Coaching Beginner Basketball - Effective Drills & Coaching Tips Ages 5-8
If you are coaching players who are just starting their basketball journey, first of all, thank you! Coaching beginners is both really fun and really hard.
It’s fun because the kids are usually excited to be there. You can see them getting better. They want to do well.
It’s hard because they know so little. It’s hard because basketball is a challenging sport to learn. It’s hard because they have short attention spans.
We are here to help!
On this page, you will find everything you need to make your season fun for you and your players - drills, plays, techniques, etc. Scroll down to learn more!
Before we get to that, here’s a short clip with some important things to remember as you embark on your coaching!
If you’re looking for a complete coaching system for players ages 5-9, check out Jim Huber Beginner Basketball Ages 5-9!
10 Best Basketball Drills For Beginners | Fun Drills For Kids
Coaching beginning players is challenging! Some players come to you with some experience. Others have none. Some move well. Others are awkward. Some listen and focus throughout practice. Others have their heads in the clouds.
Coaching such a diverse group of players can make it challenging to find drills that work for everyone.
Jim Huber Beginner Basketball Ages 5-9 does exactly that. Actually, it does more. It provides an entire blueprint for coaching beginner players and making their experience fun and educational.
Beginner Basketball Drill #1 - Rock Paper Scissors 1v1 (:36)
-Players partner up and face each other with a ball on the ground at their feet
-Players play rock/paper/scissors
-Whoever wins picks up the ball and tries to score (in the diagram above player 2 won so they picked up the ball)
-The defense attempts to get in front and prevent the offense from scoring
Beginner Basketball Drill #2 - Dribbling With Hand Signals (2:07)
-Every player has a ball and lines up on the baseline
-The coach stands somewhere in front of the players
-As the players dribble down the floor, the coach uses hand signals to cue actions by the dribblers, forcing them to keep their heads up
-Option 1: hand signs
Hand up - stop
Point forward - dribble ahead
Point back - dribble behind
Point to the right - dribble right
Point to the left - dribble left
Option 2: number
Coach holds up a number of fingers and players must call out that number as they dribble
Beginner Basketball Drill #3 - Monkey In The Middle (7:02)
-Put one defensive player in between 2 offensive players
-Start by making the player in the middle touch the other player before they are allowed to pass
-The person passing becomes the defender
-In this example, 1 passes to 3 then becomes the defender
Variations & Tips:
-Keep 1 defensive player in the middle and count the number of deflections they are able to get in 30 seconds
-This is a good drill to show players the importance of pass fakes
-The goal is to teach offensive players how to pass through pressure
Beginner Basketball Drill #4 - Circle Layups (12:30)
-This teaches players proper layup form
-Players can focus on proper footwork and not worry about making a layup with this drill
-Put players in a semicircle around the paint. Have players run in a circle without a ball, pretending to shoot a layup every couple steps
-You can then add a ball, which players will shoot a couple feet in the air when simulating their layup
-When circling right, players plant their left foot and jump up with the right foot
-Switch directions that players go and have them jump off the opposite foot
-When going left, plan with the right foot and jump up with the left foot
-Always start without a ball. This takes away the pressure of making the shot and allows players to focus on their technique
Beginner Basketball Drill #5 - 1v1 With A Chaser (15:58)
The purpose of this drill is for the offensive player to beat the defensive player to the basket and make a speed layup.
This drill is typically done in the half court but can be done in the full court.
-The defender starts at half court
-The offensive player starts a few steps closer to the basket
-1’s goal is to beat x1 to the basket and score a layup
-X1’s goal is to cut off 1’s drive and prevent them from scoring
Coaching Tips:
-Players should be spaced enough so that the ball handler can have success (especially so with younger players)
-Decrease the distance between the players as they do the drill more to increase difficulty
-The drill should be done on both sides
-To maximize efficiency, coaches can run the drill on both sides at the same time
Beginner Basketball Drill #6 - Form Shooting (17:59)
-Tell each player to put their head right in front of the rim and then take 1 big step back
-They should all form a semicircle about 3 feet away from the hoop
-Players shoot one at a time
Coaching Tips:
-Kids will focus on the ball going in, but try to have them focus on technique
-Don’t let them shoot too far away or they will start to lose their form
-Tell kids to go through BEEF (balance, eyes, elbow, follow through) every time they shoot as a mental checklist
-Young kids should use a smaller ball and lower hoop if possible
-Don’t try to correct everything at once or kids will be frustrated - help them improve one shooting component at a time
-Keep reminding kids that they should focus more on their form and technique right now rather than simply if the ball goes in
Beginner Basketball Drill #7 - Ball Handling With Defense (21:18)
-Create 3 lines as shown in the diagram. You can have more than 3 lines if necessary.
-Every player has a ball
-Each player dribbles at the person directly ahead of them (1 dribbles at 1, 2 dribbles at 2, etc.)
-Each player stops right around the midway point between the two lines
-Switch to the left side going back
Move Options:
-Stop & go
-Stutter
-Crossover
-Control dribble
-Retreat dribble with crossover
For advanced players:
-Between the legs
-Behind the back
-Using the hip swivel to dribble out of traps
Beginner Basketball Drill #8 - Rip & Go (23:14)
-Start in a good athletic stance
-Grab the basketball and “rip” the ball from one side to the other
-Swing the ball below your knees
-Players should step with their outside foot and get by the defender
Right to left = left step/left dribble
Left to right = right step/right dribble
-Remind kids that they need to dribble before their pivot foot comes off the floor
Coaching Tips:
-Keep the ball on the side of your body, not in front of where the defense can grab it easier
-The rip should be low or high but not at waist level
-The rip should be very kind and quick
-Slow it down and let kids gradually build up to full speed
Beginner Basketball Drill #9 - 1v1 Closeouts (27:49)
-Line players up on the blocks and wings
-The defensive players (1 & 3) are on defense
-The offensive players (2 & 4) are on the wing
-1 starts the drill by passing to 2
-1 closes out on 2
-2 passes to coach
-2 passes to coach as 1 slides over to help position
-Coach drives middle
-1 cuts off the drive
-Coach passes to 2
-1 closes out on 2
-1 & 2 play 1 v 1 on the right side of the court
-Make sure players don’t open up too much and give up a straight line to the basket
Beginner Basketball Drill #10 - Ladder Shooting (30:20)
-Tell each player to put their head right in front of the rim and then take 1 big step back
-They should all form a semicircle about 3 feet away from the hoop
-Players shoot one at a time
-On every make, players take a small step back
-On every miss, players take a small step closer to the hoop
-5 steps back = 1 ladder
-After completing a ladder, plays move to a new angle and start a new ladder
-Make sure players don’t compromise their form as they move further from the hoop
More Beginner Basketball Drills
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21 Beginner Basketball Drills - the drills in the video below cover every part of the game and are age and stage appropriate!
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Beginner Ball handling Workout (from Breakthrough’s Ballhandling and Footwork Workouts)
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Beginner Drill To Improve Passing Technique and Catching - passing & catching are often overlooked beginner basketball skills. This drill helps with that, cutting down on turnovers and increasing points.
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Beginner Drills To Develop An Effective Crossover Move - the crossover is the simplest change of direction move for players. This article shows you how to teach it effectively.
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2 Competitive Drills To Improve Passing For Youth Basketball Teams - use these fun drills to teach players to pass accurately
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Teaching Footwork to Beginners - The Pivot Foot Drill - footwork is critical to effective play. This drill helps players learn to pivot on balance and without traveling.
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5 Best Beginner Basketball Shooting Drills - these drills teach newbies how to shoot with proper form, ensuring they develop good habits at this critical phase.
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Youth Basketball Finishing Drill | 1v1 Chaser - a competitive finishing drill to use one players have mastered proper finishing mechanics.
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Tired of Missed Layups? Teach Young Players the Right Way with These Youth Finishing Drills - 3 progressions to effectively layups to young players.
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Check out our Youth Basketball Drills page to find over 100 youth drills.
FREE BONUS PDF
3 Practice Plans and 20 Youth Drills
4 Best Basketball Plays For Youth | Simple Basketball Plays
Below you’ll find 4 youth basketball plays that are perfect for beginners. Not only will you see the plays, but you’ll hear expert coaches providing the nuances and key teaching points that lead to game time execution.
Of course, basketball plays should be a minimal part of your offensive attack at the youth level. Additionally, you should use simple basketball plays. Complexity often leads to confusion.
If your team can master a couple of these, while also learning basic offensive principles, you will be in great shape!
Here’s some more information on set plays:
What is a set basketball play?
A set play is a strategically planned and choreographed sequence of movements to get open shots and score points.
Set plays are quick hitters to score points at a certain point during the game. They should not be your entire offensive system.
When should you use set basketball plays?
A set play typically adds a twist to an offense. It gives you the opportunity to show the defense something different to keep them off balance. Plays can run into your motion offense, or you could choose to run a play after running your offense for a certain amount of time.
Set plays are most commonly run out of the following special situations:
After time outs
At the beginning of games (right after the tip off)
At the end of the game
When your offense is stagnant
To get your best player a shot
But keep in mind, sometimes less is more, it's better to just have a few good and easy simple basketball plays that your players become really good at, rather than overloading your team with too many plays.
4 Best Beginner Basketball Plays | Easy Basketball Plays That Your Team Can Execute
Youth Basketball Play #1 - 2 Cut From Coach Jim Huber (Source: The Youth Coaching System)
Player 1 will pass to player 2 on the wing. Player 1 will make a basket cut.
If 1 is not open, they run to the opposite corner.
Player 3 will flash over to fill.
Player 3 will make a hard backdoor cut to the basket looking for a scoring opportunity.
If the pass is not there, player 3 will set up at the ball side block.
Player 5 will walk the defender toward the block and pop up to the free throw line.
Player 2 passes to player 5.
Player 5 will pass the ball to player 1 who flashes to the wing.
Player 3 sets a flex screen for player 4. (Player 3’s butt and back should face the lane when setting the flex screen.)
Player 4 will set the defender up by faking a cut to the free throw line and then going under the screen.
Player 4 will stop at the rim for the pass.
Player 4 should post up off the flex cut exactly where there is an easy basket attempt.
If player 4 is not open, player 3 will run off a stagger screen set by players 2 and 5.
Player 3 will catch the ball at the free throw line for a shot opportunity.
Notes:
2 Cut can be run consecutively until a shot comes available.
All positions are interchangeable.
Youth Basketball Play #2 - Step Up From Coach Jim Huber (Source: The Youth Coaching System)
Player 1 can try to beat their defender off the dribble to start if possible.
Player 1 will call out the name of a teammate on the baseline.
The player who was called will sprint up and set a flat screen for player 1.
The flat screen allows player 1 to penetrate in either direction.
As player 1 drives to the basket, player 3 drifts to the weak side block.
If player 3’s defender pulls off to provide help defense, player 1 can pass to player 3 for a layup opportunity.
Wing players should have their hands up ready for a catch and shoot opportunity.
Notes:
In Step Up, there are always 4 scoring options.
Once the defender helps, that offensive player should be ready to shoot.
Youth Basketball Play #3 - Flat Twist From Coach Jim Huber (Source: The Youth Coaching System)
Player 1 drives away from the person who set the screen.
The player whose name was called out sets a ball screen for player 1.
As player 1 drives to the basket, player 3 drifts to the weak side block.
Player 1 comes off the screen looking to attack.
Player 1 can drive to the basket or kick it to player 2 for a shot if their defender helps.
As player 1 drives to the basket, player 3 will set a screen for player 4.
Player 4 will fake to the middle and come off the outside of the screen.
Player 1 will pass to player 4 at the free throw line for a shot.
Player 3 will seal the defender looking for a pass from player 4 as well.
Notes:
Every player must be a scoring option on this play
Youth Basketball Play #4 - Box From Coach Jim Huber (Source: The Youth Coaching System)
Player 1 passes to player 2 who flares out.
Player 1 immediately sets a screen for player 3.
Player 3 pops to the top
The first option to score is when player 3 receives the ball. An outside shot can be attempted.
If the shot is not there, the ball gets reversed to player 1.
Player 5 sets a screen for player 2 who cuts to the ball side block looking for the ball. This is the second option to score.
Player 3 will set a screen for 5.
Player 5 will come off the screen.
Player 1 can pass to 5 for a shot opportunity.
Notes:
This set can be run from both sides.
If none of the options are open, begin running 5 out.
Youth Basketball Athletic Development
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3-Man Weave - Why You Should Use It - an argument for how the much debated 3 man weave drill helps young players develop basic athletic skill.
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How My Daughter Bounced Back From Being Bounced Around - a story that highlights the physical and mental benefits of youth athletic development training.
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Youth Athletic Development: The Investment That Gives Your Child An Edge In Every Sport - the great thing about youth athletic development is that it’s not sport specific. Your child will experience benefits in whatever sports they play!
To learn more about a complete Youth Athletic Development Program for children 7-12, check out Youth Athletic Development Program With Cody Roberts.
Watch a sample workout below.
Beginner Basketball Coaching Tips
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Avoid The 3 L’s - what are the 3 L’s? Watch the video below to find out.
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How To Teach The Most Important Skills In Youth Basketball - what skill should you focus on first? This article makes the case for dribbling. It explains why and show you how to start building ball handling skills in our players.
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Use fewer drills for youth practices - a common coaching mistake is using too many drills. While coaches think this keeps things fresh, it tends to confuse and overwhelm players.
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Save Practice Time & Energy with The Power of Platform Drills - instead of using numerous drills, make your drills platform drills - drills that can be constrained differently and tweaked over time to focus on different points of emphasis.
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Rethinking Coaching Cues in Basketball - try using visual cues rather than verbal cues when working with players. That trains them to scan and see better, which will help them in games.
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Share And Coach Your Core Values - it’s important that players understand what’s expected of them. Share your vision for your team early on and revisit it often!
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The Player-First Approach: Why Skills Matter More Than Plays (Especially At The Youth Level) - yes, tactics matter. But your #1 goal is to improve your players! This article serves as a reminder to keep the bigger picture in mind.
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The Non-Profitable Approach To Coaching Beginner Basketball - another development reminder. It can be hard to stay focused on on development when everyone looks at wins. This article gives some ideas on how to do so.
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Coaching Youth Basketball - What Should You Teach? - While this article offer 3 progressions, beginners should focus on level 1. If you can get your players to master those skills, you will be in great shape.
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Why Coaching Youth Basketball Is Like Popping Popcorn - a reminder to be patient. Every player develops at their own rate.
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7 Common Offensive Mistakes Youth Basketball Coaches Make - stay away from these mistakes to give your team the best chance to score the ball!
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The Essential Guide to Teaching Shooting to Youth Players - some tips to teach shooting to those new to the game.
Beginner Basketball Coaching Resource
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Beginner Basketball With Jim Huber Ages 5-9- A comprehensive coaching system to properly develop those new to the game. This product features age appropriate teaching of the most important basketball skills. Players learn these skills in a fun and engaging way. In addition to individual skills, players begin to learn team offense and defense concepts.
FREE BONUS PDF
3 Practice Plans and 20 Youth Drills
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