As the school year ends around the country that means one thing, basketball camp season is upon us. There are thousands of excellent basketball camps around the United States to attend. Below are five drills to start working on before hitting the hardwood this summer. Additionally, I have included five plays that work great for youth basketball players.  

Top 5 Youth Basketball Drills

3 Cone Attack

Footwork is a vital key to creating space and making jump shots on the move. This is an excellent drill to practice numerous facets of catch and shooting.

One line at the top of the key...players will take various shots and give various moves. This drill is continuous and players must shoot and go to the end of the line the next player should be down and ready. Each change of direction move will be given at the cones on the elbows.

Here are the different shots to be taken:

-Catch & Shoot
-Pound Right 15 Ft. Jumper
-Pound RIght change of direction Runner-Floater
-Pound RIght change of direction Strongside lay-up
-Pound RIght change of direction Weakside lay-up
-Pound Right Step Back-Cutback
-Pound right change of direction hop thru

Getting game shots is one of the most important aspects of a great shooting routine. This drill incorporates five different shots from five different spots on the floor. Make sure you repeat the drill on both sides of the court. Furthermore, you can use some of the shot types from the last drill into this one well.

Player starts with the ball and passes to the coach for the first shot. Then repeats for the remaining four shots. Do this three times for a total of 15 shots; goal is 11-15.

Baby Jump Shots

This is another superd drill that works on the repetition of great footwork stepping into shots.

Player sprints and an catches and shoots elbow jump shot. Lands and quickly sprints and touches opposite sideline and repeats. Drill is finished when the player makes 8. If they miss more than three in a row, start over.   

Cone Attack

Skill development is not always about shooting, ball-handling is just as important. This Cone Attack drill really forces young players to become all around better at dribbling but the number of change of directions and different dribble types in this drill.

Drive left attacking the cone, left hand 2 dribble pull back & quickly cross-over. Righty drive to the cone at elbow, righty 2 dribble pull back. Righty drive to the cone at the top of the key, rrighty 2 dribble pull back. Right drive to the cone on the elbow, righty 2 dribble pull back. Righty drive to the cone at block, righty 2 dribble pull back, quick cross-over and finish at rim. Mix up the finishes:

-Stronside
-Weakside
-Reverse
-Floater
-Rondo's (Ball fake one direction and finish the other)

(Make sure you repeat on both sides.)

Read the full article to get all the plays and drills: Top 10 Drills and Plays for Youth Basketball

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