Top 5 Youth Basketball Drills to Help Kids Improve Fast
By Brendan Winters | Co-Founder of Pro Skills Basketball, Former Davidson College Player
More than a decade after co-founding Pro Skills Basketball and coaching thousands of youth players from 2nd to 12th grade in our basketball academies, club teams, camps, clinics, and private training, I’ve developed a clear understanding of what most kids need to improve—and what drills actually work.
Let me be clear: there’s no magic drill. But these 5 youth basketball drills—when done consistently with effort and focus—can truly transform a player’s game.
These are the top 5 basketball drills for youth players I’ve seen deliver real results.
1. Form Shooting: The Foundation of Every Great Shooter
Keyword focus: form shooting drill, shooting drills for youth basketball
Form shooting is arguably the most important skill development drill in youth basketball. It builds the muscle memory required to shoot the ball correctly in game situations.
I did this drill daily growing up—and I credit it as a major reason I became one of the top 3-point shooters in Davidson College history.
🔁 How to Do It:
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Distance: Start close to the basket, about the distance of a layup.
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Focus: Move slowly, using a consistent rhythm.
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Technique: Use either one-hand or two-hand form shooting. Emphasize balance, follow-through, and repeatable mechanics.
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Teaching Tip: I coach kids using the cue: “Sit, Lift, Dip.”
👉 For full tutorials and visuals, check out:
2. Two-Ball Dribbling: Build Elite Ball Handling
Keyword focus: ball-handling drills, youth basketball skills, basketball drills for kids
Let’s get this straight—two-ball dribbling is not a game-like drill. But it’s an essential skill-building tool for improving weak-hand control, coordination, and confidence.
Most young players struggle with their non-dominant hand. This drill fixes that.
🔁 How to Do It:
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Beginner: Stationary “pound” and “piston” dribbles at various heights (below knees, waist, shoulders).
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Intermediate: Walk and jog while maintaining two-ball control, then add crossover, between-the-legs, and behind-the-back moves.
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Advanced: Zig-zag patterns with explosive directional changes using both basketballs.
This progression builds the type of ball control that shows up in games—without needing fancy cones or props.
3. George Mikan Drill: Master Finishing at the Rim
Keyword focus: layup drills, finishing drills, basketball drills for youth
Named after Hall of Famer George Mikan, this classic finishing drill is still one of the best for teaching youth players layup footwork and touch around the basket.
It’s a must-have for every beginner and intermediate player.
🔁 How to Do It:
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Beginner (1-foot & 2-foot layups): Alternate finishing with right and left hands, resetting between each rep.
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Intermediate: Continuous layups without resetting or dribbling.
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Advanced: Reverse Mikan drill — players face away from the basket and perform reverse layups using correct footwork and hand placement.
🏀 These drills help players improve balance, footwork, and finishing with both hands.
4. Wall Passing: Develop Ambidextrous Passers
Keyword focus: passing drills for kids, youth basketball skills, player development
Passing is one of the most overlooked fundamentals in youth basketball. Most kids aren’t taught how to throw crisp, accurate passes with both hands.
That’s where this simple but effective drill comes in.
🔁 How to Do It:
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Beginner: Stand 10–15 feet from a hard wall. Practice chest, bounce, and overhead passes with proper form. Look for correct hand placement and wrist flick.
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Intermediate: Add pass fakes before each pass (high-low, low-high, etc.).
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Advanced: Work on dominant and non-dominant hand passes—chest, bounce, and “wrap” passes. Emphasize backspin and wrist snap.
🏆 Bonus: You don’t need a partner—just a wall and a basketball.
5. One-on-One Basketball: Real Game Application
Keyword focus: 1-on-1 basketball, game-like basketball drills, how to improve in basketball
Aside from form shooting, playing one-on-one is one of the best ways to improve in basketball. It simulates real-game conditions and teaches players how to read defenders, finish through contact, and compete.
It’s also a mental toughness drill—especially if players challenge themselves against better, stronger opponents.
🔁 How to Play It:
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Beginner: Start from the top of the key, 5-dribble max, first to 5 points. Rotate spots (wings, corners).
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Intermediate: Play “live dribble” starting from half-court or volleyball line. 3–5 dribble max. Score with creativity and toughness.
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Advanced: Add constraints (must score on left side only, inside paint only, outside paint only, etc.). Limit to 1-2 dribbles per rep.
📍 If a partner isn’t available, try the Beat the Pro Drill for a great solo version.
Final Thoughts: Consistency Wins in Youth Basketball
There are hundreds of basketball drills for kids out there—but these 5 stand out for their simplicity, effectiveness, and impact on actual player development.
If players commit to doing these youth basketball drills consistently—ideally 20–30 minutes per day—they’ll build better habits, sharper skills, and more confidence on the court.
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
