10 Essential Basketball Drills to Elevate Your Game and Master the Fundamentals

I remember the first time I picked up a basketball - the sheer number of things to learn felt overwhelming, much like my experience with the original Grounded game where I constantly found myself wondering what to do next. But just as Grounded 2 improved with clearer signposting and gentle suggestions, I've discovered that breaking basketball down into fundamental drills can transform that initial frustration into pure enjoyment. Let me share with you the ten essential drills that completely changed my game and made me fall in love with basketball all over again.

The first drill that revolutionized my playing was the simple form shooting exercise. I used to think shooting was all about power and distance, but spending just 15 minutes daily close to the basket - focusing purely on my shooting form - improved my field goal percentage from about 35% to nearly 48% in just two months. I'd stand exactly three feet from the hoop, concentrating on my elbow position, follow-through, and that perfect backspin. It's boring work, honestly, but the results speak for themselves. Much like how Grounded 2's improved mission markers guide players naturally through challenges, this drill builds the muscle memory that guides your shot when you're tired during the fourth quarter and the game's on the line.

Then there's the Mikan drill, which I initially dismissed as too basic until I saw professional centers still doing it during warm-ups. The beauty of this layup drill lies in its simplicity - you're just alternating hands while shooting close-range hook shots, but it teaches body control and soft touch around the rim. I make it a point to do 50 makes with each hand every practice session, and let me tell you, the difference in my finishing ability has been dramatic. It reminds me of how Grounded 2's survival mechanics feel more polished than its predecessor - small refinements that make the entire experience smoother and more intuitive.

Ball handling was always my weakness, so I committed to the two-ball dribbling drills that initially made me feel like I had two left hands. Starting with simple stationary dribbles and progressing to moving through cones while maintaining control of both balls completely transformed my court awareness. The first week was pure chaos - I probably chased more rogue basketballs across the court than actually dribbling them. But much like the gentle progression system in Grounded 2 that never makes you feel lost, consistent practice builds competence gradually. After six weeks of daily 20-minute sessions, I could finally dribble without staring at the ball, which opened up my entire game.

Defensive slides became my secret weapon. I used to hate defensive drills - they felt like punishment compared to the glory of scoring. But implementing the defensive slide drill where I'd shuffle across the key and touch lines repeatedly built lateral quickness I never knew I had. The key is staying low in your stance, and I'd time myself to see how many touches I could get in 60 seconds. My personal best stands at 28 touches while maintaining proper form, though I'm convinced my training partner miscounted that one time. This drill embodies what I loved about Grounded 2's improved gameplay - it takes something that could feel like a chore and makes it engaging through clear benchmarks and gradual improvement.

The free throw routine I developed might be my favorite of all these drills because it's where I can see the most direct correlation between practice and performance. I shoot 100 free throws every day, tracking my percentage meticulously in a small notebook. There's something meditative about the repetition, the consistent routine, the sound of the ball swishing through the net. My percentage has climbed from 65% to 83% over the past season, and those points add up quickly in close games. It's the basketball equivalent of those perfectly placed signposts in Grounded 2 that eliminate the frustration of wandering aimlessly - you know exactly what you need to do, and each success builds confidence.

Rebounding drills taught me about anticipation and positioning in ways I never understood before. The tip drill, where you continuously jump and tap the ball against the backboard, builds explosive power and timing. I used to think rebounding was just about being tall, but this drill showed me it's really about reading the ball's trajectory and outworking your opponent. I can now consistently get 15-20 consecutive tips, which has translated to about three more rebounds per game this season compared to last.

The three-man weave might be the most team-oriented drill on this list, and it's where chemistry really develops. The continuous passing while moving up the court creates this beautiful rhythm that feels like basketball poetry when executed properly. We'd run this for 10-15 minutes at the start of every practice, and the improvement in our fast break efficiency was immediately noticeable in games. Our team averaged 12 fast break points per game last season, up from just 6 the previous year, largely thanks to the timing and communication this drill instills.

For shooting off the dribble, the curl drill became my go-to. Starting from the baseline, curling around a screen at the elbow, and catching and shooting in one fluid motion - it took me weeks to get the footwork right. But once it clicked, I added a reliable mid-range game that defenders must respect. I probably missed my first 50 attempts before finding the rhythm, but now I can consistently hit 7 out of 10 from my favorite spots. This progression mirrors how Grounded 2's survival elements feel more refined - what was once difficult becomes second nature through practice and clear feedback.

The defensive closeout drill addresses one of basketball's most challenging situations - guarding a shooter when you're recovering from helping a teammate. Learning to sprint to the closeout, chopping steps to maintain balance, and contesting without fouling has saved me countless times. My coach had us do this drill for 5 minutes every practice, and I can honestly say it's reduced my shooting fouls by at least 40% this season.

Finally, the full-court conditioning drill ties everything together while building the endurance to perform when tired. We'd run suicides while dribbling, incorporating passes and shots at various points - it's brutal but incredibly effective. The first time I tried it, I thought I might actually collapse. But just as Grounded 2's challenge list guides players through lengthy challenges without frustration, this drill builds mental toughness alongside physical stamina. Now I can maintain my form and decision-making deep into the fourth quarter, which has been the difference in several close games this year.

These ten drills have completely transformed my approach to basketball, much like how Grounded 2's improvements over the original created a more satisfying and accessible experience. The common thread is progression - starting with fundamentals and building complexity gradually, with clear markers of improvement along the way. Whether you're just picking up a basketball for the first time or looking to refine your existing skills, these drills provide that same gentle guidance I appreciated in Grounded 2, turning potential frustration into measurable growth and pure enjoyment of the game.