One of the biggest challenge I am facing, despite the short attention span of the 8 and 9 year olds, is two of the players have autism. Each one has a different quirk. What I have found is to plan my practices in advance down to the minute from start to finish, but limiting each exercise/drill to 10 or 15 minutes each, and most importantly participating in the drills with the kids.
While coaching young girls (5th and 6th grades) at the first practice I tell my kids that I expect two things out of them. One, I expect them to work hard and, two I expect them to have fun. I tell them if they don’t work hard I will let them know about it and if they are not having fun I expect them to let me know about it.
This is a drill I use with elementary school boys (2nd to 4th grade so far) that has been popular. It teaches the boys to move without the ball, and to move/weave toward the basket (to be in a position to shoot). I’ve found this drill works best with man-to-man defense.
This drill is a spin off of the Celtic Drill that enhances conditioning, passing and layups. Remember, this drill is targeted for ages 10 and under who are just starting basketball.
This is not a new drill but a good one. It is in my “oldies but goldies” file. My middle school players love it the best out of most of the drills, to the point if I do not use it in a practice, they want to stay after to do it.
One of the drills my under 12 girls love I have named the Key Drill. From the base line there are a couple of different things I do depending on whether I’m working on the first step speed, fitness or just getting them to put in an honest effort in all the major spots on the floor.
At the elementary level I make sure that practice is more about fun, to really get the kids to fall in love with the sport and want to get better. Here are two drills that the kids love and that teach them basic skills.
To get my middle school players (boys and girls) to jump straight up and to come down where they left the floor when they shoot I have them jump/shoot in hula hoops.
When coaching youth basketball your focus is on the fundamentals. The first basketball drill introduces them to footwork. The second one emphasizes dribbling.
These fun drills for youth basketball seem to help the younger players quickly grasp the concept of a basketball about to go out of bounds,i.e.- when and when NOT to swat it back into play.
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