Basketball Training Programs

At this starter level, players gain fundamental skills and understand what it means to be a part of a team. The starter plan can be downloaded, reviewed, and studied. The following focus areas are divided up and described in detail. This training program supports the Jr. player, rookies, starters, and the all-stars.

Teamwork

This category focuses on building trust. Trust can relate not only to the game but in your everyday life with family and friends. It is a crucial skill to build and is seen as the foundation of the game.

Warm-Up

Players prepare their bodies by loosening their muscles and warming up their body temperature. Players start with walking in a small area, then march, skip, run and use high knees across a certain distance.

Building Skills

This is where players learn how to move their bodies accordingly while using the ball. Players practice stance, holding the ball, dribbling while seated, dribbling while standing, and dribbling around a cone.

Passing

Players learn how to pass overhead with two hands firmly on the ball. Players practice passing to a teammate. Players are encouraged to make eye contact before passing the ball.

Shooting

Players stand a few feet in front of the basket and use their dominant hand to lift the ball while the other hand is underneath it with the palm facing upwards. Players follow through and shoot on the basket. If you miss it, that's ok, try again. Lay-ups involve two steps towards the basket and then a shot towards the basket.

Footwork and Conditioning

After a player receives a pass they must land on both feet. This helps them gain balance and allows them to use the other foot to pivot to get back in the game. Conditioning involves ongoing training so players get used to all plays and can do them repeatedly.

Team Concepts

All previous drills and practice plays are done with teammates to understand the importance of depending on each other and celebrating each other's successes. Repeat drills with partners strengthen the team.

Competing

Players are challenged to have dribble relays, competing on time and endurance. Three on three sessions allow players to get used to playing on the court without the full team. All beginners end the training session by complementing each other.

Pros
• You are learning from the pros.
• It is very welcoming and supportive.
• The easy-to-follow steps make it less intimidating.

Cons
• You may feel you do not require all steps.
• Some portions of the program may feel redundant.
• There is quite a bit of teamwork, and if you want to only work on your skills, this may be seen as a waste of your time.

Best Basketball Skills Training Program

For players looking to build upon their existing skills, this basketball skills training program is the best one out there.

Stack is a 12-week basketball skills training program that will prepare you for your season. This program will assist in building your strength, size, speed, and agility. It consists of three, four-week blocks of skills training.

Block 1

This block is four weeks long and builds your foundation for success. The breakdown covers sets, reps, and percentages. Strength training includes squats, lunges, deadlifts, hyperextensions, and calf-work. Standing long jumps, falling starts, bench presses, shuffles, pullups, and bent-over rows help build the muscles required in all areas of the game.

Test your power with medicine ball chest passes and overhead throws. Conditioning involves jump rope, burpees, bear crawls, and push-ups to wrap up the first block.

Block 2

Block two is four weeks long and builds on block one. Training involves a bit heavier weights, more power exercises, and more agility exercises. Players continue with squats, deadlifts, bench presses, rows, and standing military presses.

Sprinting is introduced in block two for speed and agility training. Players are conditioned by running drills repetitively. Conditioning exercises are built upon and then supersets are developed to combine all of the training in one set.

Block 3

Block three is four weeks long and contains many of the same exercises in Block one and two but peaks players' strength while also applying speed and agility. Deadlifts are built upon. Bench presses are combined with push-ups. Sprints, drills, and bounds test players' speed while weaving and shooting focuses on agility. Strength, power, agility, and conditioning are all embedded into this block of training.

Pros
• If you want to build on your existing skills, this program does that.
• In 12 short weeks, you build power, strength, and agility.
• Intense skills training focuses on target areas.

Cons
• This program does not offer teamwork opportunities.
• Does not build confidence and self-esteem compared to other programs.

Best Basketball Training Program Online

If you are looking for an online program, the Stephen Curry online program provides various tutorials, coaching, and videos to assist in developing your basketball skills.

This program teaches shooting, ball-handling, and scoring. Start by watching the trailer to see if it is for you and try a sample lesson before committing. Stephen Curry is an NBA champion.

Transformation

Stephen breaks down mechanics, drills, mental attitude, and other techniques that helped him master the game.

Shooting, Stance, Alignment, and Mechanics

Stephen is honest and open as he discusses some of the mistakes players should avoid. This section includes shooting, lowering your body, and releases.

Form Shooting Practice

After the first two sections on mastering mechanics, this portion allows players to master their form on the court.

Shooting Off the Catch

Building upon prior skill development, this part teaches how to shoot after receiving a pass.

Ball-Handling

Once you learn how to handle the ball better, you can become a better shooter. This part assists with how to handle the ball.

Shooting off the Dribble

After ball-handling and shooting are combined you are ready to shoot from a dribble. This is an important skill on the court.

Creating Space

Do you wonder how to get past a defender? This lesson is perfect for you. This will prepare you for the opposition.

Film Sessions

This lesson includes real, in-game scenarios to help you develop potential moves.

Ball Screens

Shared concepts and strategies help to develop ball screens.

Scoring at the Rim

While protecting the ball, players learn layups and floaters for scoring at the rim.

Off Screens: Curl, Pop, Fade

When coming off screens without the ball, curl, pop and fade is a technique that helps you lose a defender.

Ball-Handling: Overloading

This lesson helps players become more confident and makes them faster in the game.

Pregame Preparation

Mental preparation is key to success and helps build a well-rounded player.
This lesson focuses on your journey towards perfection.

Pros
• This is a very in-depth lesson online-based training program.
• Each lesson focuses on specific skills development.
• You can complete these lessons from home.

Cons
• You do not get face-to-face contact.
• It is challenging to build teamwork without a team.