How to Teach Kids Basketball

Basketball is an inexpensive game that allows many children to play together. To teach kids this game you need patience, enthusiasm and a working knowledge of the sport. Teaching offensive strategies is not as important as how to shoot, dribble and pass. Defensive plays should give way to proper defensive stance and the rules of fouling. Teaching the basics while keeping things active and fun is the most productive strategy for teaching kids basketball.

Things You'll Need

  • Basketballs
  • Basketball court
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Instructions

  1. Dribble and Pass Drill

    • 1

      Demonstrate how to dribble the basketball. Begin with simple right-handed dribbles, then switch to the left hand. Crossovers and fancy dribbles should come much later. Dribbling is simple, takes up little space and is fun for children.

    • 2

      Split the children into two lines facing each other. Let one partner dribble the ball 20 times while the other partner counts.

    • 3

      Demonstrate the basic bounce and chest passes. These are the safest and simplest passes in basketball.

    • 4

      Instruct the children to use a bounce or chest pass to give the ball to their partner. Instruct the other partner to dribble 20 times.

    • 5

      Tell the children to continue the dribble and pass drill; each partner should dribble at least 100 times and practice the bounce and chest passes.

    Shooting Lines

    • 6

      Demonstrate how to shoot the ball with two hands. A child is not strong enough to shoot the ball with one hand; explain how to "put" and underhand the ball.

    • 7

      Divide the children into small groups in front of the baskets. The size of the groups depends on how many baskets are available. Each group should have at least two basketballs.

    • 8

      Arrange the children in single file starting at the free throw line of their goals.

    • 9

      Explain the shooting-line drill. Each child runs up and shoots their basketball. The child retrieves his rebound and passes to the next person in line while another child shoots. This drill should continue until each child has taken at least 10 shots.

    Defensive Drill and Free Play

    • 10

      Adopt a proper defensive stance. Have the chldren mimic you as you instruct hand and foot placement.

    • 11

      Instruct the children to use the same groups and baskets from the previous shooting-line drill.

    • 12

      Start the drill at the three-point line of each basket. Tell the children to make a single file line.

    • 13

      Tell one child to dribble the ball to the basket and shoot; tell another child to defend against him. The offensive player gets the rebound and passes to the next person in line. The offensive player now plays defense on the new participant.

    • 14

      Conclude the drill portion of the teaching and let the children play 2-on-2 or 3-on-3 games at their baskets. Allow the waiting children to shoot at an open basket or practice dribbling and passing.