Coaching Basketball for Kids

Getting a youngster started in any sport can lead to a life of fitness, healthy competition and fun. Basketball is no exception. One of the sport's best qualities is that it can be played with virtually any number of players and does not require a significant amount of equipment. Teaching sports to youths requires concentration and patience, but if the sport is presented correctly, most youths should enjoy it. Perhaps they'll first enjoy it as a social activity, but if they keep at it, there's no telling where they'll go.

Things You'll Need

  • Basketballs
  • Nets
  • Whistle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Present every aspect of basketball as fun, especially for players who are just beginning to learn the sport. The players will follow your lead, and if you show them that learning a new sport can be fun, they'll believe it.

    • 2

      Get the kids to begin simply by dribbling and having fun with their basketballs. Allowing 10 minutes of free, fun time prior to teaching drills will help the kids be more focused later on. By the time you're teaching the drills, they'll be more apt to concentrate.

    • 3

      Show the kids how to run backward, as well as how to start and stop, how to jump and land, how to move laterally and how to push off from a standstill with either foot. If the youths are between the ages of 6 and 8, they may need to practice these techniques. If they're older than 8, this step may be unnecessary.

    • 4

      Teach the kids how to dribble with one hand while standing still. Once they're able to dribble steadily, show them how to dribble while walking, then jogging. An effective dribble drill is to line up all the kids at one end of the court, blow a whistle and have them dribble to the other end of the court. Once they begin to feel comfortable with dribbling with their dominant hand, teach them to dribble with their other hand, then eventually how to dribble from one hand to the other. Eventually, when the kids have mastered basic dribbling drills, teach them how to dribble backward and protect the ball with their body.

    • 5

      Teach the kids the basics of passing. Begin by having them pick a partner and line up 10 feet apart. Show them how to execute one- and two-handed chest passes by holding the ball chest high and pushing it straight toward their partner, who will then catch it at chest height. Teach bounce passes by showing the kids how to bounce the ball once to their partner.

    • 6

      Teach basic layups to the kids by showing them how to dribble toward a basket and, with one hand, then the other hand, bounce the ball off the backboard and into the net. Teach them how to jump correctly during the layup. A typical right-handed layup is executed at the right side of the net by jumping off the left foot. A left-handed layup is executed at the left side of the net by jumping off the right foot. If the players are young enough that coordination is an issue, leave out the dribbling part of this drill and simply have them practice layups by jumping below the net and shooting.

    • 7

      Teach basic shooting drills from the foul line or a line closer to the basket, depending on the skill of the kids. Players should bend comfortably at the knees, hold the ball with both hands, position the ball to the side of their head with their dominant hand placed beneath and behind the ball, then arc the ball in the air toward the basket. Teach them to jump as they release the ball to give it more power.

    • 8

      Allow the kids to incorporate your teachings in basic games of three-on-three. Don't be a stickler for rules in the early stages. Instead, allow the kids to get a feel for the game during a competition setting.