One of the easiest ways to start practice with energy is a short, high-engagement passing drill. This passing warm-up drill is designed to get players moving, talking, and thinking right away, without eating up valuable practice time. The goal is flow, communication, and readiness.
Why This Passing Drill Works
This drill is ideal at the very beginning of practice because it checks multiple boxes at once:
- Gets players physically warm in under a minute
- Reinforces verbal and non-verbal communication
- Encourages constant movement after the pass
- Builds focus without over-coaching
Because it’s quick and simple, players can jump right in and start competing against the clock or against themselves.
How to Run the Passing Warm-up Drill
- Start with players spread out in a defined space (half court works well).
- Begin with two basketballs.
- Players pass and immediately move to a new open space.
- Every pass should be called out: name, target hand, or simple cues like “ball” or “here.”
The key is continuous motion. No standing. No holding the ball. Pass, move, communicate.
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Keep It Short and Sharp
This drill should only last 30–40 seconds at a time. That’s intentional.
Longer than that, and the quality drops. Short bursts keep the pace high and the communication loud. You can always bring it back later in practice if you want another quick reset.
Progression: Add More Basketballs
Once your team gets comfortable:
- Move from two balls to three
- Eventually build up to four or even five basketballs
More balls force:
- Faster decision-making
- Better spacing
- Clearer communication
If the drill breaks down, that’s okay. Reset, reduce the number of balls, and go again.
Coaching Emphasis
While the drill is running, focus on just a few cues:
- “Talk early”
- “Move after you pass”
- “See the floor”
Avoid stopping the drill to lecture. Let the reps teach.
Final Thought
This passing warm-up drill is simple, fast, and effective. It’s perfect for youth teams and older players alike because it builds habits you want all season: communication, movement, and awareness. Short. Sharp. Purposeful.
If you’re looking for more warm-up ideas, practice structures, and game-ready drills, that’s exactly why TeachHoops.com exists, to help coaches make every minute of practice count.
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