Basketball Ball Handling Drills - Jump Stop Drills Series | HoopsU.com Basketball
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Ball Handling Drills

Jump Stop Drills Series



1) Basic Jump Stop Drill (without basketball)

Purpose: To learn how to effectively perform a jump stop with proper footwork and balance.

Drill: Have the players begin on the baseline without a basketball.  After you have instructed how to correctly perform a jump stop (see Fundamental Skills 101: Jump Stops), have the players run forward from the baseline to the free throw line and execute a jump stop.  Once completed, they will proceed to the halfcourt line and jump stop.  Finish with two more jump stops at the opposite free throw line and baseline.

Coaching Points:
  • If you want to make sure each player stops with proper footwork and balance, make them hold the triple threat position until you tell them to 'go' (say 'go' or use a whistle).  Sometimes, by just allowing them to go on their own, they will not hold jump stop in a strong manner.  Part of the reason is to jump stop is to be strong; make sure the players are being 'strong'.
    • 2) Basic Jump Stop Drill (with basketball)

    Drill:     This jump stop drill is performed in the same manner as above, however, now the players will use a basketball.

    Coaching Points:
  • Same as the first drill.
  • Have the players alternate dribbling with left and right hand (either switch hands to each line or go left hand one way and right hand back down the other way).
    • 3) 1-on-0 Full Court Jump Stop Layups Drill

    Purpose: To teach the jump stop in a game situation.

    Drill: The player will start on the baseline and dribble through the halfcourt.  Just past halfcourt, the player should angle toward the basket and perform a jump stop in the lane and finish with a layup.  Grab your own rebound and dribble back down the other way and repeat the jump stop and layup.

    The next player in line can go once the player ahead has finished the layup.  Continue for duration of drill.

    Coaching Points:
  • Make sure players are going at game speed
  • Watch and instruct so the players are performing a proper jump stop.
  • As the players are capable, have them add a shot fake and/or a pass fake before shooting the layup.  You can also teach them a step-through move to finish.
    • 4) 1-on-1 Full Court Jump Stop Layup Drill

    Purpose: To teach the jump stop in a game situation.

    Drill: The player will start on the baseline, this time against a defender.  The objective of this drill is to make a jump stop in the lane. (Shooting the layup or short jumper can be added later).  The defender should be playing 'live' defense and attempting to stop the dribbler from getting to the lane.

    Once they reach the other end, switch roles and come back down the court the other direction.

    Note: The shaded area is shown to display the area of the court the dribbler should stay out of.  The dribbler should keep to his third of the court only.
    5) 1-on-2 Full Court Jump Stop Layup Drill

    Purpose: To teach the jump stop in a game situation.

    Drill: The player will start on the baseline, this time against 2 defenders.  The objective of this drill remains the same - to make a jump stop in the lane. (Shooting the layup or short jumper can be added later).  The defenders should be playing 'live' defense and attempting to stop the dribbler from getting to the lane.

    Each time they get to the other end of the court, the players should switch roles.

    Note: The shaded area is shown to display the area of the court the dribbler should stay out of.  The dribbler should keep to his third of the court only.
    6) Additional Thoughts on the Jump Stop:

  • Jump Stops, once learned, is a skill that can be added to many drills...layup drills, passing drills, shooting drills, etc.  As a coach, the jump stop needs to be emphasized frequently in order to get the players to execute it.  So beyond this 'jump stop drill series' and the other jump stop drills, EMPHASIZE JUMP STOPS!
  • Remember, jump stops make the basketball player stronger, more in control, and more difficult to defend -- teach it and preach it!