If you are a basketball coach on any level, you realize that a well organized team will win for you, regardless of what material other teams might have. Obviously, endless comparisons to what other schools have available to them will get you no where. It is common knowledge that success doesn`t come easy and never without hard work. And in basketball that translates to regular, result producing basketball drills.

Before enforcing drills, one must have a well conditioned team. Many players, and any athlete for that matter, have a love hate relationship with conditioning. It is one of the most painful experiences for the body, but it produces amazing results. An easy philosophy is to run your team and then run them some more.

Early season workouts are designed to condition players for full game, full court, running condition and ball handling. Encourage your players to go out for the Cross Country team. This gives the players an opportunity to get in shape before the season opens and cuts down on the practice time that must be spent in conditioning when you get into the gym.

On to the Drills

The drills are simple, yet they all contain important fundamental elements that are so necessary to properly master this great game.

Dribbling

Fun Drill: This is a drill that the team will derive a lot of pleasure from, but it is also a very fine conditioner and teaches good ball handling. Procedure: The team must stay on one half of court. One player is designated as "it." He must dribble continuously while attempting to tag one of the other players while they move around attempting to evade being tagged. When another player is tagged, he is "it." When the drill has progressed for a time, use two balls, with two players as "it."

Signal Drill: This drill encourages the dribbler to keep his head up while dribbling. Every player has a ball and they stay on half the court. The coach stands at half court or the opposite free throw line and gives hand signals to indicate the direction he wishes the dribbler to move. Right, left, forward and back are the simplest. If the boy misses a signal, he must run a lap around the gym, and then rejoin the group.

Passing

Three Man Weave: This drill is as old as basketball itself, but is still an excellent drill for developing the skill to hand off without fumbling or losing possession. It also is an excellent conditioner. The squad lines up in three lines at one end of the floor. The middle man starts the drill by handing off to either of the two wings. He then goes behind the man to whom he passed. The drill continues until they reach the other end of the floor where they shoot a lay up. Then they wait until all of their teammates have finished the drill. They then return to the other end of the floor using the same procedure.

Shooting Drill

Putting the Pressure on the Free Throw Company: This drill is designed to put pressure on the free throw shooter. This will teach him to concentrate while shooting. The shooter has a one and one situation. He must make the first shot before he receives the second try. All of the other men attempt to distract him by shouting and waving their arms. They may not touch the shooter in any way. Rotate clock wise in this drill.

This list is obviously not all inclusive. However, these drills are solid and will help any team become stronger and more confident. By preparing your team for the worst, they will reward you by playing their best at every game.