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To play basketball effectively, players must possess two important qualities. Speed allows a player to maneuver around the court and evade opponents. Agility ensures that a player can move nimbly and remain in control of his body as he makes these maneuvers.
Despite popular opinion, these qualities can be learned with the right training. Coach Terrell Theophile and his Bigger Than Basketball programs cover the fundamental principles of the game. These programs also help players improve essential skills like speed and agility, so they can remain a force to be reckoned with on the court.
Speed Drills
Drills are targeted exercises players used to enhance a particular skill. When it comes to speed, coaches can utilize the following drills:
- Cone Sprints – These drills help players quickly increase their speed to get going on the court. They also help players stop on a dime and quickly get up to speed again. Smooth acceleration and deceleration are essential in basketball.
- Ball Drop Reaction Drills – Two people are necessary to perform this drill. The player will stand about ten feet away from a coach or another player, who is holding the ball. When the ball drops, the player must retrieve it before it hits the ground twice. Distance can be increased as the player excels.
Agility Drills
Speed and agility go hand in hand. Along with being able to get up to high speeds in a hurry, players must also retain maximum control over their bodies. To this end, a coach might recommend the following agility drills:
- Weave and Shoot – This drill requires five cones to be set up strategically, with the first three placed in a straight line, while the last two will flank either side of the line. The player must weave through cones while dribbling and switching hands. Upon reaching the last two cones, the player must make a two-point shot.
- Ladder Drills – Using an agility ladder, players can practice their footwork and ball handling simultaneously. One of the great things about ladder drills is they can be easily altered to work on different skills. For instance, players can step, hop, or skip between the rungs to working on footwork.
Bigger Than Basketball Helps Young Athletes Hone Their Skills
Whether your young athlete is an experienced player heading to college or just starting out in the game, Coach Terrell can help improve their skills using proven practices and techniques. Feel free to call Bigger Than Basketball today or contact us for more information.
