10 Best At-Home Youth Basketball Drills to Build Fundamentals
When gyms are closed or you’re stuck at home—whether during quarantine or just on a rainy day—it doesn’t mean your basketball development has to stop. In fact, some of the best players take advantage of moments like these to sharpen their skills, focus on fundamentals, and build consistency.
At Pro Skills Basketball (PSB), we believe real development happens through intentional training. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 10 Best Youth Basketball Drills to Do at Home—minimal space required, and no hoop necessary for most.
These basketball drills are perfect for beginner players starting their journey and for more advanced youth players who want to refine their craft.
#1 One-Hand Form Shooting Drill
Form shooting is the foundation of every great shooter. This drill helps players dial in their mechanics by focusing on the shooting arm’s extension, wrist flick, and finger follow-through.
✅ Focus on:
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Elbow under the ball
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Full extension
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Soft wrist flick
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5–10 minutes daily
This is a go-to warm-up even for NBA players like Steph Curry. Build the habit early!
#2 Two-Hand Form Shooting Drill
Now bring the guide hand into the mix. This drill reinforces proper hand placement and full shooting mechanics.
✅ Keys to success:
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Guide hand stays on the side of the ball
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Full follow-through
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Smooth rhythm
Start close to the hoop and gradually step back as you become consistent.
#3 Two-Ball Ball Handling
Two-ball dribbling builds ambidexterity, concentration, and lower-body strength. This is one of the best at-home drills to simulate game-like intensity.
✅ Variations:
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Stationary or moving
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Low crossover dribbles
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Alternating heights
Bonus tip: Stay in a defensive stance to train your legs while dribbling.
#4 Box Drill – Forward Pivot
Pivots are fundamental to offense, defense, and avoiding turnovers. The forward pivot trains players to step toward defenders and make sharp, controlled movements.
✅ Drill focus:
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Lead with your toes
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Keep your eyes up
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Stay low and balanced
#5 Box Drill – Reverse Pivot
Mastering reverse pivots builds versatility and control under pressure. You’ll often use this move when adjusting to a tight defender.
✅ Tips:
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Lead with your heel
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Practice both pivot feet
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Pair with shot fakes or jabs
#6 Right-Left / Left-Right Footwork
Footwork affects everything—your shot release, ability to get by defenders, and how quickly you get into triple threat.
✅ Keys:
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Practice both footwork variations
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Combine with jab steps or catch-and-shoot reps
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Focus on balance and control
Great footwork separates good players from great ones.
#7 Pump Fake
Want to make defenders jump? Master the pump fake. This drill helps young players understand how to “sell” their shot.
✅ Technique:
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Ball moves 80% of the way to your forehead
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Eyes go to the rim
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Stay balanced—don’t lean!
This move is effective at all levels of basketball.
#8 Jab Step
The jab step helps create space without a dribble. It’s used by elite scorers across every level.
✅ Keys:
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Step with force and intention
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Ball goes from hip to knee
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Eyes and shoulders help “sell” the drive
Great for building isolation moves and improving offensive creativity.
#9 Mikan Drill
Named after Hall-of-Famer George Mikan, this classic layup drill improves touch around the rim and footwork on finishes.
✅ Details:
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Alternate hands every rep
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Keep the ball above your waist
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Left-right on right side, right-left on left side
All great finishers start with the Mikan.
#10 Free Throw Game
Free throws win games. This game-like drill builds concentration and pressure performance.
✅ Rules:
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Make 10 in a row to win
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5 must be swishes (no rim)
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Miss once? Start over!
Turn your driveway into a pressure-packed final minute.
Why These Basketball Drills Matter
Basketball is a game of fundamentals. From ball-handling to shooting, footwork to decision-making, the habits players build at home set the foundation for future success.
At PSB, we help players grow with the right mindset, quality reps, and expert coaching. Whether you’re a beginner or a high-level AAU player, these drills help you stay ready year-round.
Looking for more? Follow Pro Skills Basketball on social media for weekly drills, videos, and player development tips.
Ready to take the next step in your child’s basketball journey?
Pro Skills Basketball offers Club Teams, Camps, Clinics, and Academies in 25+ cities across the U.S.
👉 Find your city and sign up today to join a program focused on real development, experienced coaches, and a culture that puts players first.
📩 Contact us at admin@proskillsbasketball.com
📞 Call us at 866-996-3888
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