Players dribble to a designated spot, come to a jump stop, and then pivot to simulate passing or attacking. Focus on controlled pivots and balance.

Players start stationary and practice the footwork for layups, progressing to full-speed layups from both sides of the basket.

Players practice finishing at the rim using both one-foot and two-foot takeoffs to adapt to different in-game situations.

Allow players to hydrate and rest at predetermined times during practice to prevent fatigue and dehydration.

George Mikan's drill: layup right-handed off the left foot, catch the ball out of the net before it drops, land on the other side of the rim, layup left-handed off the right foot, and keep going side to side for a set count. Why it works: it trains the finishing touch with both hands, the use of the glass, and the rebounding rhythm around the rim in one continuous rep, with the ball never dropping below the chest. Setup: one player, one ball, one basket; a line waits on the baseline and the player directly under the rim starts slightly inside the right block, facing the baseline, ball at the chin. Score it as twenty makes a set, or thirty seconds a variation with makes tracked. Common mistakes: the ball dropping to the waist between shots, two-foot shuffles instead of one explosive jump, shooting flat without the glass, going slow. Progression: the reverse Mikan with the back to the baseline, then weak hand only, then the eight foot-and-hand combinations. Every level. I learned the Mikan from Breakthrough Basketball's Mikan drill page and their Kyrie Irving Mikan video, and Basketball For Coaches wrote up the eight variations; give them a look.

Defenders start slightly behind offensive players and must catch up to prevent a score. This drill focuses on effort and technique in recovery defense.

Allow players to hydrate and rest at predetermined times during practice to prevent fatigue and dehydration.

Small-sided games with three players on each team. This format encourages teamwork, communication, and competitive play in a controlled setting.

Divide into teams and set up relay races involving dribbling, passing, and shooting. First team to complete all tasks wins.

Check, celebrate and commit. Bring up each one of those with your team.

End practice with a team chant or cheer to build camaraderie and end on a positive note.