Youth Inc. Recommends: Five Resources for Making Practice Fun

Let’s be real — if practice feels like a chore, nobody’s bringing their best effort. Fun doesn’t mean unfocused, and the best coaches know how to keep things lively while still building skills. These five resources are full of drills, games, and philosophies designed to make practices something your players want to show up for.

35 Basketball Drills for Fun and Effective Practice

What it is: A roundup of basketball drills, organized by type, each with video demonstration designed to keep kids engaged while learning the basics. 

Why we like it: The tone is friendly, the instructions are clear, and the drills are built for smiles and fundamentals. Great for coaches working with younger players or beginners.

Fun Basketball Drills for Kids

What it is: A video compilation of fast-paced, creative drills for dribbling, finishing, and shooting. 

Why we like it: These aren’t gimmicks — they’re real skill-builders that just happen to be fun. This is a great reminder that adding excitement doesn’t have to sacrifice improvement.

How to Make Basketball Practice Fun

What it is: A guide to the philosophy behind structuring a fun, engaging practice — including the value of gamification, player energy, and open-minded coaching. 

Why we like it: This one goes beyond the drills. It’s about coaching with intention and building a practice environment that motivates players to bring their best effort — not because they have to, but because they want to. 

Basketball Drills

What it is: A comprehensive bank of drills sorted by category and focus area. 

Why we like it: Not all of them are built for laughs, but with this much variety, you’ll find plenty of high-energy, creative options to spice up any session. A great place to discover something new when practice is starting to feel stale. 

60 Fun Basketball Drills and Games

What it is: A free downloadable and highly navigable PDF from the YMCA with sixty(!) fun-focused drills and mini-games. 

Why we like it: This one’s a gold mine, assembled specifically for youth coaches. Tons of simple, low-pressure activities that help players build skills without even realizing how much they’re learning.