Playing basketball solo doesn’t mean you can’t improve your skills or work on game-ready techniques. In fact, solo basketball drills are an incredible way to focus on areas you want to improve and make sure your practice is as effective as possible. Whether you're working on ball-handling, shooting, footwork, or conditioning, these drills can help you become a better player. Below are the top 10 best basketball drills to do by yourself, giving you the tools to level up your game – even when you're the only one on the court.

Drill #1 – Warm-Up & Ball-Handling Combo Drills

Getting warm and ready is essential, especially if time on the court is limited. Try combining ball-handling with warm-up exercises:

• Lunges and Dribbling: Dribble while doing lunges to get a full-body warm-up while practicing control.

• Lateral Dribbling: Move laterally with defensive slides while maintaining an athletic stance.

• Jog in Place Dribbling: Jog on the spot while dribbling to warm up and reinforce dribbling control.

• Box Dribbling: Dribble in a box pattern, focusing on direction changes, eye level, and control.

This warm-up routine raises your core temperature and preps your muscles for more intensive drills.

Drill #2 – Find Your Range Shooting

Finding your range is critical for consistent shooting form and accuracy:

1. Start five feet from the hoop and aim to make six out of ten shots.

2. Move back a step each time you meet your target.

3. Work your way to the free-throw line, then to the three-point line.

4. Stay within your range, where you don’t need to alter your shooting mechanics.

This drill is about building good habits and ensuring your shooting form remains consistent at different distances.

Drill #3 – Defensive Slides with Jumper

Improve your agility, shooting, and footwork with this combo drill:

1. Start at one free-throw lane, perform a defensive slide to the opposite lane, and back.

2. Grab the ball and take a short jumper.

3. Focus on maintaining proper form and agility in your movements.

This drill helps you practice both offensive and defensive footwork, building muscle memory for game-time situations.

Drill #4 – Attack, Retreat, and Finish

Perfect for improving dribbling, conditioning, and finishing skills:

1. Start at the elbow, dribble hard to the block, then take a retreat dribble back.

2. Finish with a layup or jump shot, practicing various footwork techniques like jump stops or Euro Steps.

3. Focus on explosiveness as you switch from attack to retreat.

This drill builds control and helps you master finishing at the rim under pressure.

Drill #5 – Shooting Footwork

Mastering shooting footwork is crucial for any shooter:

• Part #1: 1-2 Footwork, Alternating – Alternate pivot feet for a balanced catch-and-shoot form.

• Part #2: 1-2 Footwork, Lateral – Improve sidestep jumpers, which help with off-target passes.

• Part #3: Hop Footwork, Forward – Practice hopping to set up your shot, reducing travel mistakes.

• Part #4: Hop Footwork, Lateral – Work on lateral movements to catch and shoot accurately.

• Part #5: Coming Out of a Curl Screen – Practice coming off a screen, turning, and setting up for a shot.

Each part reinforces muscle memory and allows you to shoot comfortably from various positions.

Drill #6 – Stationary Dribbling into 1V1 Jumpers

Develop your off-the-dribble shooting with these moves:

• Part #1: Crossover – Dribble across the top of the key with crossovers.

• Part #2: Through the Legs – Use a hesitation move to get an open mid-range shot.

• Part #3: Behind the Back – Go behind the back to create space for your shot.

This drill encourages quick reflexes and effective shot-making while dribbling.

Drill #7 – Spin Out Shooting

Perfect your catch-and-shoot ability with this classic drill:

1. Spin the ball to yourself, then sprint to catch it and take a shot.

2. Focus on your strongest shooting areas, and address any weak spots gradually.

This drill reinforces your shooting strengths and helps you practice receiving passes.

Drill #8 – Perimeter Footwork with Jumpers

Practice perimeter shooting with these variations:

• Part #1: Jab Step Then Jump Shot – Use a hard jab step, followed by a quick jump shot.

• Part #2: Back Pivot Then Jump Shot – Utilize a back pivot to gain space from defenders.

This drill builds confidence in mid-range shots, especially in situations where defenders close in.

Drill #9 – Spot Up, Pull Up, Layup Series

This series improves your spot shooting, pull-up shots, and layup skills:

• Part #1: Spot Up – Catch and shoot immediately, working on quick release.

• Part #2: Pull Up – Dribble into a shot, focusing on footwork.

• Part #3: Layup Series – Finish with layups from both sides of the basket, practicing different finishes.

This sequence sharpens your shooting and finishing, especially when you’re tired.

Drill #10 – 1V1 Moves into Jumpers

Work on key 1-on-1 moves with these variations:

• Part #1: In-and-Out Dribble – Jab and go with an in-and-out dribble.

• Part #2: In-and-Out Crossover – Combine the in-and-out with a crossover.

• Part #3: In-and-Out Crossover Then Through Legs – Add a through-the-legs dribble as a counter move.

Each part of this drill builds your ability to break down defenders and make shots off the dribble.

FAQ’s About The Top 10 Best Basketball Drills to Do By Yourself

What are the benefits of doing basketball drills alone?

Practicing drills alone allows players to focus on specific skills, build muscle memory, and improve confidence in their game without any distractions.

How often should I practice these basketball drills?

Consistency is key. Aim for 3–4 sessions per week to build strong skills and improve your game over time.

Can I do these drills at home?

Yes, some of these drills (like stationary dribbling, spin out shooting, and footwork drills) can be modified to practice in smaller spaces at home.

What equipment do I need for these drills?

Most drills only require a basketball and a hoop. Cones or markers are optional but helpful for certain drills like ball handling and agility exercises.

Should beginners try these drills?

Absolutely! These drills can be scaled to fit any skill level, making them great for beginners and advanced players alike.

With dedication to these solo basketball drills, you’ll develop better shooting, ball-handling, and defensive skills that will make a difference in your performance on the court. Whether you’re in Mildura or anywhere else, practice consistently, push your limits, and watch your game improve!

For athletes looking to enhance their skills, Border Sports Academy offers basketball training and resources. Whether you're practicing solo or training with a team, our programs are designed to support every player’s journey to success. Learn more about our offerings and discover how you can reach your full potential at Border Sports Academy.