How to Make a Basketball Drill Book: Step-by-Step Guide !

It all started when I was coaching a group of kids in my neighborhood park. Every week, I found myself scrambling for drills—Googling last minute, watching YouTube tutorials, and scribbling on notepads that got lost half the time. I needed structure. I needed something that felt like mine. That’s when I decided to make my own basketball drill book.

It changed everything.

Now, I want to show you exactly how to make a basketball drill book—your way. Whether you’re coaching a high school team or just want to train smarter, this guide is for you.

What Is a Basketball Drill Book?

A basketball drill book is like your personal coaching playbook. It’s a collection of drills categorized by skills—shooting, passing, defense, dribbling, conditioning, you name it.

Why you should have one:

• Keeps your practices organized
• Saves you time
• Helps track progress
• Customizable to any skill level
• Great for planning season-long training

It’s more than just a notebook—it’s a training blueprint.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Before you start, gather a few simple materials:

What You’ll Need:

• A binder or notebook (I used a 3-ring binder)
• Printable drill templates (you can find free ones online or make your own)
• Pens, markers, or highlighters
• Sheet protectors (optional but super helpful)
• Dividers or tabs for organization

Optional Tools:

• A tablet or laptop if you prefer digital formats
• PDF editing tools like Canva, Google Docs, or PowerPoint

Step 2: Define Your Coaching Goals

This step is the heart of it all. Ask yourself:

• What age group or skill level are you working with?
• Are you focusing on fundamentals or advanced strategies?
• How many weeks do you have in your training program?

Example: I was coaching 12–14-year-olds who needed help with fundamentals. So, I broke my book down by basic skills—dribbling, shooting, passing, and defense.

Step 3: Structure Your Drill Book

Let’s organize your binder.

Suggested Sections:

1. Table of Contents – A roadmap for quick access
2. Practice Planner – Weekly or monthly planning sheets
3. Drills by Category
   • Dribbling
   • Shooting
   • Passing
   • Defense
   • Conditioning
4. Game Simulations – For scrimmage ideas
5. Notes and Observations – For tracking progress

Table Example:

Section	Focus	Description
Dribbling	Ball control	Drills for one-hand dribbles, crossovers, etc.
Shooting	Form + Range	Layups, free throws, 3-point shots
Defense	Positioning	1-on-1 defense, zone coverage drills

Step 4: Collect and Create Drills

Now the fun part. You can use drills from:

• YouTube tutorials
• Coaching websites
• Basketball drill books (yep, I read a few before making mine)
• Personal experience

How I did it: I started with about 5–6 drills per category. Enough to rotate without overwhelming anyone.

Dribble Drill Example:

Name: Zig-Zag Dribble

• Objective: Improve control under pressure
• Setup: Cones arranged in zig-zag
• Instructions: Players dribble through cones with their non-dominant hand

Write each drill on its own page with these elements:

• Drill Name
• Objective
• Setup/Equipment
• Instructions
• Coaching Tips
• Variations (for different levels)

Step 5: Personalize It

This is where your drill book becomes yours.

Tips to Customize:

• Add player names and how they responded to each drill
• Include photos or printed screenshots from video demos
• Rate drills by effectiveness
• Add sticky notes for reminders

I even included motivational quotes on some pages. One of my players loved, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

Step 6: Plan Your Practices

Your drill book isn’t just a collection—it’s a planner.

Weekly Practice Plan Example:

Day	Focus	Drills
Monday	Dribbling + Shooting	Zig-Zag Dribble, Free Throws, Layup Ladder
Wednesday	Defense	Close-Out Drill, Help Defense, 1-on-1s
Friday	Game Situations	Scrimmage, Full Court Press Simulation

Use your drill book to write out each day’s focus, warm-ups, and time per drill.

Tip: Stick to 3–4 drills per session to keep things engaging.

Step 7: Go Digital (Optional But Helpful)

Eventually, I created a digital version in Google Drive. It made sharing with assistant coaches way easier.

Tools I Used:

• Google Docs for writing and organizing
• Canva for visual drill templates
• Excel for planning calendars

Digital versions let you:

• Print updated pages easily
• Share drills with others
• Keep backups

Step 8: Update It Regularly

Your drill book should evolve. Add new drills, remove ones that didn’t work, and always write down what you learn.

What I Keep Updating:

• Notes on player progress
• Drill success ratings
• New variations for the same drills

Think of it like a living document—it grows with you.

My Biggest Takeaways

Making my own basketball drill book taught me more than just drills. It taught me patience, creativity, and how to really lead.

Here’s what I learned:

• Simpler drills are often more effective
• Organization saves time (and stress)
• Players respect preparation
• Flexibility is key—what works for one group might flop with another

What Are the Basic Drills in Basketball?

When I first started learning how to make a basketball drill book, I realized I had to start with the basics. And by basics, I mean those simple moves that every player, young or old, must master.

Here are a few drills I always include at the beginning:

• Dribbling drills: I like to start with stationary dribbling using both hands. Then I move on to zig-zag dribbles across the court. It helps build ball control and confidence.
• Passing drills: The chest pass, bounce pass, and overhead pass are staples. I make sure to include partner drills to keep it fun and interactive.
• Shooting drills: Everyone loves to shoot, right? I include form shooting close to the hoop to build muscle memory. Then I add spot shooting from key areas like the corner and elbow.
• Layup drills: Simple right-hand and left-hand layups are must-haves. I like using cones or chairs to mimic defenders.
• Defense drills: Good defense wins games. So I use defensive slide drills and closeout drills to teach players how to stay low and react fast.

These drills form the foundation. When I was putting together my first drill book, I kept asking myself, “What would I need if I was teaching someone from scratch?” These basics were the answer.

What Are Some Good Basketball Drills?

Once the basics are down, I like to mix in some good basketball drills that add energy, challenge, and fun. If you’re learning how to make a basketball drill book, this is where things get exciting.

Here are some of my favorites:

• Around the World (shooting drill): This classic never gets old. Players shoot from different spots around the key. It adds a game-like feel and keeps them moving.
• 3-Man Weave: This one teaches passing, timing, and teamwork. I love including it because it’s fast-paced and great for warming up.
• Dribble Tag: Sounds silly, but it’s super effective. One player is “it” while others dribble and try not to get tagged. It’s perfect for younger kids.
• One-on-One Closeout Drill: Great for building defensive skills. One player starts with the ball, and the defender closes out with high energy.
• Beat the Pro (free throw challenge): I made this up to make free throws more competitive. If you miss more than “the pro” (set a number), you owe push-ups!

When building my drill book, I wanted it to be more than a list. I wanted it to feel alive. That’s why I made sure to blend core skill drills with fun, engaging ones that spark motivation.

If you’re like me and want to know how to make a basketball drill book that actually helps players grow, start by thinking of drills you loved—or hated but learned from. Add variety. Keep it short, simple, and full of energy.

FAQs On How to Make a Basketball Drill Book

How long does it take to make a basketball drill book?

If you already have drills in mind, you can build a solid version in a weekend. I spent a couple of hours each day for a week fine-tuning mine.

Can I use someone else’s drills?

Absolutely. Just give credit if you’re sharing the book publicly. Most coaches use a mix of original and borrowed drills.

Should I go digital or use a physical notebook?

Both work! Physical books are easier to bring to practice. Digital versions are easier to update and share.

What’s the best way to find drills?

YouTube, coaching forums, and basketball training apps are gold mines. I also asked other coaches what worked for them.

Can players make their own drill books?

Definitely! It helps players become more engaged and self-aware of their progress.

Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering how to make a basketball drill book, don’t overthink it. Start small. Use what you know. Add as you go. This book is your sidekick in every practice, game, and season.

It’s not just a binder. It’s your playbook, your teaching tool, your basketball brain on paper.

So grab a binder, pick up a pen, and make your own basketball drill book. Trust me—it’s a total game changer.