One fundamental skill that I've noticed a lot of youth players are missing is pivoting.
What are some drills that everyone uses to teach their players how to pivot at a young age?
Here is an example of one of my pivoting drills:
Pivoting Basics
A series of pivoting drills going across the width of the course that is done in pairs/small groups
One basketball is needed for each pair/small group
Depending on the size of the court, 4-5 cones are set up across the width of the court. The whole team will be able to go at once since there are multiple rows of cones.
Players will go through each movement as many times as they can while still performing them with the best possible technique and efficiency until the whistle is blown.
For each of the movements, players will take 2-3 strong dribbles between each cone leading into a jump stop. Players will need to execute the specific pivot three times at each cone.
While pivoting, players should keep eyes up and swing the ball as if they are trying to keep it away from the defender. Coaches can step in to stimulate a defender.
There are a total of 4 movements, which are to be done in 4 separate rounds
3 forward pivots with the right foot
3 forward pivots with the left foot
3 backward pivots with the right foot
3 backward pivots with the left foot
Between each round, the team will meet in the middle of the court to have the next combo explained and/or demonstrated.
