Below you'll find 7 youth basketball plays that are perfect for players ages 7-13. 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 plays that your players become really good at, rather than overloading your team with too many basketball plays.

7 Best Youth Basketball Plays | Easy Basketball Plays That Your Team Can Execute

See Below for diagrams of all 7 plays

Start Simple

Remember to work on one offensive set first. Less is more! Get good at one before introducing another.

Also, don't run sets all the time. They should be saved for special situations. As a general rule, don't teach players plays - teach them how to play.

When you do run these plays, get really good at the first option. If you execute that well, you will often get that shot.

As players get older (10 and above) some of the plays with multiple options become more appropriate.

That is why you should have a basic offense (5 out) or something similar that players are learning to run.

Utilize Your Personnel

Remember when running sets, be creative. You can change the alignment that the play starts from so it better fits your team.

Also, each player on the team has different strengths, so try to put them in positions where they can succeed and help the team.

Make sure you move players around so they have the opportunity to run different positions. This will make the play more likely to succeed since the players will be familiar and confident with multiple positions.

More Youth Basketball Plays

1-3-1 Cutters - This is a continuity action from a 1-3-1 look that uses back screens to put pressure on the rim and get your team a layup.

Overload - a 3 out 2 in play that creates a 1 on 1 situation for your best post player on the block or gives your best driver an open side of the floor to attack.

Swing Variation - this is a twist on the traditional swing offense. It uses back screens, which are hard to guard, to confuse the defense and get an easy look at the rim.

Follow - this play uses misdirection and a ball reversal to set up a ball screen for your best guard.

4 Out Swing Rattle - a simple play to learn but hard to guard! Rattle puts your 2 best drivers in a hand off situation while simultaneously running your best shooter off an elevator screen.

14 low - this is 3 plays in 1. Use a basic 1-4 look with your best ball handler with the ball. From there, use the various options to create an advantage and get your best player going downhill.

Miami - this play combines a hand off with a post cross screen followed by a down screen. The multiple screens are sure to confuse your opponent and get you an open look.

Pop - pop is a backdoor play that is designed to punish an overzealous defender and get a layup. If that's not open, it flows right into a double screen or iso situation. Too many options for the defense.

Picket Fence - this play starts with an iso for your best player. If that's not open, it continues by sending multiple players towards the rim off cross and back screens.

3 Man Series Play - this series of plays is out of a 1-4 high look. This is effective because it removes the help at the rim, allowing players to attack more easily.

5 Quick Hitters for Your Motion Offense - these box plays start the same but end differently. That makes it hard for the defense to know what's coming. Each action uses different types of screens to open up players for shots.

Custer - a really simple flat screen for your best player to create an advantage at the rim.

USC - if you need to give your best player a chance to attack their defender, this is the play. It clears out a side and allows them to attack!

Michigan - a simple 3 out 2 in action that can be a play or an offense for you. It relies on away screens to open up passes to the interior of the defense.

USA - this play uses great spacing to create driving opportunities for every player. From there, you can dictate who attacks or leave it up to your players.

Double Drag - make the traditional ball screen a little more unpredictable but using a simple double drag screen. This clears the basket area for driving and rolling.

Cavs - Cavs combines a quick rip and go situation with 2 off the ball screens. If the defense doesn't help, your driver has an advantage. If they do, the players off the screen should be open.

3 Great Youth Plays - 3 plays that use multiple screens to score. They all come from college and pro coaches but are perfect for the youth level!

Reverse - one more play that creatively gets into a ball screen action. By having some movement beforehand, you will throw defenses off guard, allowing the ball screen to work more effectively!