Basketball Tip
Presented by Jaron Jones, Camp Director
2 Basketball Footwork Drills
Improving your agility, balance, and footwork in basketball can be a game-changer. Being able to make space for your shot, beat other players to the basket, or get in front of the defender is what separates good and great players. It takes time and hard work to get feet to keep up with the mind, but it is necessary for all players, regardless of position. Footwork can often be underestimated, but it is a foundational piece and should be implemented into daily regimes. Here are two footwork drills for players of all ability levels that are commonly taught by Coach Jaron Jones at Nike Basketball Camp.
1. Jump, Stop, Pivot!
To start, line up on the players on the baseline and allow 5 feet between each person. When the whistle is blown, all players will run towards the other end of the court. As they run down the court, the whistle will blow again, and the coach will yell out “front pivot left foot, front pivot right foot, back pivot left foot, back pivot right foot.” As the commands are yelled, each player will jump stop (both feet hit the ground at the same time) then pivot 180 degrees in the correct direction, hold for a moment and then return their pivot back to a starting position. If a player acts too quickly and pivots in the wrong direction, they must return to the original baseline. The player who gets to the end first, wins.
2. Agility Ladder
To start, place a cone down on the court and walk 20 yards in a straight line and place the agility ladder on the floor. Starting on the side of the ladder, each player should cross one foot over the other while touching one foot in each of the boxes. This agility pattern is typically called carioca. After completing the ladder, each player will sprint as fast as they can to the end cone. This will help with hip rotation as well as footwork. Each player should try to avoid having their heels touch the ground and swinging their feet out in front. Legs should be as close to the body as possible. As each player improves, time how fast it takes to complete the drill and aim to be quicker each time.
Great footwork takes time to develop. To become a better player than yesterday, each player needs to take time to practice these drills and work on repetition. Check out more footwork drills like these this summer at a Nike Basketball Camps!