8 Best Basketball Tryout Drills

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

The 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.

To achieve these goals, it is important to have your players participate in basketball tryout drills that can showcase their potential and capabilities 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.

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Top 8 Basketball Tryout Drills

1. Layup Drill

Goal:

This basketball layup drill aids players in developing core ball-handling technique, hand-eye coordination, and timing in basketball.

Setup:

For this basketball tryout drill set up two lines of players on opposite ends of the basketball court further away from the net.

Execution:

• The first player in each line starts at the top and dribbles down the court towards the basket, finishing with a layup.
• Players rebound their ball and head to the end of the line if they miss their shot.
• When players make their shots, they don’t have to go through the drill again.

2. 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 with feet hip-width apart.


Execution:

• The first player will shuffle twice toward the right side 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).
• After the first player has shuffled twice, the next player in line will start their turn.
• Players will continue the shuffle and scoop down the court.

See the “Shuffle and Scoop” drill in action

3. Move and Pass Drill

Goal:

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

Preparation:

For this basketball tryout drill, have two players stand opposite one another and maintain a distance of approximately 12 feet apart. Players will stand at the very end of the court (furthest away from the net).


Execution:

• The first pair will start by continually throwing chest passes to each other.
• Then, they will conclude the drill by having one player make a layup.
• It is recommended that six passes down the court be completed to start. Players will then gradually decrease the number of passes to five, four, and eventually three.

4. Around the World Drill

Goal:

This basketball shooting drill trains players to work on their stance, grip, and follow-through when making a shot.

Preparation:

Place pylons in 7 specific spots around the basketball hoop. Line up your players in a single file line.

Execution:

• The first player will aim to make three straight shots in one spot before moving to the next spot.
• After player #1 has finished the drill, the next player in line will take their turn.

5. Quick Release Drill

Goal:

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

Preparation:

Set up two cones in a semi-circle on the court 12-15 feet away from the basket. One cone will be on the far left and one will be on the far right.

Execution:

• At the whistle, the first basketball player shoots their ball at one of the cones, either the far left or far right cone.
• The player will retrieve their rebound and dribble back to the semi-circle to take another shot from the next cone.
• Players will alternate between cones for 2-3 minutes.
• The next player in line takes a chance.

Click here to watch and learn more about the “Quick Release” drill

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

7. Two-Line Lay Ups 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.

8. Block Before Bounce Drill

Goal:

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

Preparation:

Four offensive players will spread around the midrange of the court and four defensive players will start inside the key. The coach, who has possession of the basketball, will be on the free-throw line.

Execution:

• The coach will throw the basketball from the free-throw line.
• The defensive players must immediately sprint out to 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.

Expanding Your Basketball Coaching Toolkit

Although most of our work has been with basketball drills, it’s important for coaches in all sports to take a multi-disciplined approach when it comes to evaluations and selections of basketball players. It doesn’t matter if you are a basketball coach or if you simply have an interest in learning more about basketball skills, practices, and tryouts. You can enhance how you can effectively and efficiently run basketball tryouts. Here’s a quick checklist to get started:

Basketball Tryout Format

• Warm-Up: Dynamic exercises that work on agility and flexibility.
• Basketball Drills: The shooting, passing, dribble, and defense of basketball players shall be tested.
• Game-like scenarios: Once you have put the runners through basketball drills, stage a “real-life” game situation during tryouts.

Basketball Tryout Plan

1. Set Clear Objectives: Determine what skills and attributes are most important for your team.
2. Schedule Basketball Drills: Allocate specific times for each drill or activity, ensuring a smooth flow and minimizing downtime.
3. Include Evaluation Time: Build in moments for coaches to discuss and note observations about players’ performances.

Basketball Tryout Checklist

• Gear ready: balls, bats, gloves, helmets, bases, etc., and any more protective gear necessary.
• Drill Stations: Set up stations for each planned activity to facilitate smooth transitions.
• Evaluation Forms: Prepare forms or digital tools (like SkillShark for basketball) to record player performances.
• Staff Assignments: Ensure each coach or helper knows their role and what they’re evaluating.
• Player Registration: Have a system in place for player check-in and information collection.

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