8 Best Basketball Tryout Drills

As a basketball coach, one of the most daunting tasks is conducting tryouts. 

The basketball tryout process entails carefully assessing the abilities of your players in different positions, identifying those who show exemplary character and determination, and ultimately selecting players who are a well-rounded fit for the team.

This blog outlines the 8 best basketball tryout drills for evaluating your players, giving you the insight and confidence needed for making team placement decisions.

How to Run Successful Basketball Tryouts

Hosting a successful basketball tryout starts well ahead of time, long before players step onto the court. Here are some tips below:

1. Plan Ahead: Set tryout dates, drills, and evaluator assignments at least 2–3 weeks in advance.
   
2. Set Evaluation Criteria: Use standardized scoring sheets or apps like SkillShark to ensure consistent feedback and objectivity.
   
3. Use Position-Specific Drills: Craft drills for dribbling, shooting, and passing.
   
4. Prioritize Safety and Flow: Set up stations ahead of time to avoid dead time and ensure proper spacing between drills.
   
5. Provide Feedback: Discuss with your team ahead of time the best method(s) for providing athlete feedback (to both players and parents).

Top 8 Basketball Tryout Drills

1. Two-Line Layups Drill

Goal:

This basketball layup drill teaches players to achieve proper air (while jumping), extend their arms, and snap their wrists to take this shot.

Preparation:

Divide players into two single-file lines at the end of the court (furthest away from the net). One player in each line will have a ball in hand.

Execution:

• The first two players in line will start by running down the court, at the same speed, passing the ball back and forth to each other.
• As the players approach the net, one player will shoot a layup. *If Player A shoots, then Player B will become the shooter on the next turn.
• The next pair of players will take their turn.

2. 2-on-2 Box Out Drill

Goal:

In this basketball shooting drill, players learn to use their hands, block out, and come up with the basketball.

Preparation:

In this basketball tryout drill, one offensive and one defensive player line up on each side of the rectangle’s free-throw lane. The coach stands one foot from the free-throw line.

Execution:

• The coach will throw the ball up.
• The offensive player will try to pursue the rebound, and the defensive player will try and stop the basketball.
• If the offensive player gets the rebound, they can shoot for the basket.
• If the defensive player gets the ball, it is passed back to the coach.

2-on-2 box out drill

3. Move and Pass Drill

Goal:

This basketball passing drill teaches players how to pass continuously while moving from a distance.

Preparation:

Pair up your players. Have each pair stand approximately 12 feet apart on one end of the court (opposite the net).


Execution:

• The first pair will start by continually throwing chest passes to each other while jogging down the court.
• Once close to the net, one player makes a layup.
• It is recommended that six passes down the court be completed by each pair in the beginning. Players will then gradually decrease the number of passes to five, four, and eventually three.

4. Dribble Handoff

Goal:

This basketball dribbling drill is designed to get players comfortable with executing a dribble handoff, a key move to create separation from defenders.

Preparation:

Pair up your players. Player 1 will be at the top of the circle, and Player 2 will be on the wing (either the left or right side) with the ball. Have your other players assume defense roles.

Execution:

• Player 2 will dribble towards Player 1, quickly passing the ball to Player 1 while shielding the defense with their body.
• Once Player 1 receives the ball, they will either take a shot from where they are standing or make a drive to the basket.
• If the shot is successfully made, players can switch roles.

5. Quick Release Drill

Goal:

This basketball shooting drill teaches players to have the proper stance, grip, and follow-through when shooting.

Preparation:

Set up two cones, on each side of the three-point line. Line up all of your players behind the left cone.

Execution:

• At the whistle, the first player shoots from the left cone (without moving away from the cone).
• The player will retrieve their ball, whether it was a successful shot or not, and then dribble to the right cone to take a second shot.
• Once the second shot is completed, the next player in line will take their turn.

*Note: At any time, you can change the positions of the cone to switch up where on the semicircle your players attempt to shoot from.

Quick-release drill

6. Two-Ball Dribbling

Goal:

This basketball conditioning drill helps players to improve their agility & fitness level while working on a core skill: dribbling.

Preparation:

Line up your players on the baseline on one side of the court. Give each player two basketballs.

Execution:

• On your whistle, the first player will dribble from the baseline on one side of the court to the other.
• Players must successfully dribble one ball in each hand the whole time. If they drop a ball, they will have to start from the baseline again.
• To make this drill more challenging, add a timer. Players will need to focus on their technique to maintain control of the ball while focusing on their speed to reach the other end of the court within a set time.

7. Shuffle and Scoop Drill

Goal:

This basketball agility drill allows players to work on their ability to move laterally.

Preparation:

Line up 6-8 players on one side of the court, 2 feet apart. Each player will remain in a squat position, with their chest up and feet hip-width apart.


Execution:

• The first player will shuffle twice toward and come down slightly with both hands on the slight scoop as if they were mimicking picking up a basketball (but will ensure their chest is up).
• They will continue to shuffle twice and then scoop up the imaginary ball.
• Once the first player in line is halfway down the court, the next player in line will take their turn.

8. Block Before Bounce Drill

Goal:

This basketball defence drill works on defensive positioning to prevent opponent rebounds.

Preparation:

Four offensive players and four defensive players will start staggered inside the midrange of the court. The coach, who has possession of the basketball, will be positioned on the free-throw line directly in front of the net.

Execution:

• The coach will throw the basketball from the free-throw line.
• The defensive players must immediately cover the offensive players (who are looking to grab an offensive rebound).
• Instead of going after the basketball, the defence will attempt to block the opposing players and prevent them from getting a rebound, ultimately making the ball bounce.
• If the defence succeeds, the drill is over.
• If the offence succeeds, they can attempt to score.

Block before bounce drill

Basketball Tryout Plans: Covering the Basics

Incorporate these basic basketball drills into your tryout plans to help athletes learn & improve upon key basketball skills in a structured yet progressive way. Looking for some tips on how to build a simple basketball tryout plan, let’s review a few fundamentals below:

1. Choose drills with purpose- Incorporate drills that teach each of the core basketball skills, such as: hitting, serving, passing, and blocking.

2. Keep it structured- Have designated time slots for your warm-up, tryout drills, game-like scenarios, and a cool down. Allow extra time at the end of tryouts to provide feedback.

3. Avoid overworking athletes- No matter the age group you are coaching, your athletes will experience fatigue & burnout if pushed too hard. Keep tryouts to the designated time and allow for breaks throughout.

4. Provide feedback- Acknowledge successes and provide feedback on areas for improvement. An example would be, “Great effort today on your serving & blocking. Keep focusing on the consistency of your passing. Remember to stay calm, watch the ball, and communicate.”

Looking For an Easier Way To Run Your Basketball Tryout?

Using SkillShark, you can easily score basketball players on your smartphone or tablet. Once your evaluation is complete, instantly gain access to player reports. Review player data and draft teams on the same day!