Elite Basketball Drills: Elevate Your Game Today

Written by: Chris Hungerford

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Time to read 12 min

The divide between top-tier basketballers and the rest often boils down to their proficiency in complex drills. In this blog post, we will explore the intricate nuances of elite basketball drills that can help distinguish a good player from a great one.


We'll begin by discussing the importance of controlling momentum when executing a successful one-foot floater, followed by tips for practicing and perfecting this technique. Next, we'll cover step-back jumper fundamentals such as maintaining balance throughout the entire movement and incorporating both left-hand and right-leg techniques.


Additionally, we will explore advanced step-back techniques like the rocker step counter – focusing on reading defensive movements accurately and transitioning smoothly between moves without losing control of the ball. Finally, we'll examine Steph Curry's 4-way shooting drill which emphasizes setting feet properly regardless of pass quality or angle while also offering partner-based variations that challenge shooters further.


By mastering these elite basketball drills through dedicated practice sessions, you'll be well on your way to becoming an unstoppable force on the court.

Table of Contents:


Mastering the One-Foot Floater

The one-foot floater, also known as the runner, is an essential skill for basketball players to create space and avoid offensive fouls. By slowing down your momentum on the second step and maintaining control over your body, you can execute this move effectively during games. In this section, we will discuss the importance of controlling momentum in executing a successful one-foot floater and provide tips for practicing and perfecting this technique.

Importance of Controlling Momentum in Executing a Successful One-Foot Floater

Controlling your momentum is crucial when attempting a one-foot floater because it allows you to maintain balance while elevating for the shot. If you rush into the move or fail to slow down on that second step, chances are high that you'll either lose control of your body or commit an offensive foul against defenders trying to take charges. To practice controlling your momentum during basketball drills:

  • Focus on planting your lead foot firmly before jumping off it.
  • Aim for a soft touch by releasing the ball with finesse rather than force.
  • Experiment with different speeds until finding what works best for you.

Tips for Practicing and Perfecting This Technique

To improve upon your one-foot floater skills, consider incorporating these tips into practice sessions:

  • Repetition: The more often you attempt basketball drills for floaters during drills or scrimmages at various angles around defenders' bodies - whether stationary or moving - will help build the muscle memory needed when performing under pressure within actual game situations.
  • Footwork: Focus on proper foot placement and balance when executing the move. This includes stepping with your lead foot towards the basket while keeping your back foot behind you for stability.
  • Arc: Work on developing a high, soft arc to increase the likelihood of making floaters over taller defenders or shot blockers. A higher release point will also help improve accuracy by reducing potential interference from outstretched arms.

Incorporating these tips into practice sessions can significantly enhance your one-foot floater technique, ultimately increasing scoring opportunities during games and elevating overall performance as a basketball player.


Key Takeaway: 

Mastering the one-foot floater is essential for basketball players to create space and avoid offensive fouls. Controlling momentum is crucial when attempting this move, as it allows you to maintain balance while elevating the shot. Tips for practicing and perfecting this technique include repetition, focusing on proper footwork, and developing a high, soft arc.

Step Back Jumper Fundamentals

The step-back jumper is a powerful offensive weapon in basketball, allowing players to create separation from defenders and score with ease. By mastering this move, young athletes can significantly improve their scoring ability on the court. In this section, we will discuss the fundamentals of executing a successful step-back jumper and provide tips for perfecting this technique.

Maintaining Balance Throughout the Entire Movement

One of the most important aspects of performing an effective step-back jumper is maintaining balance throughout the entire movement. To achieve this, focus on keeping your weight centered over your feet as you execute each part of the move. Start by attacking low with a long lead step toward your defender before quickly stepping backward while staying balanced on both feet. As you transition into your shooting form, make sure to keep your body aligned and avoid leaning too far forward or backward.

Incorporating Both Left-Hand and Right-Leg Techniques

To become a versatile scorer capable of exploiting any defensive weakness, it's crucial to develop proficiency in both left-hand and right-leg techniques when executing a step-back jumper. This means practicing not only with your dominant hand but also with your non-dominant hand so that you can effectively perform this move regardless of which side you're attacking from.

  • Left-handed Step Back: Drive towards the basket using your right foot as a pivot point while simultaneously pushing off with your left foot to create space between yourself and the defender.
  • Right-legged Step Back: Similar to the left-handed technique, use your left foot as a pivot point and push off with your right foot to create separation from the defender.

By incorporating both techniques into your training regimen, you'll become a more versatile offensive threat on the court. Remember that practice makes perfect - dedicate time each day to working on these moves so that they become second nature during games.

Tips for Practicing and Perfecting Your Step Back Jumper

  • Repetition: Consistently practicing this move will help build muscle memory and improve overall execution. Aim for at least 50 repetitions per session using both left-hand and right-leg techniques.
  • Varying Speeds: To simulate game-like conditions, practice executing step-back jumpers at different speeds while maintaining proper form and balance throughout the movement.
  • Film Study: Analyze video footage of elite players performing step-back jumpers in games or practices. Pay close attention to their body positioning, footwork, and shooting mechanics for guidance on how to improve your own technique.

Incorporate these tips into your daily routine to enhance your ability to execute an effective step-back jumper during high-pressure situations in games. With dedication and consistent effort, you'll soon see significant improvements in both skill level and confidence on the court.


Key Takeaway: 

Mastering the step-back jumper in basketball can significantly improve a player's scoring ability. To execute this move successfully, it is crucial to maintain balance throughout the entire movement and incorporate both left-hand and right-leg techniques. Practicing with repetition, varying speeds, and analyzing elite players' footage are key tips for perfecting this technique.

Advanced Step Back Techniques - Rocker Step Counter

To become an elite scorer, mastering counters like the rocker step is crucial. This advanced technique allows you to read defenses more effectively by not picking up your dribble prematurely when stepping back for jumpers. In this section, we will discuss how to accurately read defensive movements and transition smoothly between moves without losing control of the ball.

Reading Defensive Movements Accurately

An essential aspect of executing a successful rocker step counter is understanding how defenders react to your initial move. When performing a step-back jumper, pay close attention to whether the defender lunges towards you or stays grounded in their stance. If they lunge forward, use the rocker step counter by quickly shifting your weight from one foot to another while maintaining control over your dribble. This sudden change in direction can catch defenders off-guard and create open-shot opportunities.


  • Tip 1: Practice reading various defensive reactions during drills or scrimmages with teammates.
  • Tip 2: Watch a film on elite scorers such as James Harden or Kyrie Irving who excel at utilizing counters like the rocker step.

Transitioning Smoothly Between Moves Without Losing Control of The Ball

A smooth transition between moves is key for executing a successful rocker step counter. To achieve this fluidity, focus on keeping a low center of gravity and maintaining tight control over your dribble throughout each movement sequence.

  1. Action 1: Start with an aggressive drive toward the basket before initiating a quick stop into a controlled step-back motion using proper footwork.
  2. Action 2: As you step back, keep your dribble low and tight to prevent defenders from stealing the ball or forcing a turnover.
  3. Action 3: Read the defender's reaction and quickly shift your weight to perform the rocker step counter if necessary. Be sure not to pick up your dribble until you are ready to shoot or pass.

Enhancing your play with these techniques can help you become a more prolific scorer and make it tougher for defenders to guard against you. For additional guidance on mastering counters like the rocker step, consider enrolling in an elite basketball training program.


Key Takeaway: 

Mastering counters like the rocker step is crucial to becoming an elite scorer in basketball. To execute a successful rocker step counter, it's important to accurately read defensive movements and transition smoothly between moves without losing control of the ball. Practice reading various defensive reactions during drills or scrimmages with teammates and watch films on elite scorers such as James Harden or Kyrie Irving who excel at utilizing counters like the rocker step.

Steph Curry's 4-Way Shooting Drill

The Steph Curry 4-Way Shooting Drill is designed to improve off-ball movement skills and help young basketball players become more effective shooters under pressure. Inspired by NBA superstar Stephen Curry, this drill emphasizes active feet while catching passes from various angles, setting yourself up quickly for accurate shots.

Proper Footwork Regardless of Pass Quality or Angle

To excel in the Steph Curry 4-Way Shooting Drill, it's crucial to focus on footwork. When receiving a pass at different angles or with varying quality, make sure your feet are set correctly before shooting. This means having your dominant foot slightly forward and both feet shoulder-width apart. By practicing proper foot placement consistently during drills, you'll develop muscle memory that will translate into game situations.

Partner-Based Variations That Challenge Shooters Further

Incorporating partner-based variations can increase the difficulty of the drill and further challenge shooters to adapt their technique under pressure. Here are some ideas:


  • Catch-and-Shoot: Have your partner pass the ball from different locations around the court while you catch and shoot without dribbling.
  • Pump Fake: After catching a pass from your partner, perform a pump fake before taking a shot. This simulates reacting to defenders closing out on you during games.
  • Fadeaway Jumper: As soon as you receive a pass from your partner, take one step back (creating separation) and execute a fadeaway jumper over an imaginary defender.
  • Dribble Pull-Up: Upon catching a pass from your partner, take one or two dribbles before pulling up for a jump shot. This helps develop the ability to create space and shoot off the dribble.

By incorporating these variations into your practice routine, you'll not only improve shooting accuracy but also enhance decision-making skills under pressure. Remember that repetition is key in mastering any basketball skill, so make sure to dedicate time each week to work on this drill and other elite basketball drills.


Key Takeaway: 

The Steph Curry 4-Way Shooting Drill is a basketball drill that emphasizes active feet and proper footwork to improve off-ball movement skills and shooting accuracy under pressure. Partner-based variations such as catch-and-shoot, pump fake, fadeaway jumper, and dribble pull-up can increase the difficulty of the drill and enhance decision-making skills. Consistent practice with this drill can help young basketball players become more effective shooters on the court.

Perfecting Your Euro Step Layup Technique

In order to increase scoring opportunities around defenders at different speeds or directions, it's important to master both right-handed and left-handed euro step layups. The Euro step is a deceptive move that allows you to change direction quickly while maintaining control of the ball. This technique can be challenging for young players, but with consistent practice and proper guidance from HoopsKing.com, they will soon become proficient in executing this skill.

Breaking Down the Euro Step Layup

  • Approach: Begin by driving towards the basket with speed and purpose. Make sure your eyes are up, scanning for any potential defensive obstacles.
  • First Step: Plant your lead foot (right foot if going right-handed) firmly on the ground as you begin to change direction. This step should be explosive and help create separation from your defender.
  • Second Step: Bring your trailing leg (left leg if going right-handed) across your body in a sweeping motion. Maintain control of the ball during this movement by keeping it close to your body or using a slight hesitation dribble before taking off into the layup.
  • Layup Finish: As you approach the rim, extend your arm fully and use either an overhand or underhand finish depending on what feels most comfortable for you.

Tips for Practicing Your Euro-Step Layup

  • To improve muscle memory, start practicing without a basketball first. Focus on getting comfortable with each individual movement before adding in dribbling skills.
  • Vary between right-handed and left-handed layups to become a more versatile scorer.
  • Practice against live defenders or use cones as obstacles to simulate game-like situations.
  • Record your practice sessions, then review the footage with a coach or mentor from HoopsKing.com for personalized feedback on your technique.

The Euro step layup is an essential skill for young basketball players looking to improve their offensive arsenal. With consistent practice and dedication, mastering this move will help them become unstoppable scorers on the court.


Key Takeaway: 

Mastering the Euro step layup is essential for young basketball players looking to improve their offensive arsenal. It's a deceptive move that allows you to change direction quickly while maintaining control of the ball, and with consistent practice and proper guidance from HoopsKing.com, they will soon become proficient in executing this skill. To become an unstoppable scorer on the court, vary between right-handed and left-handed layups, practice against live defenders or use cones as obstacles to simulate game-like situations, record your practice sessions and review the footage with a coach or mentor for personalized feedback on your technique.

FAQs in Relation to Elite Basketball Drills

What Does Elite Mean in Basketball?

In basketball, 'elite' refers to players or teams that possess exceptional skills, athleticism, and understanding of the game. These individuals consistently perform at a high level and often dominate their competition. Elite status is typically reserved for professional athletes or top-tier collegiate players who have demonstrated consistent excellence on the court.

What Do Basketball Drills Help Improve?

Basketball drills are designed to help players develop specific skills such as shooting accuracy, ball handling, passing precision, footwork agility, defensive positioning, and overall conditioning. By practicing these fundamental aspects of the game regularly through targeted exercises, players can enhance their performance on the court during actual gameplay situations.

How Do You Run an Effective Basketball Practice?

To run an effective basketball practice:

  • Create a detailed plan outlining goals and objectives
  • Begin with warm-up exercises to prevent injuries
  • Focus on skill development through targeted drills
  • Incorporate team-based activities to foster communication and chemistry
  • Conclude with cool-down stretches for muscle recovery

What Is a 3-Man Weave in Basketball?

A 3 man weave is a basketball drill that involves three players passing and weaving up the court in a coordinated manner. The drill is designed to improve passing accuracy, footwork, and teamwork skills. It is often used as a warm-up exercise at the beginning of basketball practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering these elite basketball drills can take your game to the next level. From controlling momentum in executing a successful one-foot floater to perfecting your Euro step layup technique, each drill has its unique set of challenges that will help you become a better player.


Remember to maintain balance throughout each movement and read defensive movements accurately when incorporating advanced techniques like the rocker step counter. And don't forget about partner-based variations like the Steph Curry 4-Way Shooting Drill that challenge shooters further.


If you're looking for more resources on how to improve your basketball skills, check out HoopsKing.com for a wide selection of training equipment and coaching tips.

Elite Basketball Drills: Elevate Your Game Today

Elite Basketball Drills: Elevate Your Game Today

Elevate Your Game Today with Elite Basketball Drills