HomeDrillsFootwork Progression for Basketball

Footwork Progression for Basketball

by eBasketballCoach

The Coach’s Clipboard Basketball Playbook

Footwork is one of the most important (yet least emphasized) fundamentals in the game of basketball.

Precise footwork allows offensive players to get open and establish position, ballhandlers to beat defenders off the dribble and finish in the lane, and defenders to stop penetration, box out and secure defensive rebounds.

Below are four basic drills you can use to help your players develop better footwork.


Drill #1: Baseline Start, Stops and Turns


Purpose:
Players practice making quick starts, stops and turns - all essential basketball moves - in this drill.

Setup:
Four lines of players spaced about 12 to 15 feet apart (first at 3-point line left corner, second at lane's edge, third at other lane's edge, fourth at three point line right corner). First player in each line has a ball.

Baseline Start, Stops and Turns
Players work on quick starts, quick stops,
and quick turns all in this one drill.


Execution:
1. Coach says "go" or blows whistle.
2. Player make either a direct drive or a crossover drive, dribble to free throw line extended and make a quick stop and quick rear turn.
3. They then pass the ball back to the next person in line and use change of pace to go to the end of the line.
4. Drill can be run with coaches at free throw line extended to harass ball handlers and force the quick turn.

Coaching Tips:
Stress to players LBBOS - Low, Body Balanced, Base of Support.
Players should lift heel of pivot foot when making a turn. Players should also make a quick stop not a jump stop, which requires a larger jump into the stop.
Also, stress quick, efficient turns to your players.


Drill #2: Front Cut


Purpose:
In this drill, players simulate making a pass, stepping away and then cutting to the basket.

Setup:
Four lines of players spaced about 12 to 15 feet apart (first at 3-point line left corner, second at lane's edge, third at other lane's edge, fourth at three point line right corner).

Front Cut
Players simulate the pass, step away
and then cut hard to the basket.


Execution:
1. Coach says, "ready."
2. Players at front of each line get in quick stance.
3. Coach says, "go."
4. Players simulate a pass to the left and take 2 to 3 steps away, then cut back hard to the make-believe basket with hands up ready to receive the ball.
5. Players go to half court, then come back running the drill the opposite way.

Coaching Tips:
Look for good hard cuts and that players are staying balanced when cutting.


Drill #3: Back Door Cut


Purpose:
Players work on making back door cuts.

Setup:
Four lines of players spaced about 12 to 15 feet apart (first at 3-point line left corner, second at lane's edge, third at other lane's edge, fourth at three point line right corner).

Back Door Cut
Players run to the free-throw line extended
area, come back toward their line and
then make a hard back door cut.


Execution:
1. Coach says, "ready."
2. Players at front of each line get in quick stance.
3. Coach says, "go."
4. Players run to the free throw line extended, come back toward the line they were in, then make a back door cut and head toward half court.

Coaching Tips:
In this drill, players make three movements - out, in, out. Look for good hard cuts and good speed out of the cut.


Drill #4: Pass and Reception at Basket


Purpose:
Takes what players have learned from the baseline and puts it at the basket so players better understand offensive spacing.

Setup:
You need a player in the post with a defender, a player on the wing with a defender and a player at the point with a defender.

Pass and Reception at Basket
Players put the skills they learned in the baseline
drills to work in a more game like situation.


Execution:
1. Coach says, "go" or blows the whistle.
2. Player on wing goes into the defender and makes a v-cut to get open.
3. Player at point passes ball to wing.
4. Player on wing takes a dribble or two toward baseline and hits the post man rolling to the basket.
5. Post player catches the ball and makes the basket.
6. Players rotate one position and drill continues.
7. Drill ends when coach blows whistle.

Coaching Tips:
Look for proper spacing and good fundamentals both passing and catching the ball.
As players get used to the drill, you can change elements such as having the defender front the post or running the drill from a different court position.


Next Steps


If you're looking for more footwork drills, check out Total Basketball Skill Development. You'll get instant access to 86 championship-proven drills covering footwork, shooting, passing, ballhandling, passing, layups, free throws, defense and rebounding.

Click here to get instant online access today!