How to Get Better at Basketball: Proven Tips from Coaches and Trainers

Becoming a great basketball player is about more than just having a smooth jumpshot or a big vertical, though both certainly help. The sport tests your skill, strategy, fitness, and mental toughness, and truly improving your game means improving in all phases. If you’re wondering how to get better at basketball, you’re not alone. Even the pros still practice and find new ways to improve. And with the right training plan, mindset, and techniques, you too can dramatically elevate your game.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to improve, from fundamental skills and drills to advanced strategies, conditioning, and mental preparation.

Master the Fundamentals of Basketball

Ball Handling and Dribbling

Strong dribbling skills allow you to control the tempo of the game. Even low post players need to be comfortable putting the ball on the floor, and the more time you spend dribbling, the more natural it will become. Practice both your dominant and non-dominant hand daily. Use drills such as:

• Cone dribbling for better control and agility. Using cones set up around the court, practice changing directions, changing speeds, and weaving between cones without losing your handle on the ball.
• Two-ball dribbling to improve coordination. Start by mastering the ability to dribble two balls while standing still, then work toward moving while two-ball dribbling and advanced skills like crossing the balls into your opposite hands.
• Speed dribbles to work on explosiveness. Using cones or marks on the court, practicing dribbling while moving at top speed. Stop at the marker and return to the starting position while using the opposite hand.

Shooting Technique

To become a reliable scorer, you must develop proper and consistent shooting form. Focus on:

• Footwork and balance – always square your body to the basket
• Consistent release point – finish high with follow-through
• Repetition – aim for at least 50 shots per practice session

Consider breaking down your shot mechanics with video analysis or by working with a coach. Practice these drills, as demonstrated by the experts at IMG Academy:

Form Shooting Drill

The form shooting drill is essential for developing proper shooting mechanics.

• Start close to the basket and focus on balance, hand placement, follow-through, and arc.
• Use one hand to guide the ball, keeping your elbow under it and your index finger centered, and release with a soft wrist flick.
• Repetition is key: Make shots from various angles around the rim.

This drill builds muscle memory, improves shooting accuracy, and boosts confidence in game situations.

Quick Feet Drill

The quick feet drill simulates game situations by training a fast, confident release.

• Start near the baseline, two steps inside the three-point line.
• With a teammate feeding you the ball, work on stepping behind the arc while receiving the ball and pivoting right into your shot, as demonstrated in the video above.

Transition Shooting Drill

The transition shooting drill trains players to score at game pace.

• Sprint from half court, catch a pass on the move, and take a quick jump shot.
• Focus on proper footwork, balance, slowing your forward momentum as you receive the pass and shooting with control and a consistent follow-through.
• Repeat from both wings and the top of the key.

This drill improves conditioning, decision-making, and shooting consistency during fast breaks.

Passing and Court Vision

Basketball is a team sport. Enhance your passing by practicing:

• Chest passes and bounce passes with accuracy
• Fast-break decision-making to maximize scoring opportunities

Rebounding

Get a group of friends or teammates together and practice these drills to improve your rebounding.

Rebound Battle

The Rebound Battle is a competitive drill that sharpens rebounding instincts, positioning and tenacity.

• Start standing side-by-side with a teammate, facing the basket, about five feet from the hoop.
• When the drill starts, use your lower body and footwork to establish position in front of your opponent.
• Have a coach or teammate intentionally miss a shot, awarding a point to whoever gets the rebound.
• The first to five points wins.

The goal is to secure the rebound under intense, game-like pressure, promoting physicality, anticipation, and timing.

Free Throw Box Out

The Free Throw Box Out emphasizes proper positioning and technique for rebounding missed free throws.

• Two rebounders line up as they would during a free throw.
• The defensive player, closer to the basket, should practice sealing and boxing out their opponent, while the offensive player should jockey for position or use a spin move if the defender gets too aggressive.

This drill builds discipline, footwork, and awareness during one of the most overlooked rebounding scenarios.

Superman

The Superman is a conditioning and explosiveness drill that trains players to be aggressive in chasing rebounds.

• Start with the ball just outside the paint.
• Shoot the ball off the backboard so that it rebounds to the opposite side of the paint, and practice grabbing the ball quickly and cleanly as you land outside the paint, opposite your starting point.
• Grab three rebounds on each side, then sink a layup.

The Superman drill develops body control, hustle, and rebounding instinct.

Drills Specific for Post Players

Whether you’re a forward or center or just trying to be stronger under the basket, these drills can help with your battles under the basket.

Power Move Drill: Finish Strong Around the Basket

The power move drill develops strength and confidence in the post.

Start by catching the ball on the low block with a defender behind you, take a powerful dribble as you pivot toward the basketball, then explode up for a layup.

Use your body to protect the ball and finish through contact.

This drill teaches aggressiveness and efficiency in high-traffic areas.

Baseline Fake Drill: Create Space with Deception

The baseline fake drill focuses on footwork and fakes.

Using the same setup you used for the power move drill above, freeze your defender with a convincing shoulder fake.

Then pivot back in the other direction and shoot a short jumper.

Practicing this move helps players beat defenders who overplay the baseline.

Up-and-Under Move Drill: Outsmart Shot Blockers

The up-and-under drill is the third step in the same progression as the power move and baseline fake drills.

This time, the defender adjusts to the fake and is ready to block the short jumper.

Use a pump fake, then step inside the defender with one strong dribble and explode into a layup or dunk.

Build Basketball-Specific Conditioning

Strength and Agility Training

Basketball players need a blend of power and quickness. Incorporate:

• Plyometric exercises (box jumps, squat jumps) for explosiveness
• Agility ladder drills for foot speed
• Core training to improve balance and stability

Endurance and Stamina

The game demands continuous movement. To boost stamina:

• Perform HIIT (high intensity interval training) workouts to mimic game pace
• Run conditioners to simulate fast breaks
• Use cycling or swimming on off-days to build cardiovascular fitness without stressing joints

Develop a Basketball IQ

Study the Game

Understanding strategy is as important as skill. Watch professional games and pay attention to:

• Offensive sets and spacing
• Defensive rotations
• Player tendencies in different positions

One of the most fun things you can do in basketball is to mimic your favorite player. Love how someone gets open off the screen or a move that they do to get open for a shot? You can rewatch that and practice the footwork and ballhandling yourself.

Mental Preparation and Confidence

Basketball is as mental as it is physical. Build mental toughness by:

• Setting specific goals for each practice and game
• Using visualization techniques before competition
• Practicing free throws under pressure to simulate real-game stress

Confidence comes from preparation, so the more you practice with purpose, the more natural your skills will feel during games.

Click here to learn more from IMG Academy Plus.

Train with IMG Academy Basketball Camps

If you want to accelerate your improvement, consider training with elite coaches. Programs like those at IMG Academy Basketball Camps provide world-class instruction, strength and conditioning programs, and competitive environments that push you to excel. We offer basketball camps at all levels and throughout the year, customizable to what you want to work on and even how long you want to go to camp (3 day, 5 day and multi-week camps are available.)

Click here for more on IMG Academy girls’ basketball camp.

Click here for more on IMG Academy boys’ basketball camps.

FAQs About Getting Better at Basketball

How long does it take to improve at basketball?

Most players notice significant improvements within 3 to 6 months of consistent training. The timeline depends on your current skill level, practice frequency, and coaching quality.

How many hours a day should I practice basketball?

For developing athletes, 1 to 2 hours per day of focused practice, combined with strength and conditioning, is ideal. Avoid burnout by including rest days.

Can I get better at basketball without a coach?

Yes, but progress is faster with structured coaching. Online tutorials, peer scrimmages, and self-assessment through video review can also be effective.

What drills should beginners focus on?

Beginners should prioritize dribbling, shooting form, passing accuracy, and layups before moving to advanced skills.

Does playing pickup basketball help improvement?

Absolutely. Pickup games improve decision-making, adaptability, and game flow awareness. However, combine them with structured drills for maximum growth.

Conclusion: Start Elevating Your Game Today

Improving in basketball takes dedication, consistency, and smart training. By mastering fundamentals, building athleticism, studying the game, and strengthening your mindset, you’ll not only play better, you’ll enjoy the game more.

If you’re serious about your development, check out the camps and boarding school at IMG Academy and start your journey toward becoming a more skilled, confident player.

Click here for more on boarding school for boys basketball players.

Click here for more on boarding school for girls basketball players.