Top 10 Essential Drills Every Men's Basketball Player Should Master This Season

Watching the Tiger Cubs dismantle NU-Nazareth School’s perfect record with that stunning 76-56 victory in Season 87 was a masterclass in fundamentals. It wasn’t just about raw talent or athleticism; it was about execution. As someone who’s spent years both on the court and analyzing the game from the sidelines, that game reaffirmed my belief that dominance is built in practice, long before the opening tip-off. The most explosive plays, the most suffocating defensive stands—they all trace back to a handful of essential drills that every serious men’s basketball player needs to have in his arsenal. I’ve seen it time and again: players who skip the basics in favor of flashy, advanced workouts hit a ceiling fast. The real growth, the kind that wins championships and upsets undefeated giants, happens when you commit to mastering the non-negotiable fundamentals. Let me walk you through the ten drills I consider absolutely vital this season, the ones that separate contenders from pretenders.

First on my list, and it’s non-negotiable, is the Mikan Drill. I know, I know—it sounds almost too simple. But trust me, its impact is profound. This isn’t just about laying the ball in; it’s about developing soft touch, body control, and ambidexterity around the rim. I force the big men I work with to do this for at least ten minutes every single practice session, focusing on using both hands and finishing high off the glass. The Tiger Cubs, for instance, scored an estimated 42 of their 76 points in the paint during that big win. That kind of interior efficiency doesn’t happen by accident. It’s born from thousands of repetitions of seemingly boring drills like the Mikan. Next up is a personal favorite: the Pound Dribble Series. Ball-handling is the great equalizer. I don’t care how tall or athletic you are; if you can’t protect the dribble under pressure, you’re a liability. I have players work on pound dribbles, crossover combos, and hesitation moves with heavy basketballs and regular ones, often incorporating tennis balls for cognitive load. It’s grueling, but it builds a handle that won’t crack when double-teamed. Watching the Tiger Cubs’ guards navigate NU’s pressure with such poise was a direct testament to this kind of rigorous, daily guard work.

Now, let’s talk shooting. The “Around the World” or “Spot Shooting” drill is a classic for a reason, but the key is intentionality. I’m a stickler for form. I tell players not to just mindlessly launch shots; every rep must be game-speed, with proper footwork and a consistent release point. We track makes and misses religiously, aiming for a benchmark like 70% in practice before moving on. In that Season 87 upset, the Tiger Cubs shot an impressive 48% from the field as a team. That efficiency stems from disciplined, repetitive spot shooting from all their key areas on the floor. Another drill I’m passionate about is the “3-Man Weave.” Some coaches see it as a mere warm-up, but I see it as the heartbeat of team offense. It teaches communication, timing, filling lanes, and finishing on the move. We run it full-court and half-court, always emphasizing the pass ahead and a soft, catchable finish at the rim. The fast-break points that demoralized NU-Nazareth—I’d wager they had at least 18—are a direct result of mastering this fundamental transition drill.

Defensively, nothing is more critical than the “Closeout Drill.” A bad closeout is a breakdown waiting to happen. We practice closing out under control, chopping our feet, and contesting without fouling. I have players close out to a live offensive player who can either shoot, drive, or pass, forcing the defender to read and react. The Tiger Cubs held a previously undefeated team to just 56 points. That level of defensive discipline starts with perfecting the fundamentals of the closeout. For post players, the “Post Pin and Seal” drill is everything. It teaches big men how to establish deep, low-post position before the ball even arrives. We work on sealing the defender, calling for the ball, and finishing with a power move. I’ve always preferred a drop-step into a baby hook; it’s a nearly unblockable shot when executed correctly. The interior dominance we witnessed in that game was a clinic in these post fundamentals.

For conditioning and mental toughness, the “Suicide Sprint with a Twist” is my go-to. But instead of just running to the lines, players must perform a basketball skill at each line—a jump stop and pivot at the first, a shot fake at the next. It simulates game fatigue and decision-making. I’d estimate a player might cover over 3 miles in a high-intensity game, and this drill prepares them for that. Furthermore, the “Shell Defense Drill” is the cornerstone of any great team defense. We run it for 20-25 minutes a day, working on helpside positioning, defensive rotations, and communication. The way the Tiger Cubs rotated and helped each other, forcing NU into difficult shots, was a direct reflection of hours spent in a shell drill. Lastly, I’m a huge advocate for the “Free Throw Drill Under Fatigue.” Players run a full-court sprint and then immediately step to the line for two shots. We do this until they make 10 in a row. In a close game, those are the shots that ice it. The Tiger Cubs, in their pressure-packed game, likely shot around 75% from the line, and that composure is drilled, not inherited.

Ultimately, the blueprint for an upset like the Tiger Cubs’ 76-56 triumph isn’t a secret. It’s a relentless, daily commitment to these foundational exercises. They may not be glamorous, but they build the muscle memory, the basketball IQ, and the unshakable confidence required to perform when it matters most. I’ve built my entire coaching philosophy around this core belief, and the results, as we saw on that court in San Juan, speak for themselves. Mastering these ten drills won’t just make you a better player; it will make you a winning player.