Coaching middle school basketball presents some unique challenges because your players have SUCH a wide array of talent and experience...

Some players have very little experience and they need youth level drills and coaching. Other players have already played hundreds of games and might even be good enough to play high school basketball. So we'll be sure to provide you with a mix of tips geared for both youth and more advanced levels.

Before digging into the information below, be sure to pick up our free 72 Drills and 33 Plays PDF’s (if you haven't already done so). These PDF’s serve as a great resource for middle school coaches and all levels.

To get the 72 Drills & 33 Plays PDFs, just click the banner below!

Top Resources for Middle School Coaches

For your convenience, we have compiled our top drills, plays, tips, and resources for middle school basketball coaches. This should help you sift through the huge amount of material on this website and quickly find the best stuff that pertains to you.

• Top 15 Drills For Middle School Basketball

• 8 Best Pieces Of Advice For Middle School Coaches

• Top 10 Articles For Middle School Basketball Coaches

• Best Offenses & Plays For Middle School Coaches

• 3 Helpful Products For Middle School Coaches

Top 15 Basketball Drills for Middle School Teams

Here are some of the best basketball drills for middle school players. You can also see video examples of each drill below.

Basketball Drill #1: 1 v 1 Face Up For Ball Security

• The offensive player has the ball. The defensive player is right behind him.

• The offensive player tosses the ball out to themselves and catches with a quick stop.

• The defense gets right up on the offensive player and tries to knock the ball away.

• The offensive player uses pivots and rips to protect the ball. They are not allowed to dribble.

• Switch after 4-5 seconds.

Key coaching points:

• Rip the ball below your knees or above your head

• Step into the defender to create space. Stepping away gives space away.

Basketball Drill #2: Fill Cut & Rear Cut Drill For Passing & Finishing

• The offensive player in the corner sprints up to fill the open spot.

• The player up top passes to the offensive player filling the wing.

• Player 2 passes back to player 1 and makes a hard basket cut.

• After not receiving the ball, player 2 fills back out to the corner.

• Player 2 fills up again.

• X2 denies the pass to the wing.

• 2 makes a hard rear cut and receives a pass from 1 for a layup.

Key Coaching Points:

• Players should set up the fill cut by getting into their defender.

• Any basket cut should be on a direct line to the rim.

• Players should show a target hand on every cut.

Basketball Drill #3: Fill Cuts - 1 v 1 For Attacking Closeouts

• The defender (x5) lines up in the slot facing the block.

• The offensive player (5) lines up on the wing facing the corner.

• Both players circle around their cones. The coach passes to the offensive player.

• From there, it’s live 1v1. The offense has 3 dribbles to score.

Key Coaching Points:

• The offensive player should catch the ball thinking shot and only drive if the defender takes the shot away.

• The offensive player should scan to the defender as they are running to catch the ball so they have a plan upon receiving the pass.

Basketball Drill #4: 2 v 0 Offense For Spacing, Finishing, & Cutting

• Player 1 starts with the ball on the wing.

• Player 2 starts in the corner.

• Player 1 passes to the coach and makes a basket cut. They then fill out to the corner.

• Player 2 makes a fill cut to the wing.

• The coach passes to player 2. Player 2 immediately passes to player 1 in the corner.

• Player 2 cuts and receives a pass from player 1 for a layup.

Key Coaching Points:

• Player 2 must get their eyes to the rim to be ready to finish as soon as they catch the pass from 1.

• Encourage players to use pass fakes and make game like passes even though there is no defense.

Basketball Drill #5: 4 v 4 - 2 Dribbles For Team Offense

• The offense and defense play normal 4v4.

• Each offensive player is allowed to dribble 2x every time they catch the ball.

Key Coaching Points:

• Encourage players to reverse the ball and only use the dribble to attack the rim.

• Make it a turnover if the offense doesn’t square up.

• Remind players to cut hard after passing.

Basketball Drill #6: 1 v 1 - Closeout on the Touch For Individual Defense & Offense

• Begin with lines on both blocks and both wings. The players on the blocks have basketballs.

• 1 passes to 2 and then closes out. On the first rep only, 1 must touch 2 to initiate the live play. After that, it’s live on the catch.

• The offense has 4 dribbles. If they get into the paint, they get 1 point. If they score, they get 2.

• As soon as 1 & 2 are done, 3 & 4 would go on the opposite side.

Key Coaching Points:

• The defense should close out under control with low hips and weight back.

• The defense must use good footwork to try and cut the offense’s angle off outside the paint.

Basketball Drill #7: 3v3 X Out Closeouts For Team Offense & Defense

• 3 defenders line up on the baseline facing 3 offensive players.

• The 3 defenders pass along the baseline. The last defender (x2) passes to the offensive player on their wing (4).

• The two outside defenders (x4 & x2) X and cover the offensive player on the opposite wing. The middle defender closes out to the player up top.

• Once the offense receives the ball, it’s live 3v3.

Key Coaching Points:

• The defenders should close out to the appropriate spot based on where the ball is.

• Defenders should close out under control.

Basketball Drill #8: 2 v 2 Helpside Rebounding For Jumping To The Ball & Boxing Out 

• 2 offensive players line up by the elbows. They are guarded by 2 defenders.

• The 2 offensive players pass the ball back & forth on the coach’s command..

• When the coach calls ‘shot,’ the offense shoots.

• The defender’s box out the offensive players and pursue the rebound. Defensive rebounds can be worth 1 point and offensive rebounds worth 2.

Key Coaching Points:

• The defense must move on the flight of the pass when the ball is being passed back and forth

• The defense should initiate contact on their boxouts.

• The offense can work on offensive rebounding techniques (swim, spin) when trying to pursue the offensive rebound.

Basketball Drill #9: 4 v 4 Shell Defense Stationary For Help Defense Rotations

• The offensive players position themselves around the perimeter. The defenders get into proper positioning based on where the ball is.

• The offense passes the ball around on the coach’s command. Defenders react and move to the appropriate spot on the floor.

• The coach can command the corner player to drive baseline. Their defender (x4) lets them go by.

• The defense then reacts and moves to the appropriate defensive spots.

Key Coaching Points:

• Defenders must move on the flight of the pass.

• Defenders should see both the ball and player they are guarding.

• Encourage players to talk and call out their role (ball, help, etc.).

Basketball Drill #10: Speed Dribbling Drill

• Players dribble the length of the floor as fast as they can with one hand.

• As they get to the other end of the floor, they perform a quick stop and get on balance.

• Do equal reps with both hands.

Key Coaching Points:

• Players should push the ball out in front and extend their elbow.

• Let players know this is a higher dribble done in space.

• Remind players not to palm the ball.

• Players must sprint to chase the ball after pushing it out in front.

Basketball Drill #11: Duke Speed Dribble For Eyes Up Speed Dribbling

• This is the same as the last drill except players execute a rolling crossover.

• On a rolling crossover, players switch hands on every speed dribble. This increases speed and makes it harder to the defense to back tap.

Basketball Drill #12: 2 v 1 Break For Transition Offense & Defense

• The 2 offensive players are on the outside (1 & 2).

• The defender starts under the rim (x1).

• The offensive players sprint/dribble around the cones in front of them.

• The defender sprints around the cone in front of them.

• After coming around the cone it’s 2v1. Limit the offense to 1-2 passes.

Key Coaching Points:

• The player with the ball should drive to score. They should only pass if the defense gets between them and the rim.

• The defense’s goal is to not allow a layup.

Basketball Drill #13: Tear Butt Drill For Transition Offense & Defense

• 5 defenders line up across the free throw line.

• 5 offensive players line up across the baseline.

• The coach throws the ball to any offensive player and says the names of 1-2 defenders.

• Whoever’s names are called (x3 & x5 above) must sprint and touch the baseline before getting back on defense. The other defenders sprint back immediately.

• The offense attacks with a temporary advantage.

• You can stop after 1 possession or go down & back.

Key Coaching Points:

• The offense should try to score before the defense can get it back to 5v5. Look to throw the ball ahead and keep the ball moving.

• The defense must talk. The defenders getting back should take away the ball, basket, and ball side.

• The defenders running in after touching the baseline should fill in on the weak side.

Basketball Drill #14: 1 v 1 Half Court Break For Attacking & Finishing

• The offense has a ball in the corner. The defense is positioned a few feet inside the defense on the baseline. Both players are facing cones.

• The offensive player dribbles around the cone in front of them. The defensive player sprints around their cone. From there it’s live 1v1.

Key Coaching Points:

• The offense must use speed to attack.

• The offense should only change direction if the defender gets directly in front of them.

Basketball Drill #15: Dematha Finishing For Scoring At The Rim

• Line players up on both elbows. The coach has a ball in the middle.

• The coach can pass to either player. Whoever receives the pass (1) is on offense. The other player (2) is on defense.

• The offense tries to score at the rim.

• You can run the drill from various spots (elbows, blocks, corners).

Key Coaching Points:

• The player who is on offense must get their eyes up as soon as they catch the ball.

• If the offense is ahead of the defense they should finish off 1 foot, if the defender is next to them they should finish off 2.

For more Basketball Drills organized by category, click here.

8 Best Pieces Of Advice for Middle School Basketball Coaches

1) Keep things fun!
Don't forget that your young players are there and want to have fun. Don't make the all too common mistake of getting caught up in the pressure of winning.

To keep things fun, young players like to be active and keep moving. So be sure to plan out practices that keep things fast paced and fun. You should minimize standing in lines and use fun drills. (For more ideas, check out this eBook for fun basketball drills and tips to make practice fun.)

2) Allow your players to be successful!
Sometimes competition is not a motivator for young kids. However ALL kids need to taste success (and hopefully lots of it). Now this doesn't mean winning. It means getting better and succeeding in practice. Allow your players to run drills that they can succeed at and feel good about. Celebrate small accomplishments and successes with your players.

3) Don't neglect the inexperienced kids.
You'd be surprised how good some players can become if they just get a chance. I was one of those late bloomers that didn't get interested in basketball until late in school. Many kids just need an opportunity, confidence, and someone that believes in them.

I know it seems that some kids are hopeless, but at this level you should implement a program that gives everyone an equal opportunity to learn fundamentals and skills.

4) Teach life lessons in your practices.
A good reminder of what's important and we can all do a better job with this...

5) Make sure your players have a solid foundation!
This is a critical time in most player's lives where they really start getting lots of experience and develop habits. This point and time can have a HUGE effect on your player's success when they get into high school and college.

You should teach basic fundamentals and skills that these players can use no matter who is coaching them in the future. You must build a SOLID foundation for these kids to build on. This is better for your players in the long run.

6) Avoid the 3 L's
Players come to practice to play basketball. Laps, lines, and lectures make practice boring and monotonous. Make sure your players and moving and doing throughout practice. The extra reps will make them better. The focus on playing will increase their enjoyment. That’s a win-win!

7) Focus on the fundamentals.
Enough said! Don’t get caught up trying to be fancy.

8) Work with your high school coach (even if you don't like him/her!).
It amazed me how few middle schools run a system that complements the high school program. Swallow your pride and do what's best for your players. You should run a program that complements the high school coach's system and prepares your players for maximum success.

Arrange some meetings with the school coach. Learn about their system and teach your players fundamentals that will benefit them when they get into high school. Why in the world should players have to learn a whole new style of play every single year? That doesn't help them. Working with the high school coaches is the right thing to do.

Top 10 Articles for Middle School Basketball Coaches

Here are some of the more important articles we think you should read.

1. The Easy Way To Teach Basketball Offense

2. IMPORTANT: Focusing on the Fundamentals

3. 16 Best Set Play/Offense Tips (This is a Must Read)

4. Why Coaching Youth Basketball Is Like Popping Popcorn

5. Coach Smarter, Not Harder: How Coaches Can Develop Players’ Basketball IQ to Dominate the Court

6. A Coach's Guide To The Constraints-Led Approach

7. Why You Should Used Games-Based Coaching

8. 10 Tips to Motivate Players

9. The Foundation for Success: Your Coaching Philosophy

10. How to Establish Control and Discipline

For more Basketball Tips & Articles, click here.

Want to Make Youth Practices More
Fun and WIN MORE GAMES

Coach Huber's Youth Coaching System gives you all the tried and true practice plans, drills, skills and concepts you'll ever need. Inside you'll get:

• 64 Interactive Practice Plans for all levels of youth basketball

• Exactly What to Teach - Offense, Zone Offense, Defense, Press Breakers, Out of Bounds

• Age-Apropriate Skill Development - for ages 9-14

• Drill Progressions From Beginner to Advanced

• Step-By-Step Instructions

SEE THE YOUTH COACHING SYSTEM

Top Offenses & Plays For Middle School Coaches

1. 3 Easy and Effective Basketball Plays

2. 4 End of Game Special Situations Plays- This article gives you everything you need to cover end of game situations.

3. Illinois - A highly effective baseline out of bounds play against zone. Many teams zone these situations in middle school, so having a go-to play is critical!

4. The Hybrid Attack Offense With Ryan Schultz- the Hybrid Attack Offense merges 2 proven systems - the Dribble Drive & Motion - seamlessly into 1 offense. Beyond being hard to guard, it is an excellent offense for player development. Players are taught how to play with & without the ball, making them well-rounded players.

5. 5 Plays To Punish A 2-3 Zone - while we don’t recommend zones at the middle school level, you will see them. Having a couple ‘go-to’ plays for those situations gives your players confidence.

6. The Simplified Zoom Offense For Middle School Teams - the Zoom Offense is highly effective. The zoom action is ideal for middle school teams.

7. Early Attack Offense With Ryan Schultz - playing fast AND organized can be challenging. Coach Schultz covers how to get your team to play at a rapid pace with poise. He goes over a number of actions your team can flow into at the end of the break to immediately put pressure on the defense. It gives your players just the right amount of structure. If you like secondary breaks, this is a great product for you. 

8. 5 Baseline Out Of Bounds Plays That Get Buckets - BLOB’s are scoring opportunities. At the middle school level, good BLOB execution can get you an extra 6-8 points a game. These plays are proven winners at every level.

9. 5 Best Small-Sided Games For Youth Offense - no matter what offense you run, your players must understand sound offensive principles. These drill accomplish that. Make them a staple of your practice plans.

10. Line - Press Breaker- This press breaker works extremely well against teams that pressure the inbounds pass. Your players will start to view pressure as something to be attacked, rather than feared!

For More Basketball Plays, click here:

Fore more on Basketball Offenses, click here:

3 Recommended Products for Middle School Coaches

Here are a few additional products that we highly recommend for middle school coaches. These products will help you accelerate your teaching of fundamentals and your team's success. Pick the ones that best align with your needs!

1. The Youth Coaching System With Jim Huber - This is the one-stop shop for a middle school coach. From practice design to offense to defense to special situations, this product has you covered! It has a heavy emphasis on skill development and team concepts for players in grades 5-8. It uses a combination of drills and games to teach players the skills needed to thrive as they continue on in their careers. It comes with ready-made practice plans that you can start using today!

2. 3v3 Drills For Offense And Defense - 3v3 is the best way to teach basketball. It combines the best of 1v1 and 5v5 . This video shows 3v3 drills for every part of the game. Coach Nick LoGalbo covers offensive actions, defensive rotations, rebounding, & advantage/disadvantage drills in this video. With these drills, your players get extensive decision-making reps, speeding up their improvement. If you make 3v3 the basis of most of your practice drills, you’ll be pleased with the results.

3. Cody Roberts Athletic Development Program - there’s no substitute for athleticism. D1 trainer Cody Roberts will help your team and players develop that with this high level program. The program consists of multiple workouts programs for players of varying levels. Each program comes with detailed explanations and videos, as well as tracking sheets, allowing players to see their progress. This is more than a weightlifting program - it’s an all in one system to develop athleticism that translates to the court.

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