progression: Add a move before each shot.
Regression: Lower target to 15 makes.
Basketball drills for beginners: 5 footwork drills that fix everything
Footwork is the hidden skill. Clean feet make dribbling and shooting easier fast—especially for basketball drills for kids and new players.
Athletic Stance Holds + Pops
Age tags: Kids, Beginners
Setup: Open space.
Execution: Hold stance 10 seconds → pop up → reset. 6 reps.
Coaching cues: “Butt back. Chest up. Feet under shoulders.”
Common mistakes: Knees caving in, heels up too high.
Progression: Add quick side steps in stance.
Regression: Shorter holds.
Jump Stop Series (Forward/Side)
Age tags: Kids, Beginners, All levels
Setup: Cone 10 feet away.
Execution: Jog → jump stop on two feet. Repeat 8–12 reps.
Coaching cues: “Land like a ninja. Wide base.”
Common mistakes: Feet too narrow, traveling after the stop.
Progression: Jump stop → pivot → pass or shot.
Regression: Walk speed.
Pivot Box (Front/Reverse Pivots)
Age tags: 11+, All levels
Setup: Mark a small “box” with tape or cones.
Execution: Catch stance → front pivot 90° → back → reverse pivot. 6 cycles each foot.
Coaching cues: “Rip the ball. Keep a strong base.”
Common mistakes: Lifting pivot foot, standing tall.
Progression: Add a jab step into drive.
Regression: No ball first.
1-2 Step Into Shot (Right/Left Lead)
Age tags: 12+, All levels
Setup: Partner passes from in front.
Execution: Step 1-2 into shot (practice both lead feet). 20 total shots.
Coaching cues: “Step into the pass. Square hips.”
Common mistakes: Crossing feet, hopping sideways.
Progression: Add movement (start in corner, lift to wing).
Regression: Stationary catch, then add steps.
Ladder or Line Quick Feet (If you don’t have a ladder, use a line)
Age tags: Kids to Advanced
Setup: Agility ladder or court line.
Execution:
- Two feet in each square (or over line) down and back
- Side shuffle pattern down and back
2 rounds.
Coaching cues: “Fast feet, quiet upper body.”
Common mistakes: Wild arms, looking down too long.
Progression: Add a ball (dribble while doing it).
Regression: Slower pace, fewer patterns.
Basketball drills for kids: 5 defense drills that build pride (and playing time)
Defense is where a lot of kids can stand out fast—if you make it clear and fun.
Defensive Stance + Slide to Touch
Age tags: Kids, Beginners
Setup: Two cones 10 feet apart.
Execution: Slide cone-to-cone, touch, slide back. 6 trips.
Coaching cues: “Nose over toes. Don’t click your heels.”
Common mistakes: Standing up, crossing feet.
Progression: Add a coach point (react left/right).
Regression: Shorter distance.
Closeout to Contain (No Blow-By)
Age tags: 12+, All levels
Setup: Offense at wing with ball. Defender starts in paint.
Execution: Defender closes out with high hands → chops feet → contain 2 dribbles.
Coaching cues: “Sprint, then brake. Hands high, hips low.”
Common mistakes: Flying by, stopping too close.
Progression: Make it live 1-on-1 for 3 dribbles.
Regression: Offense is stationary (no dribble).
Mirror Drill (Reaction)
Age tags: Kids, All levels
Setup: Partners face each other in stance.
Execution: Offense moves side to side; defense mirrors for 15–20 seconds. 4 rounds.
Coaching cues: “Beat them to the spot.”
Common mistakes: Standing tall, reaching.
Progression: Add a ball to offense.
Regression: Slower leader movement.
Deflections Challenge
Age tags: 12+, All levels
Setup: Coach passes around perimeter to a partner. Defender tries to deflect.
Execution: 10 passes. Count deflections. Switch.
Coaching cues: “Active hands, active feet.”
Common mistakes: Gambling and losing stance.
Progression: Add 2 defenders.
Regression: Defender starts closer.
Box Out + Pursue Rebound
Age tags: Kids to Advanced
Setup: Coach shoots from wing. Player starts in help spot.
Execution: On shot, find body → box out → pursue rebound. 8 reps.
Coaching cues: “Hit, find, get.”
Common mistakes: Watching the ball, no contact.
Progression: Add a live rebounder.
Regression: Walk-through steps first.
Game situation basketball drills: 5 drills that make skills show up in games
Skills don’t matter if the player can’t use them under pressure. These game situation drills connect the dots.
Advantage Finishing (1-on-0 into Contact)
Age tags: 12+, All levels
Setup: Start at half court. Coach meets at the rim with pad (or light body contact).
Execution: Player attacks full speed for a finish. 8–12 reps.
Coaching cues: “Last two steps strong. Eyes on target.”
Common mistakes: Slowing down, fading away.
Progression: Add a second defender late.
Regression: No contact, just speed layups.
1-on-1, 3-Dribble Max
Age tags: 13+, Intermediate/Advanced
Setup: Top of key.
Execution: Live 1-on-1 with only 3 dribbles. Best of 5.
Coaching cues: “Make a move with a purpose.”
Common mistakes: Wasting dribbles, forcing tough shots.
Progression: 2-dribble max.
Regression: Start from wing or closer.
Closeout Read: Shot/Drive/Pull-Up
Age tags: 13+, All levels
Setup: Offense in corner or wing. Defender closes out.
Execution: Offense must make the right read. 10 reps each side.
Coaching cues: “If they fly, drive. If they sit, shoot.”
Common mistakes: Predetermined choice.
Progression: Add help defender at the rim.
Regression: Coach calls the read.
Pick-and-Roll Pocket (Trainer as Screener)
Age tags: 15+, Advanced guards
Setup: Coach sets a screen. Cone as help defender.
Execution: Guard comes off screen and makes one of three reads:
- Pull-up
- Hit roller (pass)
- Reject screen drive
10 reps each read.
Coaching cues: “Shoulder to hip on the screen. Eyes up early.”
Common mistakes: Too wide off screen, late decision.
Progression: Add live defender.
Regression: Walk-through at 50% speed.
“Make It Two Ways” (Shot + Sprint Back Stop)
Age tags: 12+, All levels
Setup: Player shoots from wing. Coach rebounds and outlets.
Execution: Player shoots → immediately sprints back to stop a dribbler at half court (coach dribbles). 8–10 reps.
Coaching cues: “Next play. Talk. Stop the ball.”
Common mistakes: Watching the shot, jogging back.
Progression: Add a second offensive player (decision).
Regression: Shorter sprint distance.
Second angle: how to adjust basketball drills for 1 player vs 2–3 players
Private trainers don’t always get perfect 1-on-1 sessions. Sometimes a parent brings a sibling. Sometimes you run small groups.
Here’s how to adjust without losing quality.
If it’s truly 1-on-1
You can do more:
- Tight feedback (fix one thing at a time)
- More shots (less standing around)
- More live reads with you as defender
Aim for:
- 100–180 total shots in 60 minutes (age and level decide)
- 8–15 minutes of ball handling
- 10+ minutes of decision drills (closeouts, 1-on-1)
If it’s 2 players
Make it competitive:
- Partner passing for shooting
- 1-on-1 with constraints (3 dribbles max)
- Defense closeouts
Example 60-minute plan for 2 players (middle school):
- 10 min: Footwork + handles warm-up
- 20 min: Partner catch-and-shoot (track makes)
- 15 min: 1-dribble pull-ups (alternate)
- 15 min: 1-on-1 (3 dribbles max)
If it’s 3 players (small group)
Your job is to reduce standing.
- Use stations (2 shoot, 1 handles)
- Use time blocks (45 seconds on, rotate)
- Use “make goals” instead of “shot goals”
Example: “As a group, make 30 corner shots in 6 minutes.”
Common mistakes trainers make with basketball drills (and how to fix them)
Mistake: Doing “cool” drills that don’t match the player
Fix: Ask, “Where do they get stuck in games?” Then pick drills that match that moment.
Mistake: Too many drills, not enough reps
Fix: Pick 3–5 main drills and get real volume.
- Beginners: fewer drills, more simple reps
- Advanced: fewer drills, more game-speed reps
Mistake: No tracking
Fix: Track one thing each session:
- Makes/attempts from 2–3 spots
- Free throw % (10-shot set)
- Weak-hand finishes made in a row
Mistake: Training kids like small adults
Fix: For basketball drills for kids, keep it:
- Short bursts (10–30 seconds)
- Clear wins (“make 5”)
- More praise for effort and focus than results
Mistake: Skipping the boring stuff (footwork and form)
Fix: Put footwork early when they’re fresh. Put form shooting in every session, even if it’s only 25 makes.
How to build your own private training plan using these basketball drills
Use this quick process.
Pick one “main skill” and one “support skill”
Examples:
- Main: shooting off the catch
Support: footwork into 1-2 step - Main: finishing through contact
Support: jump stop + strong gather - Main: tighter handle under pressure
Support: escape dribbles + change of pace
Choose drills by level (easy, medium, hard)
For a 60-minute session, you can run:
- 1 easy drill (confidence + clean reps)
- 2 medium drills (main work)
- 1 hard drill (game speed + pressure)
Set a score goal
Players love a target. Use:
- “Make 25 in 5 minutes”
- “Hit 7/10 from each wing”
- “No more than 2 lost dribbles in 60 seconds”
Give simple homework (5–10 minutes)
Keep it so easy they’ll actually do it:
- 50 form makes over 2 days
- 3 rounds of pound dribbles (20 seconds each hand)
- 20 Mikans + 10 free throws
If you want help packaging this into sessions you can sell, check our getting started guide.
Bottom Line (Key Takeaways)
- The best basketball drills for private training are simple, game-like, and tracked.
- Build sessions around a few core areas: basketball dribbling drills, basketball shooting drills, footwork, defense, and game reads.
- For basketball drills for beginners and basketball drills for kids, keep drills short, clear, and confidence-building.
- Track one number every session (makes, %, clean reps). That’s how players improve—and how parents see value.