by Jessica Tanner

Created on: November 04, 2009

Basketball is an enjoyable way to stay in shape. For basketball players that are just beginning to get involved in the sport, there are some basic skills to work on in order to participate competitively. The best basketball drills for beginners are described here and should be done each day to help players reach their peak performance.

1. Ball Handling

This drill uses a small amount of space and does not have to be done on the basketball court. Stand with feet together and bend over at waist with basketball in hands. Begin by circling the basketball around legs from right hand to left hand 20 times as fast as possible. Then stop and circle the basketball around legs in the opposite direction from left hand to right hand again 20 times as fast as possible. Then follow the same steps, but circle the basketball around the waist and then repeat again around the head. Once comfortable with this skill, mix it up by doing one circle around the legs, then waist, then head, back down to the waist and then legs. Continue up and down as fast as possible.

The next drills will need to be done on the basketball court. The players stand on the end line with the basketball. On the whistle, the player will dribble to the other side of the court with the right hand and then back with the left hand. Set a time limit to try to achieve a certain amount of repetitions from one end to the other in. Beginner basketball players needs to focus on keeping the head up while dribbling, do not look at the ball and keep eyes looking forward, keep the dribble at or below the waist and try to use the fingertips, don't smack the ball with the palm. Also, beginners need to learn to be comfortable dribbling with both the right and left hand.

Dribbling in place - Have players stand in one place and dribble while looking at the coach. Hold up fingers and ask the players to let you know how many you are holding up. Have the players alternate hands.

Dribble around chairs - Place cones or chairs at the foul line, mid-court and randomly in between in a line from one end to the other. Have the players dribble around them.

Dribble tag - Keep the players at half-court and have one player be 'it'. It is up to him/her to tag someone while still retaining control of the ball. Any player who leaves the area to avoid being tagged or loses the ball while he/she is being tagged is 'it'.

Eye - hand coordination drills - Figure eight - have the players stand with legs spread apart and put the ball around

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