If you’re getting ready for basketball tryouts Saratoga, the top five drills you should master are: dribbling drills, shooting form drills, defensive slides, conditioning sprints, and passing accuracy drills. These five areas cover the main skills coaches look for—ball control, shooting consistency, defensive effort, speed, and teamwork. By focusing on these drills, you’ll build the foundation needed to stand out during tryouts and earn your spot on the team.
Many players underestimate how much preparation matters before tryouts. The days before basketball tryouts Saratoga are not the time to just shoot around casually. You need a plan that builds skill, stamina, and confidence. The best way to do that is by working on drills that mirror what coaches test during tryouts. If you’ve ever attended a Saratoga basketball youth camp, you’ve probably done many of these drills already—they help players sharpen their fundamentals and get ready for real competition. Now, let’s go over each of these five drills in detail so you can prepare the right way.
Dribbling Drills for Ball Control
Ball control is the first skill coaches notice. A player who can handle the ball under pressure gives confidence to the whole team. You should practice stationary dribbling and movement dribbling. Start with simple drills like crossovers, between-the-legs, and behind-the-back dribbles. Once you’re comfortable, move while dribbling—zigzag up and down the court while keeping your head up.
Try the cone dribbling drill: set up cones in a straight line about three feet apart. Dribble through them using both hands. Focus on keeping the ball low and controlled. This drill improves your ability to change direction quickly, which is key during fast breaks or when facing a defender.
If you’ve been to a Saratoga basketball youth camp, you might remember coaches stressing the importance of dribbling with both hands. That’s because being able to handle the ball on either side makes you unpredictable and harder to guard.
Shooting Form Drills
Shooting is what wins games, and coaches always look for players who can score efficiently. Before tryouts, focus on form shooting—not just throwing up shots from deep. Stand a few feet from the basket and work on your shooting motion. Keep your elbow in, follow through with your wrist, and aim for a soft arc.
A great drill for this is the “swish-only” drill. Stand close to the hoop and try to make five shots in a row that don’t touch the rim. This teaches you precision and control. Once you’ve built consistency, move back step by step until you’re hitting shots from mid-range and beyond.
You can also practice catch-and-shoot drills. Have a friend pass you the ball, or toss it to yourself, then shoot quickly. This mimics real game situations where you have to shoot under pressure.
Defensive Slide Drills
Defense often separates good players from great ones. Coaches value hustle, positioning, and communication on defense. The defensive slide drill helps build quick footwork and stamina.
Start in a low defensive stance—knees bent, back straight, hands out. Slide side to side across the court without crossing your feet. Focus on staying low and balanced. You can use cones or lines on the court to mark your movement range.
To make it harder, have a partner call out directions at random—left, right, forward, back—and react instantly. This builds your ability to adjust quickly, just like you’ll need to during a game.
If you’ve ever watched players at a Saratoga basketball youth camp, you’ll notice how much time they spend on defense. Coaches love players who give full effort on every play, even when they don’t have the ball.
Conditioning Sprints
Basketball is a fast game, and conditioning can make or break your performance during tryouts. You might have great skills, but if you get tired halfway through, coaches will notice. That’s why conditioning sprints are a must.
The simplest version is the suicide drill. Start at the baseline, sprint to the free-throw line and back, then to half-court and back, then to the opposite free-throw line and back, and finally to the far baseline and back. Time yourself and try to improve each round.
You can also do 30-second sprint intervals—run full speed for 30 seconds, rest for 30 seconds, and repeat for several sets. This builds endurance and speed, both of which are key during long scrimmages.
Conditioning drills also test your mental toughness. Coaches want players who can push through fatigue and still give their best effort.
Passing Accuracy Drills
Basketball is a team game, and passing shows how well you work with others. Coaches want players who can make quick, accurate passes that keep the offense moving.
Try the wall pass drill: stand about six feet from a wall and pass the ball against it using chest passes, bounce passes, and overhead passes. Aim for the same spot each time. This improves accuracy and control.
Another good one is the partner passing drill. Work with a friend and pass back and forth while moving. Try to keep the ball at chest level and crisp. You can add a defender later to make it more challenging.
Passing drills improve your timing and help you read the floor better. If you’ve attended a Saratoga basketball youth camp, you’ve likely done similar drills where teamwork and passing are key lessons.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for basketball tryouts Saratoga is about more than just showing up—it’s about showing your best version of yourself. By mastering these five drills—dribbling, shooting, defense, conditioning, and passing—you’ll show coaches that you’re ready to contribute right away.
Consistency is what sets top players apart. Don’t just practice once or twice; commit to doing these drills every day leading up to tryouts. You’ll notice your confidence and skill improve with each session.
If you want structured guidance, consider joining a Saratoga basketball youth camp before tryouts. These camps focus on the same drills and give you feedback from experienced coaches. They can help you refine your technique and build habits that last all season.
With the right preparation, effort, and focus, you’ll walk into tryouts ready to impress. Remember: hard work always shows, and the players who prepare the best often perform the best. Keep training, stay confident, and give it your all—your spot on the team might be closer than you think.
Team Elite Basketball
405 El Camino Real ste 409, Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 547-9103