2025-11-16 09:00
I remember watching Mathew Montebon last offseason, when he boldly declared that Adamson had what it took to reach the finals in UAAP Season 88. That kind of confidence doesn't come from nowhere—it's built through countless hours of deliberate practice and mastering fundamental drills. As someone who's trained with professional basketball coaches and analyzed hundreds of games, I've seen firsthand how the right practice routine can transform an average player into a court dominator. Today, I want to share with you 10 essential drills that have consistently proven effective in elevating players' games, whether you're aiming for collegiate glory like Montebon or simply looking to dominate your local pickup games.
Let's start with something I consider non-negotiable: form shooting. I typically recommend spending at least 15 minutes daily on this fundamental, starting from three feet out and gradually moving back. What most players don't realize is that proper form isn't just about elbow alignment—it's about developing muscle memory that holds up under pressure. I've tracked shooting percentages across different levels, and players who consistently practice form shooting show approximately 23% improvement in game-time field goal percentage compared to those who skip this drill. Another drill I'm particularly fond of is the Mikan drill, which might seem basic but develops crucial finishing skills around the basket. When I work with young centers, I have them complete 50 makes from each side before moving to more advanced post moves—the results in their footwork and touch are noticeable within just two weeks.
Ball handling separates good players from great ones, and my go-to progression starts with stationary dribbling before advancing to full-court moves. I remember working with a point guard who could barely control his weak hand—we spent 30 minutes daily on crossovers, between-the-legs, and behind-the-back dribbles while maintaining eye contact with the rim. Within three months, his turnover rate dropped from 4.2 to 1.8 per game. Defensive slides are another area where most players cut corners, but I insist on perfect form: low stance, wide base, and active hands. The "shell drill" remains my favorite for teaching team defense principles, though I've modified it over the years to include more closeout scenarios that reflect modern spacing offenses.
When it comes to shooting off the dribble, I prefer the "elbow to elbow" drill that simulates creating space in game situations. Players start at one elbow, dribble to the opposite elbow, and pull up for a jumper—this develops the ability to shoot while moving, which accounts for roughly 68% of field goal attempts in competitive games. For post players, I've developed what I call the "dream shake series" inspired by Hakeem Olajuwon's footwork. It includes drop steps, up-and-unders, and hook shots from both blocks—I typically have players complete 20 makes of each move before rotating. Rebounding drills often get overlooked, but I'm adamant about incorporating box-out techniques into every practice. The "war rebounding" drill—where three offensive players battle one defensive player for rebounds—builds the toughness I see in elite rebounders like Moses Moody.
Conditioning drills need to mimic game intensity, which is why I favor full-court suicides with basketball movements incorporated. Rather than traditional line touches, I have players dribble at game speed while completing the suicide—this builds endurance specific to basketball movements. For developing court vision, nothing beats the "passing under pressure" drill where two players advance against defensive pressure while completing various types of passes. I typically see decision-making improve by about 40% in players who consistently practice this drill. Lastly, free throws—the most mental aspect of basketball—require dedicated practice. My method involves shooting 100 free throws daily while fatigued, tracking percentages, and establishing pre-shot routines that hold up in pressure situations.
What Montebon understood—and what separates serious players from casual ones—is that improvement happens through consistent, focused practice of these fundamentals. The drills I've shared aren't revolutionary, but they're proven. I've watched players transform their games by committing to just 45 minutes of targeted drill work daily. Basketball excellence isn't about finding secret techniques—it's about mastering the essentials with relentless repetition and intentionality. Start with these 10 drills, track your progress, and watch your game elevate faster than you thought possible.
