Basketball Drills for Kids – Competitive Free-Throw Shooting Drills

Developing a personal free-throw routine is an important milestone in a young player’s basketball career. However, establishing that routine is only the first step in becoming a consistent shooter. The following basketball drills for kids use competition to motivate players to improve their shot.One and One Free-Throw DrillFor this kids basketball drill, divide the players into groups of two, three, or four, and have each group set up at a basket. Instead of shooting several consecutive shots, have players practice shooting free-throws like they will in an actual game with a one and one set up.Have the first player in line briefly go through his routine and shoot one free-throw shot. If he misses, then he has to run a lap around the court and does not get a second shot. If he makes it, then he gets to practice another shot. If he makes the second shot, he adds it to his tally and goes to the back of the line, but if he misses the second shot, then he has to run a lap. Players take turns shooting until they make a certain number of free throws, say five or ten depending on the ability level. Players who miss several shots will be running a lot of laps, which is good for conditioning and creating game-fatigue.Six in a Row Free-Throw DrillThis basketball drill requires players to make six free-throw shots in a row. To start, have groups of two to four players set up at each basket. Players will take turns shooting, trying to make six consecutive shots. For their first turn, each player will get two shots to start. The first shot is a practice shot, and they can shoot again if they miss. After that, for every shot they make, they get to take another shot. Once they miss a basket, their score goes down to zero and they have to run a lap or do ten push-ups before getting back in line for their next turn.Plus 2, Minus 2 Free-Throw DrillFor this basketball drill for kids, have the players pair up and assign each group a basket. Players will take turns shooting sets of two free-throws. Players are rewarded one point for a swish (or nothing but net) shot, they lose one point for a missed shot, and no points are rewarded or taken away for a made but not swished shot. When a player reaches two points, their partner has to do five push-ups. When a player reaches negative two points, then he or she has to do five push-ups.