I've tried in the past to teach simple motion offense plays and the kids seem to grasp it and execute in practice but once they game starts, the forget it and just run around. At this age, do you recommend teaching simple penetration by the point guard, hitting cutters, finding the open man, etc?

BTW: Thanks for all of the valuable info on your site!!

At this age I don't worry much about offense. The main thing is having fun, physical/athletic development, and basic skills.

Here are some a links that discusses youth offense. I think they might give you some ideas and answer your question. If not, let us know.
viewtopic.php?f=48&t=78

viewtopic.php?f=48&t=115

viewtopic.php?f=48&t=128

Also, you're emphasis depends on your situation and players. I really don't think there is a wrong thing to emphasize in a motion offense. The main thing at that age is to teach skill. That's the thing about a motion offense. Ever one is different. If you have lots of players that can drive, then maybe you'll want to emphasize that. Above all spacing and movement is the most important. There is not right or wrong cut. If it doesn't work, try something else and keep moving.

I hear you on the "..but once the game starts, they forget it and just run around" bit. I think that is a pretty common occurence all the way up through 6th grade. The noise level in those gyms is insane and most 9 yr olds just don't have the game experience to chill things out and think with a clear head. Things are moving pretty fast out there with people shouting instructions every 2 seconds.

Could have someone track finding the open man, pass and cuts, number of passes, etc. Two main points you're trying to emphasize. Then give out a small reward after the game if they accomplish X amounts of pass/cuts or finding the open man.

What I would try is to set up some basic rules or principles you want them to run. For example -- "after you pass, cut to the basket." Keep it to 5 or less. I have my five set out in two the posts referenced above. This way, they will have some structure besides just "running around." Hopefully, they will run with a purpose. You'll need to go over the rules and reinforce them all the time. You'll probably have a few that will get it and do a great job. A few that will never get it. And a few in between. Good luck.

CoachRob: i totally hear you on this - it becomes a mob scene at times on the court without some semblance of order. however, i've come to embrace the chaos and have found that my players are now (we're mid-season) starting to grasp the idea of getting into an optimal scoring position. i go with the "pass and cut to the basket" principle, and kids are now starting to recognize that they need to also recognize, react and capitalize on what the defense is giving them.

i've also found that there are some huge benefits to giving my 9 year olds (boys team) freedom on offense. many of my players are just squirrly kids by nature, which means they are always in motion and usually want the ball. i want them to read and react, more than fit into an offense.

i also think that there's a huge benefit to encouraging the kids to shoot a lot - we get a ton of our points through put-backs and we spend a lot of practice time on rebounding, so in effect, shots create more shots for us. this is probably a back-asswards way of thinking of it, but for 3rd graders it seems to be working.

--Pat

[quote="rookie"]I've tried in the past to teach simple motion offense plays and the kids seem to grasp it and execute in practice but once they game starts, the forget it and just run around. [/quote]

Now all you need to do is get them to look for the pass and you've got a motion offense with continuity, good job! I'm not kidding, either.