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From dribbling to shooting, these exercises build confidence and skill.", "description": "Top 10 basketball drills for kids and beginners. Expert-approved exercises to improve ball handling, shooting and footwork for ages 6-12.", "datePublished": "2025-12-15", "dateModified": "2025-12-15", "wordCount": 528, "timeRequired": "PT8M", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Coach Howard", "jobTitle": "Head Coach & Founder", "url": "https://basketballtao.com/the-sensei", "worksFor": { "@type": "SportsOrganization", "name": "Basketball Tao Dojo", "url": "https://basketballtao.com" } }, "publisher": { "@type": "SportsOrganization", "name": "Basketball Tao Dojo", "url": "https://basketballtao.com", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://zwkjsypguxqytvnufpfg.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/email-assets/og-image.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 630 } }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://basketballtao.com/blog/best-basketball-drills-for-kids-beginners" }, "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://zwkjsypguxqytvnufpfg.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/email-assets/og-image.jpg", "width": 1200, "height": 630 }, "thumbnailUrl": "https://zwkjsypguxqytvnufpfg.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/email-assets/og-image.jpg", "keywords": "basketball drills, kids basketball, beginners, fundamentals, Denver youth basketball", "articleSection": "Training Tips", "articleBody": "\n Introduction to Youth Basketball Drills\n\nStarting basketball at a young age is one of the best ways to develop athletic coordination, teamwork, and a love for the game. At Basketball Tao Dojo in Denver, we've trained hundreds of young athletes using these fundamental drills.\n\n 1. Stationary Ball Handling\n\nThe foundation of all basketball skills starts with ball control. Have your child practice:\n Finger Tips: Tap the ball between hands using only fingertips\n Around the World: Circle the ball a", "speakable": { "@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": [ "h1", ".article-excerpt", ".article-intro" ] }, "isAccessibleForFree": true, "inLanguage": "en-US" }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://basketballtao.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Blog", "item": "https://basketballtao.com/blog" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "10 Best Basketball Drills for Kids & Beginners", "item": "https://basketballtao.com/blog/best-basketball-drills-for-kids-beginners" } ] } ] --- [ ![Basketball Tao Dojo logo](/assets/logo-DEyT3tLW.png) Basketball Tao Dojo ](/) [Call ](tel:+17208153656) Programs [About](/the-sensei) [Contact](/#contact) [(720) 815-3656](tel:+17208153656) [Sign In](/auth)[Register Now](/auth) [Back to Blog](/blog) Training Tips # 10 Best Basketball Drills for Kids & Beginners Master the fundamentals with these proven basketball drills designed specifically for young players. From dribbling to shooting, these exercises build confidence and skill. Coach Howard December 15, 2025 8 min read ## Introduction to Youth Basketball Drills Starting basketball at a young age is one of the best ways to develop athletic coordination, teamwork, and a love for the game. At Basketball Tao Dojo in Denver, we've trained hundreds of young athletes using these fundamental drills. ## 1\. Stationary Ball Handling The foundation of all basketball skills starts with ball control. Have your child practice: - **Finger Tips**: Tap the ball between hands using only fingertips - **Around the World**: Circle the ball around waist, knees, and head - **Figure 8s**: Weave the ball through legs in a figure-8 pattern \*\*Pro Tip\*\*: Start with 30 seconds per drill and gradually increase to 1 minute. ## 2\. Cone Dribbling Drills Set up 5-6 cones in a line, spaced 3-4 feet apart: - Zigzag through cones with right hand only - Repeat with left hand - Crossover at each cone This drill develops ball control while moving—essential for game situations. ## 3\. Form Shooting (BEEF Method) Teach proper shooting mechanics early: - **B\*\*alance: Feet shoulder-width apart**: - **E\*\*yes: Focus on the target**: - **E\*\*lbow: Keep elbow under the ball**: - **F\*\*ollow-through: Snap wrist, fingers point down**: Start 3 feet from the basket and gradually move back as form improves. ## 4\. Layup Lines The layup is the most important shot in basketball. Practice: - Right-hand layups from the right side - Left-hand layups from the left side - Start slow, focusing on footwork (right-left-jump for right-handed layups) ## 5\. Defensive Slides Athletic positioning is crucial: - Low stance, back straight - Slide left to right without crossing feet - Practice 10 slides each direction ## 6\. Partner Passing Drills With a partner or wall: - Chest passes: 20 reps - Bounce passes: 20 reps - Overhead passes: 20 reps Focus on stepping into each pass and following through. ## 7\. Rebounding Box Out Even young players need to learn positioning: - Practice making contact with an opponent (or parent) - Hold position for 3 seconds - Jump and grab the ball ## 8\. Suicide Sprints Build conditioning and mental toughness: - Sprint to free-throw line and back - Sprint to half-court and back - Sprint to opposite free-throw line and back - Sprint full court and back ## 9\. 1-on-1 Games Nothing beats competitive practice: - Play to 5 points - Must check ball at top of key - Teaches offensive moves and defensive principles ## 10\. Free Throw Routine Every player needs a consistent free throw routine: - Bounce ball 2-3 times - Take a breath - Focus on target - Shoot with proper form Practice 10-20 free throws at the end of every practice. ## Conclusion Consistent practice of these drills will dramatically improve your child's basketball skills. At Basketball Tao Dojo, we incorporate all of these fundamentals into our youth basketball training programs in Denver. Want to take shooting to the next level? Check out our guide on [how to improve basketball shooting accuracy](/blog/how-to-improve-basketball-shooting-accuracy). And if you're wondering whether to train all year, read about the [benefits of year-round basketball training](/blog/benefits-of-year-round-basketball-training). Ready to take your child's game to the next level? [Register for a class today](/auth). basketball drills kids basketball beginners fundamentals Denver youth basketball ## Ready to Level Up Your Game? Join Basketball Tao Dojo and train with expert coaches in Denver's premier youth basketball program. [Start Training Today](/auth) ## Related Articles [ Skill Development ### Basketball Positions Explained: A Guide for Youth Players Point guard or center? Learn what each basketball position does, what skills they need, and how to find the right fit for your young athlete. ](/blog/basketball-positions-explained-youth-players)[ Training Tips ### Summer Basketball Skills Challenge: 30-Day Home Workout Plan Keep your child's basketball skills sharp all summer with this 30-day skills challenge. Daily workouts designed for home or driveway practice, no gym required. ](/blog/summer-basketball-skills-challenge-home-workouts)[ Parent Resources ### The Youth Basketball Parent's Sideline Guide: Do's & Don'ts Being a great basketball parent means more than showing up to games. Learn the do's and don'ts of sideline behavior that help — not hurt — your child's development. ](/blog/youth-basketball-parent-sideline-guide) ### Basketball Tao Dojo "The Art of Basketball" — Premier youth basketball training in Denver for ages 6-18. #### Quick Links - [How It Works](/#how-it-works) - [Programs](/#programs) - [The Sensei](/the-sensei) - [Blog](/blog) - [FAQ](/#faq) - [Contact](/#contact) #### Programs - [Elementary (6-11)](/programs/elementary) - [Middle School (11-14)](/programs/middle-school) - [High School (14-18)](/programs/high-school) - [Summer Camps](/summer-camps) - [Solo Lessons](/solo-lessons) #### Service Areas - [Aurora](/areas/aurora) - [Centennial](/areas/centennial) - [Lakewood](/areas/lakewood) - [Littleton](/areas/littleton) - [Englewood](/areas/englewood) - [Thornton](/areas/thornton) - [Cherry Hills Village](/areas/cherry-hills-village) #### Contact - [(720) 815-3656](tel:+17208153656) - [info@basketballtao.com](mailto:info@basketballtao.com) - 1980 S Quebec St #12 Denver, CO 80231 © 2026 Basketball Tao DOJO. 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