10 Essential Basketball Drills to Improve Your Shooting Accuracy and Ball Handling Skills

Walking onto the court, I always remind myself that shooting and ball handling aren’t just skills—they’re the heartbeat of basketball. Over the years, I’ve seen players with raw talent struggle because they skipped foundational drills, and I’ve watched others transform into confident playmakers by sticking to a disciplined routine. Today, I want to share ten essential drills that have not only sharpened my own game but have also helped players I coach elevate their accuracy and control. Whether you're an aspiring pro or a weekend warrior, these exercises build muscle memory, boost confidence, and translate directly to in-game performance. Let’s dive right in.

First up is the classic form shooting drill, something I do before every single practice. Standing close to the basket, I focus purely on arc, follow-through, and consistency—making at least 50 shots from five spots around the key. It sounds simple, but trust me, neglecting this is why so many players develop inconsistent mechanics. Next, the around-the-world drill pushes your shooting range and footwork. I usually set five markers at different distances and aim to hit 10 shots from each spot before moving on. This isn’t just about scoring; it’s about building endurance and teaching your body to shoot accurately even when fatigued. Another personal favorite is the one-dribble pull-up. Starting at the three-point line, I take one hard dribble inward, rise, and shoot mid-range. It mimics game situations where you have limited space and time, and I’ve found it improves balance and quick decision-making. For ball handling, nothing beats stationary dribbling drills. I spend at least 10 minutes a day working on crossovers, between-the-legs, and behind-the-back moves with both hands. When I started, my weak hand felt clumsy, but after six months, my defender couldn’t guess my next move.

Then there’s the figure-eight dribble, weaving the ball through and around your legs in a continuous motion. I often time myself, trying to complete 30 repetitions in under two minutes. It enhances coordination and keeps the ball on a string, something I notice separates decent ball handlers from elite ones. Another drill I swear by is the two-ball dribbling series. Dribbling simultaneously with each hand—sometimes in sync, sometimes alternating—trains your brain to multitask under pressure. I remember how frustrating this was initially, but now it feels like second nature. Cone weaving drills come next. Setting up five cones in a line, I practice attacking them with speed changes and sharp direction shifts, focusing on keeping my head up to see the floor. This directly improves your ability to navigate defenses in live play. For shooting on the move, the curl and flare screen drill is invaluable. Using an imaginary or real screen, I curl toward the basket or flare out to the perimeter, catch, and shoot in one fluid motion. It’s a staple in pro practices because it builds game-ready shooting under realistic conditions.

Let’s talk about the “suicide” shooting drill, which combines conditioning with accuracy. I sprint from baseline to free-throw line, back, to half-court, back, to far free-throw line, back, and to far baseline and back, shooting at each stop. It’s grueling—my success rate used to drop to around 40% when tired—but it trains you to maintain form under fatigue, a must for clutch moments. Lastly, the full-court dribble drill at game speed wraps it up. I dribble from one end to the other, mixing crossovers, spins, and hesitations, finishing with a layup or jumper. I usually do five rounds, and it’s incredible how this builds endurance and control when you’re flying down the court. Each of these drills has its own flavor, but together, they create a well-rounded regimen that adapts as you improve.

Looking back, integrating these drills into my routine didn’t just make me a better shooter or ball handler—it made me a smarter player. I’ve seen my field goal percentage jump from 42% to nearly 58% over two seasons, and my turnovers drop significantly because my handles became more reliable. Of course, results vary, and what works for me might need tweaking for you, but the principles remain: repetition, focus, and gradual progression. Basketball, much like streaming a live baseball game where every pitch and swing counts, demands that you stay engaged and ready. So grab a ball, find a hoop, and put in the work. The progress might feel slow at first, but soon enough, you’ll notice defenders respecting your shot and fearing your dribble. And honestly, that’s a feeling worth every drop of sweat.