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Footwork Skill Progression

eBasketballCoach.com
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CONTENTS

FOOTWORK SKILL PROGRESSION CHEAT SHEET 4

QUICK STANCE & QUICK STARTS 5
QUICK STEPS 6
180 DEGREE CHANGE 7
FRONT CUT 8
BACK CUT 9
BACK DOOR CUT 10
QUICK TURNS 11
CHANGE OF PACE RUNNING 12
QUICK CHANGE OF PACE DRILL 13
QUICK CUTS 14
VISUALIZE THE GAME 15
BASELINE STARTS, STOPS & TURNS 16
V CUT/L CUT – QUICK JAB TO GET OPEN 17
PASS & RECEPTION 18
PASS & RECEPTION AT THE BASKET 19
MORE RESOURCES 20
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Footwork Skill Progressions
Match the following skill progressions to the experience level of your team. If you are working with multiple skill levels, separate the kids
into groups and run stations. Each station uses the skill progression that best matches their ability. All drills are explained inside this
document, and demonstrated on video inside Module 2 and Module 3 of Total Basketball Skill Development.

Quick Stance and 180 Degree Baseline Starts,

Quick Steps
BEGINNERS Quick Starts Change Stops and Turns
3 Mins
3 Mins 3 Mins 3 Mins

Quick Stance and Quick Front Cut, Back Cut, Back

Quick Turns
BEGINNERS Starts Door Cut
5 Mins
5 Mins 5 Mins

Front Cut, Back

Baseline Stops, V Cut L Cut Quick
Cut, Back Door Pass & Reception
INTERMEDIATE Stops & Turns Jab To Get Open
Cut 3 Mins
3 Mins 3 Mins
3 Mins

Pass & Reception At the

Quick Cuts Change of Pace Running
INTERMEDIATE Basket
5 Mins 5 Mins
5 Mins

Baseline Stops, Visualize the Pass & Reception

Pass & Reception
ADVANCED Stops & Turns Game at the Basket
3 Mins
3 Mins 3 Mins 3 Mins

Front Cut, Back Cut, Back Quick Change of Pace

Change of Pace Running
ADVANCED Door Cut Drill
5 Mins
5 Mins 5 Mins
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QUICK STANCE & QUICK STARTS

Purpose:

Players learn to get in the basketball-ready, or triple threat, position and also use quick
starts/change of pace to get warmed up.

Setup:

Four lines of players spaced about 12 to 15 feet apart (first at 3-point line left corner,
second at lane’s edge, third at other lane’s edge, fourth at three point line right corner).

Execution:

1. Coach says, “ready.” Players practice quick stance and quick starts in
2. Players at front of each line get in quick stance. this half court drill.
3. Coach says, “go.”
4. Players lead with front foot, take large step and then use change of pace and quick
starts to move from baseline to half court where they do a quick turn and stop.
5. Once everyone has reach half court, players do the same thing back to the baseline.

Coaching Tips:

• When player reaches free throw line extended, the next player goes.

• Watch for hands at chest level, all joints bent and alternating quick starts with
slower footwork. Players get in the quick stance, or triple threat
position, to begin the drill.
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QUICK STEPS

Purpose:

Players learn proper footwork when making a 90-degree change of direction on the
basketball court.

Setup:

Four lines of players spaced about 12 to 15 feet apart (first at 3-point line left corner,
second at lane’s edge, third at other lane’s edge, fourth at three point line right corner).

Execution:

1. Coach says “ready.”

2. Players get in quick stance position.
3. Coach says “go.” Players work on planting and making
4. Players take 2 to 3 steps to the right, plant and cut back hard to the left. They repeat 90 degree turns.

this process as they make their way to half court.

5. Next player goes when player ahead of him reach free throw line extended.
6. When all players reach half court, players do the same thing back to the baseline.
7. This drill should also be run with players going to the left and cutting back to the right.

Coaching Tips

• Watch that players are planting their outside foot and getting their hips into the turn.

• Players should go into the turn slow and come out quick.

• Players should also bring their hands up and use them for momentum when coming
out of the turn.
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180 DEGREE CHANGE

Purpose:

Players learn to stop their forward momentum, reverse and go back the way they came.
This skill is important when there is a sudden change of possession.

Setup:

Four lines of players spaced about 12 to 15 feet apart (first at 3-point line left corner,
second at lane’s edge, third at other lane’s edge, fourth at three point line right corner).

Execution:

1. Coach says, “ready.”

2. Players at front of each line get in quick stance.
3. Coach says, “go.”
4. Players run to top of three point, stop, reverse direction and head back to the line they Basketball players need to be able to change
came from. directions on a dime – and that’s exactly what
5. When player reaches line, next player goes. they learn to do in this drill.

Coaching Tips:

• Players should sit back on their heels, get down low and change direction in
a straight line.
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FRONT CUT

Purpose:

In this drill, players simulate making a pass, stepping away and then cutting to the basket.

Setup:

Four lines of players spaced about 12 to 15 feet apart (first at 3-point line left corner,
second at lane’s edge, third at other lane’s edge, fourth at three point line right corner).

Execution:

1. Coach says, “ready.”

2. Players at front of each line get in quick stance.
3. Coach says, “go.”
4. Players simulate a pass to the left and take 2 to 3 steps away, then cut back hard to the
make-believe basket with hands up ready to receive the ball. Players simulate the pass, step away and
5. Players go to half court, then come back running the drill the opposite way. then cut hard to the basket.

Coaching Tips:

• Look for good hard cuts and that players are staying balanced when cutting.
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BACK CUT

Purpose:

In this drill, players simulate making a pass, then cut behind an imaginary defender who is
overplaying them.

Setup:

Four lines of players spaced about 12 to 15 feet apart (first at 3-point line left corner,
second at lane’s edge, third at other lane’s edge, fourth at three point line right corner).

Execution:

1. Coach says, “ready.”

2. Players at front of each line get in quick stance.
3. Coach says, “go.”
4. Players simulate a pass to the middle, take one short step away and then cut hard Players work on their back cuts.
behind the imaginary defender who is overplaying them.
5. Players go to half court, then come back running the drill the opposite way.

Coaching Tips:

• Look for good hard cuts and that players are staying balanced when cutting.
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BACK DOOR CUT

Purpose:

Players work on making back door cuts.

Setup:

Four lines of players spaced about 12 to 15 feet apart (first at 3-point line left corner,
second at lane’s edge, third at other lane’s edge, fourth at three point line right corner).

Execution:

1. Coach says, “ready.”

2. Players at front of each line get in quick stance.
3. Coach says, “go.”
4. Players run to the free throw line extended, come back toward the line they were in,
then make a back door cut and head toward half court.
Players run to the free throw line extended
area, come back toward their line and then
Coaching Tips: make a hard back door cut.

• In this drill, players make three movements – out, in, out. Look for good hard cuts and
good speed out of the cut.
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QUICK TURNS

Purpose:

Players learn to stop under control and make either a front or back turn using proper
footwork.

Setup:

Four lines of players spaced about 12 to 15 feet apart (first at 3-point line left corner,
second at lane’s edge, third at other lane’s edge, fourth at three point line right corner).

Execution:

1. Coach says, “ready.”

2. Players at front of each line get in quick stance.
3. Coach says, “go.”
4. Players run to the free throw line extended and come to a quick stop. They then make Players make front and rear turns in this drill.
either a front turn or a rear turn according to what the coach has instructed.

Coaching Tips:

• As the drill progresses you can call out different combinations for the players to do – for
example, “left pivot foot, front turn,” “right pivot foot, rear turn” etc.

Above, rear turn with left foot as pivot foot or

turning foot. Below, front turn with right foot as
pivot foot.
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CHANGE OF PACE RUNNING

Purpose:

Players improve their footwork and get warmed up.

Setup:

Players line up along baseline and proceed down the court and then come back to the
starting position. No basketballs are used.

Execution:

1. Coach says “go.”

2. Players go slow, then fast, exploding forward with their hands chest high and calling for
the ball.
3. Players use this pattern – slow ,then fast – all the way down the court and back.

Coaching Tips:

• When players go fast, make sure they bring their hands to their chest in a ready-to-
Player goes slow then fast as he makes his way
receive the pass position. down the court and back.

• You can also have players call for the ball by saying “open” or calling a player on the
team’s name.

Player puts his hands up and calls for ball during

the Change of Pace Running Drill.
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QUICK CHANGE OF PACE

Purpose:

Players practice making quick changes of pace. Another great warm-up drill.

Setup:

Players line up along baseline and proceed down the court and then come back to the
starting position. No basketballs are used. Coach needs a whistle for this drill.

Execution:

1. Coach blows whistle.

2. Players proceed down court according to the number of whistle blows from the coach.
3. One whistle players go full speed.
4. Two whistles players go at about two-thirds speed.
5. Three whistles players walk with their hands up.
6. Coach blows whistle at various points as players go down the court and back.

Coaching Tips: In this drill, players go from one

baseline to the other and then back to
the starting position.
• When players go fast, make sure they bring their hands to their chest in a ready-to-
receive the pass position.

• Look for quick changes of pace – from slow to fast as fast as possible. At left, coach
blows the
whistle and
player reacts
accordingly.
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QUICK CUTS

Purpose:

Players practice making two different types of quick cuts as they go down the court and
back. This is also a great conditioning drill.

Setup:

Players line up along baseline and proceed down the court and then come back to the
starting position. No basketballs are used.

Execution:

1. Coach says “go” or blows whistle.

2. Players proceed down court making two different cuts.
3. First cut is slow into the cut, then hard out with hands up, ready to receive ball.
4. Second cut is hard into the cut and hard out of the cut with hands up, ready to receive
ball.
5. Players should alternate the cuts as they go down the court and back.

Coaching Tips: Players practice making quick cuts down the

court and back in this drill.

• Players should not put their weight on the outside foot that they are jabbing with.
Instead players should keep weight low and inside and sink their hips as they make
the cut.
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VISUALIZE THE GAME

Purpose:

Players practice both mental and physical aspects of the game of basketball in this drill.

Setup:

Player sets up in an offensive position in the half court. No basketballs are used.

Execution:

1. Coach says “go” or blows whistle.

2. Player imagines five offensive players and five defensive players on court and proceeds
to set screens and make second cuts, receive screens and make cuts, catch the ball and
square, make passes and cuts, dribble the ball, take a shot, get the rebound, etc. Players visualize the game and make basketball
moves based on what they imagine is happening
3. Drill continues until coach says “stop” or blows whistle. on the court.

Coaching Tips:

• This drill requires creativity and an understanding of the game of basketball to be

effective. If players struggle with the creative aspect, have them run through plays in
their head.

• Players should be verbal during the drill, communicating with the imaginary players.
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BASELINE STARTS, STOPS & TURNS

Purpose:

Players practice making quick starts, stops and turns – all essential basketball moves – in
this drill.

Setup:

Four lines of players spaced about 12 to 15 feet apart (first at 3-point line left corner,
second at lane’s edge, third at other lane’s edge, fourth at three point line right corner).
First player in each line has a ball.

Execution:

1. Coach says “go” or blows whistle.

Players work on quick starts, quick stops and
2. Player make either a direct drive or a crossover drive, dribble to free throw line quick turns all in this one drill.
extended and make a quick stop and quick rear turn.
3. They then pass the ball back to the next person in line and use change of pace to go to
the end of the line.
4. Drill can be run with coaches at free throw line extended to harass ball handlers and
force the quick turn.

Coaching Tips:

• Stress to players LBBOS – Low, Body Balanced, Base of Support.

• Players should lift heel of pivot foot when making a turn. Players should also make a
quick stop not a jump stop, which requires a larger jump into the stop.
Here the drill is run from the wing. Player drives
• Also, stress quick, efficient turns to your players. down, makes a quick stop and quick turn and
passes the ball back out to the next player in line.
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V CUT/L CUT – QUICK JAB TO GET OPEN

Purpose:

Players work on receiving a pass. Players use a V Cut or L Cut along with a quick jab and
change of pace to get open and receive the ball.

Setup:

Four lines of players spaced about 12 to 15 feet apart along the baseline (first at 3-point line
left corner, second at lane’s edge, third at other lane’s edge, fourth at three point line right
corner). Four coaches or players line up in the area between half court and the top of the
three point line. They each have a basketball.

Execution:
Players jab to get open, receive the ball and
1. Coach says “go” or blows whistle. make a quick turn.
2. Player makes an L Cut or V Cut with a quick jab, goes up court and receives pass.
3. Upon catching ball, players makes a quick turn and then passes the ball back to the
coach and goes to the end of the line.
4. Drill is run until coach says “stop” or blows the whistle.

Coaching Tips:

• Players should also be using change of pace and change of direction to get open. They
should also throw their hands out and up, past the imaginary defender as they make
their cut.

• To make the drill tougher, put a coach or player at the cut position to hit the player with a
pad as he jabs to get open.
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PASS & RECEPTION

Purpose:

Players work on both passing the ball and catching it.

Setup:

Four lines of players spaced about 12 to 15 feet apart along the baseline (first at 3-point line
left corner, second at lane’s edge, third at other lane’s edge, fourth at three point line right
corner). First player in each line has a ball. One coach or player for each line, lines up in the
area between the half court line and the top of the 3-point line.

Execution:

1. Players line up facing either right or left

Players make the pass, then cut and receive a
2. Coach says, “go” or blows the whistle. return pass.
3. Players fake a pass away from the court and then throws a skip pass out to a player or
coach lined up in the area between the half court and the top of the 3-point line.
4. After making the pass, player “goes and gets the ball,” running up court to receive the
pass back from the coach.
5. Player catches the ball, does a quick stop and quick turn and throws the ball to the next
person in line.

Coaching Tips:

• Players should be making tight cuts. Stress “get close to get open” – meaning players
should try to get close to the imaginary defender and then make the cut to get open.
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PASS & RECEPTION AT BASKET

Purpose:

Takes what players have learned from the baseline and puts it at the basket so players
better understand offensive spacing.

Setup:

You need a player in the post with a defender, a player on the wing with a defender and a
player at the point with a defender.

Execution:

1. Coach says, “go” or blows the whistle. Players put the skills they learned in baseline
drills to work in a more game-type situation.
2. Player on wing goes into the defender and makes a cut to get open.
3. Player at point passes ball to wing.
4. Player on wing takes a dribble or two toward baseline and hits the post man rolling to
the basket.
5. Post player catches the ball and makes the basket.
6. Players rotate one position and drill continues.
7. Drill ends when coach blows whistle.

Coaching Tips:

• Look for proper spacing and good fundamentals both passing and catching the ball.

• As players get used to the drill, you can change elements such as having the defender
front the post or running the drill from a different court position.
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