Todd Troxel

Coaching women’s basketball comes with its unique challenges and rewards. As a coach, your responsibility goes beyond just developing your team’s skills – you also need to create an environment that fosters teamwork, discipline, and mental toughness. One of the key components in shaping a successful team is implementing effective drills that cater to your players' development. Whether you're coaching beginners or advanced players, having a set of fundamental drills in your coaching toolkit is essential.

If you're looking for a proven method to elevate your team’s performance, you might want to look at Todd Troxel’s approach. Todd, known for his expertise in basketball coaching, has a reputation for focusing on drills that not only enhance technical skills but also encourage players to understand the game on a deeper level. In this article, we’ll explore some essential drills every women’s basketball coach should teach, drawing on principles that coaches like Todd have used to build winning teams.

Ball Handling Drills for Control and Confidence

One of the first areas to focus on when training any basketball player is ball handling. Without solid control of the ball, even the most talented players can struggle. Coaches should emphasize improving both dribbling skills and hand-eye coordination early on.

One drill that is particularly effective for building control is the "2-Ball Dribbling Drill." In this drill, players dribble two basketballs simultaneously, one with each hand. This drill not only improves a player’s hand-eye coordination but also develops ambidextrous dribbling, which is crucial in making them unpredictable on the court. Coaches should emphasize alternating dribbles, dribbling low to the ground, and maintaining an aggressive pace, just like how Todd Troxel teaches his athletes to do during his practice sessions.

Another great drill for ball handling is the "Figure Eight Dribble." This drill focuses on dribbling the ball around the legs in a figure-eight pattern while staying low to the ground. The key to this drill is maintaining tight control of the basketball while moving quickly. As players get comfortable, increase the speed and intensity to challenge them.

Shooting Drills to Improve Accuracy

Shooting is often the difference between winning and losing a game. A successful coach will focus on helping players develop both their shooting form and shot selection. There are several effective drills to do this.

One of the most beneficial drills is the "Spot Shooting Drill." Players should position themselves at various spots around the court, starting near the basket and gradually moving further away as they make successful shots. Coaches should encourage players to focus on perfecting their shooting form and follow through, ensuring they use proper mechanics with each shot.

Todd Troxel, in particular, emphasizes the importance of footwork in shooting. "Shooting isn’t just about the hands," he often says. "It’s about getting your feet set and being balanced. Without solid footwork, your shot will lack consistency." Coaches should dedicate time to working with players on their shooting footwork. One great drill for this is the "Jump Stop and Shoot Drill," which encourages players to stop on a dime, balance themselves, and then take a shot. This drill mimics the types of quick decisions players must make in a game.

Passing Drills for Precision and Timing

A successful basketball team is built on excellent passing. Accurate, well-timed passes help the team maintain offensive rhythm and create scoring opportunities. Passing drills should focus on improving both the accuracy and speed of the pass, along with timing and communication.

One great drill to improve passing is the "3-Man Weave." This drill involves three players passing the ball while weaving down the court, focusing on quick and accurate passes while running. This drill not only helps with passing but also enhances conditioning, teamwork, and communication. Coaches like todd troxell do incorporate this drill regularly into their practices to emphasize the importance of moving without the ball and creating fast break opportunities.

Another drill to improve passing accuracy is the "Target Passing Drill," where players work in pairs and aim to pass the ball into specific targets, such as a cone or a teammate’s chest. This drill encourages players to pass with both hands and develop precision in their passing game.

Defensive Drills for Focus and Awareness

Great defense is often what separates good teams from great teams. A solid defense can frustrate opponents and lead to turnovers, which transition into easy scoring opportunities. Defensive drills are essential for teaching players the fundamentals of footwork, positioning, and awareness.

One of the best drills for defensive skills is the "Defensive Slide Drill." This drill helps players improve their lateral quickness, which is essential for staying in front of an offensive player. Coaches should stress the importance of maintaining a low defensive stance, using short, quick steps, and keeping the hands active.

Another key drill for building defensive awareness is the "Closeout Drill." In this drill, players practice closing out on a shooter from a distance, making sure they don't give up an open shot. The goal is to quickly close the gap, get into a good defensive position, and challenge the shot without fouling. As Todd Troxel would advise, "A strong defense doesn’t just stop the ball – it forces the opponent to make mistakes."

Conditioning Drills to Build Stamina

Physical conditioning is crucial for any basketball team, and the best coaches know how to incorporate conditioning into everyday practice. Building stamina helps players maintain their intensity throughout the game, especially during late-game moments when fatigue can set in.

A popular conditioning drill is the "Suicides" drill. Players sprint from one baseline to the next, touching each line before heading back to the starting point. This drill challenges players to push through fatigue while also focusing on their speed and agility.

Todd Troxel often integrates conditioning with skill-building exercises, ensuring that players are not only building stamina but also reinforcing their basketball fundamentals during the process. One example of this is the "Conditioning and Shooting Drill," where players perform a series of sprints followed by shooting drills, mimicking the high-intensity nature of a real game.

Mental Toughness Drills

Finally, developing mental toughness is often what makes a good player great. The best teams are composed of players who can push through adversity, stay focused under pressure, and maintain their composure during tight moments.

One drill that helps develop mental toughness is the "Free Throw Under Pressure" drill. In this drill, players are required to make free throws in game-like conditions, where they must perform under pressure. Whether it’s after a tough series of sprints or during a simulated game situation, players learn how to block out distractions and focus on the task at hand.

Todd Troxel teaches his players to embrace challenges and never shy away from difficult situations. He encourages coaches to foster an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth. This mindset is critical for building resilient players who can perform well in high-pressure moments.

Conclusion

As a women’s basketball coach, your role is pivotal in shaping the future of your players. The drills you choose to incorporate into your practices should not only develop technical skills but also teach the mental and physical aspects that are essential to success. Drills like ball handling, shooting, passing, defense, conditioning, and mental toughness are all part of a well-rounded coaching approach.

By focusing on these essential areas, and learning from experienced coaches like Todd Troxel, you can create a program that empowers your players to improve and thrive on the court. Remember, basketball is as much about the mindset as it is about skill. Coaches who can balance both will see their players excel and their teams grow stronger with each practice.