A Training Guide in Basketball for 8-Year-Olds

Training an 8-year-old to play basketball can be accomplished using a systematic approach to the game. Explaining the rules, developing a fitness routine and practicing key components of the game such as dribbling, passing, shooting and defense are all part of the techniques involved in teaching this age group.

  1. Fitness routine

    • Since basketball players need to be in top physical condition, teaching an 8-year-old fitness routines is a good place to start training. Begin by stretching out all parts of the body including arms, legs, thighs, hamstrings, knees and calf muscles. Since so much of basketball includes running, jog a couple of laps around the gym to build up endurance. This is also a good time to introduce what is known as "suicides." Players begin at the baseline of the court, run one third of the way down the court and back. Continue this adding another third of the court until the entire court has been run.

    Dribbling

    • Dribbling is a key basketball skill.

      Dribbling involves bouncing the ball with one hand. In basketball, a player must dribble if he moves more than one foot while holding the ball. Start by having players dribble the ball without moving; first with the left hand and then with their right. A good basketball player dribbles well with either hand. Once the player develops this skill in a stationary position, have them walk down the court as they are dribbling. Line up cones and have players dribble around each cone to develop this skill. Once the player becomes efficient with walking and dribbling, switch them to running and dribbling at the same time.

    Passing

    • A key to running a good offense in basketball is the ability to pass the ball between players effectively. There are different types of passes such as the two-handed chest pass in which the player uses both hands to thrust the ball forward to the next player; the bounce pass, where the player bounces the ball to the player; and the overhead pass in which one player raises the ball above their head and throws it to the other player. Dividing the players into pairs and practicing passes is a worthwhile drill to perform and enables the players to develop dexterity with the ball.

    Shooting

    • Shooting a basketball takes plenty of practice.

      Since the main goal of playing basketball is to score, learning how to shoot accurately is a key component for an 8-year-old. Teach the player how to position their body into the correct position for shooting. Working with the player to find the range of where they can accurately make a basket is critical. This is a good age to teach the jump shot. This shot involves placing both hands on the ball in front of the player; placing one foot slightly in front of the other; crouching when ready to shoot and releasing the ball at the top of the player's jump. This type of shot can be used for different placements on the court, including layups.

    Defense

    • Blocking a shot is a defensive goal.

      When a team does not have the ball, they are assuming the defensive side of the game. The first step that should be taught an 8-year-old regarding defense is to position their body correctly. Start out by keeping the knees slightly bent and facing the opposing team's player. Sliding from side to side as the other player moves and retaining eye contact with the other player's midsection is a good defensive posture. Moving arms up and down distracts the other player. When the offensive player begins to shoot the ball, the defensive player should raise both arms straight up in the air to try and block the shot.