I have included a couple of different conditioning concepts in this post.
The first two drills are a couple of change of pace drills if you are not allowed to use basketballs at this point in time. You could also use them as a change to your traditional running drills once practice starts.
The second pair of drills involve a basketball and could be used in your conditioning and or toughness segments of in-season practice.
These drills were originally posted on FastModel Sports Plays and Drills Library
These first two conditioning drills with a basketball are from Alan Stein
Select one player as it. The other players have to stay in-bounds on half court.
Have a player (1) be “IT” for a desired time [:15, :20, :30] or until he tags everyone. (Be cautious with this choice. You want productive, practical work)
As soon as the time is up, immediately call out another player.
Option: give players a ball to dribble.
You’ll see the benefit of 3:00-5:00 of Tag vs 5 triple-nickels. (3 sets of 5 down and backs)
On the start command, 1 backpedals toward the other FT Line. 2 backpedals from FT line to Baseline then Sprints to try and beat 1.
Switch roles on the way back
The next two drills were contributed by Coach Greg White
2 on 2 Volleyball
Players play 2 on 2 inside a volleyball square.
Set a number of passes to be completed (Ex. 10, 20)
Players cannot dribble.
Players must stay inbounds (their square)
Steal and the opposite team takes possession.
2-5 minutes
Paint Game
You need 1 basketball. There will be no shots!! Each player will keep their own score. Game is to (whatever you decide. 8,10 or time. Most wins)
The drill starts with player 1 passing to 2 and closing out. As soon as 1 moves player 5 needs to move directly under the basket (This is why there are no shots.)
The objective of the drill is for the offensive player to get 2 feet into the paint using 2 dribbles or less.
Here Player 1 successfully stops player 2. Player 2 will pivot and pass to player 3.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE PLAYERS DON’T “DRILL” BUT PLAY!
When the ball is in the air, 5 should sprint into a closeout on player 3.
Rotation: 1 replaces 2 on the wing, 2 goes to the back of the line.
In this Frame 3 beat the defense (5) into the lane.
3 would yell out “1” to signal his scoring.
3 would pass to 4. 6 would close out and 5 would take 3’s spot. 3 would go to the back of the line.
Adjustments:
Since 3 scored, you could let him stay and 5 return to line.
Allow 3 to pass back to 1instead of passing to 4 to force help defender to be game ready vs drill repped.
