The Easter holidays are the perfect time for young basketball players to rest, recharge, and most importantly, improve their game. Whether you’re part of the Bexley Tigers or just starting out, this break offers the ideal opportunity to train consistently, build good habits, and focus on the fundamentals—all without the pressure of school timetables.

Below, we’ve outlined a structured and effective way to train over the break, complete with suggested video resources to guide you every step of the way.

1. Set a Training Schedule

Before you hit the court, make a plan. Decide how many days a week you’ll train (we suggest 4–5 sessions per week), and divide your time between:

  • Skill work (ball handling, shooting, footwork)
  • Fitness and conditioning
  • Basketball IQ and video study
  • Rest and recovery

Even just 45–60 minutes a day can make a big difference with consistent effort.

2. Ball Handling (Every Day – 15 mins)

Dribbling is one of the easiest skills to practice anywhere—even in your driveway, garden or living room.

Drills to try:

  • Pound dribbles (low, medium, high)
  • Crossovers, behind-the-back, and spin moves
  • Two-ball dribbling (if you have access to 2 basketballs)
  • Stationary combo moves into a shot (if using a hoop)

🎥 Video Guide: 10-Minute Ball Handling Routine

3. Shooting (3–4x per week – 30 mins)

If you have access to a hoop at home or a local outdoor court, get shots up regularly. Focus on:

  • Form shooting close to the basket
  • Spot shooting (free throws, elbow jumpers, corner threes)
  • Shooting off the dribble
  • Game-speed layups (both hands)

🎥 Video Guide: Simple Basketball Drills to Shoot a Basketball BETTER!

No hoop? Practice form shooting against a wall, visualising your release.

4. Footwork and Finishing (2–3x per week)

Mastering footwork is key to becoming a complete player. You can work on:

  • Jab steps and triple threat moves
  • Pivoting (forward, reverse, inside foot)
  • Euro step and spin finishes
  • Reverse layups and floaters

🎥 Video Guide: Finishing Drills You Can Do Alone

5. Strength and Conditioning (2–3x per week)

Basketball players need to be quick, agile, and strong. Build your physical foundation with:

  • Bodyweight circuits (push-ups, squats, lunges, planks)
  • Plyometric exercises (jump squats, burpees)
  • Speed/agility ladder drills
  • Sprints and defensive slides

🎥 Video Guide: Strength and Conditioning Workout

6. Basketball IQ and Film Study (1–2x per week)

Great players understand the game. Use some of your downtime to:

  • Watch professional games or highlights
  • Break down player movements, spacing, and decision-making
  • Study your favourite players and learn their go-to moves

🎥 Suggested Channels:

7. Recovery and Nutrition

Rest is just as important as training. Make sure to:

  • Sleep at least 8–9 hours per night
  • Stretch after workouts and try foam rolling
  • Eat balanced meals and drink plenty of water

🎥 Warmup Video: Basketball Warm Up Routine

8. Track Your Progress

Use a notebook or phone app to track:

  • How many shots you make each day
  • What drills you completed
  • What you learned from film study
  • How you felt after each session

Reflection leads to improvement—and helps you build consistency and self-discipline.

Final Thoughts

The Easter holidays are a gift. With just a few weeks of dedicated training, you can return to club or school basketball sharper, faster, and more confident. Whether you’re aiming for your school team, our Bexley Tigers Academy, or simply to be the best player on in your area—it all starts with daily effort.

If you’re a member of Bexley Tigers, keep an eye on your inbox for holiday-specific workouts and updates. And if you’re not yet part of the club but want to be—reach out to us today at info@bexleytigers.co.uk.