I remember watching Xavier Cooks during that incredible EASL Final Four in Lapu Lapu City, and what struck me most wasn't just his scoring ability but his incredible footwork and court awareness. That's when I realized that basketball greatness isn't about one spectacular move - it's about mastering the fundamentals through consistent, smart training. Let me share with you 10 essential drills that transformed my game completely, the same kind of training that separates players like Cooks from the rest.
First up is the classic form shooting drill, something I do for at least 15 minutes every single practice session. I stand about three feet from the basket and focus purely on my shooting form - elbow in, follow through, perfect arc. It might sound boring, but trust me, this builds the muscle memory that makes those clutch shots automatic. When I watched Cooks play, his shooting form never changed whether he was taking a free throw or a contested jumper - that consistency comes from thousands of repetitions of this exact drill.
Next comes the two-ball dribbling drill that completely changed my ball-handling confidence. I remember struggling with this at first - dribbling one basketball with each hand simultaneously while moving up and down the court. My coordination was terrible initially, but after two weeks of daily practice, I could feel my hands getting smarter, more responsive. This drill builds the kind of ambidextrous control that allows players to navigate double teams and tight spaces effortlessly.
The defensive slide drill is where I really learned to love defense. I set up cones along the three-point line and practice sliding from sideline to sideline, keeping low in my stance, never crossing my feet. During that EASL Final Four, Cooks demonstrated defensive mastery that won't show up in highlight reels but absolutely won games - his ability to stay in front of his man, his anticipation, his quick lateral movements. I dedicate at least 20 minutes to defensive drills every practice, and it's made me a much more complete player.
For rebounding, I swear by the Mikan drill variations. Starting with the basic version - standing under the basket, alternating layups with each hand - then progressing to the reverse Mikan and finally the power Mikan where I focus on exploding upward. Cooks grabbed 12 rebounds in that championship game, many of them because of his positioning and quick second jumps. I track my numbers religiously - last month I averaged 8.3 rebounds per game in our local league, up from just 4.7 six months ago, and I credit this drill entirely.
The curl-and-flare shooting drill helped me become more than just a stationary shooter. I start at the baseline, curl off an imaginary screen to catch and shoot from the wing, then immediately flare to the corner for another shot. This mimics real game movement and teaches you to get your feet set quickly. I noticed Cooks doing this constantly - using screens intelligently, creating separation, being ready to shoot the moment the ball arrives.
My personal favorite is the hesitation crossover series, which I practice for at least 30 minutes twice a week. I work on changing speeds dramatically - exploding past defenders after getting them to bite on my hesitation move. This is where I get creative, adding between-the-legs and behind-the-back variations. When Cooks drove to the basket in Lapu Lapu, his hesitation was so convincing that defenders would literally freeze, giving him that split second advantage that often decided possessions.
The conditioning suicide sprints might be the most challenging but also the most rewarding. Starting at the baseline, I sprint to the free throw line and back, then to half court and back, then to the far free throw line and back, finally to the far baseline and back. I time myself and try to beat my previous records. In high-pressure situations like the EASL finals, players like Cooks maintained their explosiveness in the fourth quarter because of this kind of conditioning work.
For post moves, I practice the drop step and up-and-under combinations daily. What I love about post work is how it combines footwork, timing, and touch. I'll work on my hook shots with both hands, then counter moves, then quick spins. Cooks demonstrated beautiful post footwork during that championship run - nothing flashy, just fundamentally sound moves that created high-percentage shots.
The pick-and-roll read and react drill requires a partner but is absolutely essential for modern basketball. I practice both as the ball handler and the roll man, reading how the defense reacts and making the right decision - shoot, pass, or drive. This situational awareness separates good players from great ones. Watching Cooks in the EASL, his decision-making in pick-and-roll situations was nearly flawless, and that comes from countless repetitions.
Finally, the game-speed shooting drill where I simulate game conditions - coming off screens, catching on the move, shooting when tired. I'll run to touch the baseline between each shot to replicate game fatigue. This is where all the fundamental work comes together. The transformation in my game has been remarkable - my shooting percentage in game situations has improved from 38% to 47% since incorporating these drills consistently.
What made players like Xavier Cooks stand out during that memorable EASL Final Four wasn't innate talent alone - it was the countless hours of focused, intentional practice on these fundamental drills. The beauty of basketball is that improvement is always within reach if you're willing to put in the work. These 10 drills have become non-negotiable in my training routine, and they've taken my game to levels I never thought possible. The court doesn't care about your excuses - it only responds to your preparation.
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