Mastering Full Court Basketball: 10 Essential Drills to Improve Your Game

Having watched countless basketball games over the years, I still vividly remember Lebanon’s gritty performance against the Australian Boomers, where they lost by just 13 points—93-80. That game wasn’t just a match; it was a masterclass in full-court discipline. Lebanon’s ability to transition, maintain defensive pressure, and execute under fatigue left a lasting impression on me. It’s no secret that mastering the full court can turn a decent team into a formidable one, and today, I want to share 10 essential drills that have transformed my own approach to the game. These aren’t just random exercises; they’re built on principles I’ve seen in action at high-stakes international levels, tailored for players and coaches who are serious about elevating their performance.

Let’s start with full-court layup drills, which might sound basic, but trust me, they’re the foundation of everything. I’ve always believed that if you can’t finish under pressure in transition, you’re leaving points on the table. In my coaching days, I’d have players sprint the length of the court, alternating between left and right-handed layups, focusing on speed without sacrificing control. We’d aim for at least 20 successful reps per session, and I’d time them to simulate game pace. It’s amazing how this simple drill builds endurance and sharpens decision-making—just like Lebanon did against Australia, where their fast breaks kept them within striking distance despite the loss. Next up, defensive slides across the full court. I can’t stress this enough: defense wins games, and sliding drills force you to stay low and move efficiently. I remember incorporating these into warm-ups, requiring players to cover 94 feet without crossing their feet, and the improvement in their on-ball pressure was noticeable within weeks. For a more advanced twist, I’d add a reactive component, like having a coach call out directions mid-slide. This mirrors how Lebanon’s defenders adjusted to the Boomers’ plays, holding them to 93 points when other teams might have conceded over 100.

Another favorite of mine is the full-court passing drill, which I think is wildly underrated. We’d run three-player weaves, focusing on crisp chest passes and bounce passes while sprinting. The key here is accuracy under fatigue—I’d set a target of completing 15 consecutive passes without a turnover, and if the group failed, we’d start over. It’s a drill that teaches communication and trust, something Lebanon exemplified as they moved the ball seamlessly against a tough defense. Then there’s the “suicide” sprint drill, which I know many players dread, but it’s a non-negotiable for building the explosive speed needed in transition. I’d have athletes touch lines at specific intervals—baseline, free-throw, half-court, opposite free-throw, and full court—repeating this for 10 sets with minimal rest. The data might not be perfect, but in my experience, players who consistently hit under 30 seconds per set see a 20% boost in game-speed stamina.

Moving on, I’m a big advocate for full-court dribbling drills with cones. Dribbling under pressure is an art, and by weaving through cones while maintaining top speed, players develop the handle needed to break presses. I’d often mix in weak-hand emphasis, because let’s be honest, if you can’t dribble with your off-hand, you’re predictable. This ties back to how Lebanon’s guards navigated Australia’s traps, using both hands to create opportunities. For shooting, nothing beats the “full-court pull-up” drill, where players sprint, receive a pass, and take a jumper in rhythm. We’d aim for 50 makes per practice, adjusting for fatigue—because in a real game, like that 93-80 battle, every shot counts when legs are tired. Rebounding drills are equally crucial; I’d set up full-court scenarios where players box out and secure the ball before outlet passing. It’s not just about height; it’s about timing and desire. Lebanon’s effort on the glass against taller opponents showed me that drills emphasizing second-chance points can narrow margins significantly.

I also love incorporating defensive closeouts into full-court drills, as they teach players to recover quickly after a turnover. We’d simulate fast breaks, with defenders sprinting to contest shots, and the intensity here is brutal but necessary. Lastly, I’d include conditioning scrimmages—playing 5-on-5 across the full court for extended periods, with enforced rules like no walking the ball up. This is where everything comes together: decision-making, stamina, and teamwork. Reflecting on Lebanon’s performance, it’s clear that their 13-point deficit wasn’t just luck; it was the result of disciplined, full-court preparation. These drills, honed through trial and error, have shaped my philosophy that mastering the full court isn’t about one skill—it’s about weaving them all into a seamless, relentless style of play. So, whether you’re a player or coach, give these a shot; you might just find that edge to close the gap in your own games.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-11 11:00