Caption: If you're looking for a way to get your kids active and teach them new skills, basketball is a great option. Use this guide to help your kids learn the basics of basketball!
Teaching basketball to little kids can be a fun and rewarding experience for both the parent and the children involved. Basketball teaches children valuable skills such as hand-eye coordination, balance, agility, and teamwork. Furthermore, basketball can boost confidence in young children as they learn new skills, make friends and gain experience playing with others.
With this guide, we'll provide tips and techniques for parents and guardians looking to teach the fundamentals of basketball to young players.
Dribbling/Ball Handling
When it comes to teaching your child how to play basketball, dribbling and handling are fundamental skills they will need to master. However, the approach you take in coaching your child's ability will vary depending on their age and experience level.
5 - 8 years old
For children aged 5 to 7, start by having them practise dribbling with both hands while standing still. As they progress, encourage them to move around and try different types of dribbles, such as crossovers or behind-the-backs.
9 - 11 years old
Kids between the ages of 9 to 11 typically have some experience with dribbling already, so try to focus on helping them perfect their technique and improve their speed and control with more advanced drills such as figure-eight or handling drills.
Passing
Basketball is a team sport, which is why it's important to emphasize the significance of ball passing. Although often overlooked and considered an underrated skill, passing is still crucial in the game of basketball as it allows teammates to coordinate their movements on the court.
5 - 8 years old
For younger children, start by introducing them to chest passes and bounce passes. The chest pass involves using both hands to throw the ball at a teammate's chest level while the bounce pass is thrown towards the ground before reaching their teammate.
9 - 11 years old
Children between the ages of 9 and 11 are usually coordinated enough to execute accurate passes. At this stage, move on to teaching them more advanced techniques like overhead passes or one-handed passes. Playing games like ‘hot potato’ or practising one-handed passes will help develop the agility and coordination needed for more advanced moves on the court.
12 - 16 years old
When teaching ball passing to ages 12-16, emphasize the fundamentals such as proper hand placement and good footwork. Passing drills should be regularly practised at this point. Fun, high-energy passing techniques such as pass the rock, diamond passing, circle passing and keep away are great drills to get used to.
Encourage your child to practise regularly with a partner or family member to reinforce these skills and develop their hand-eye coordination. Remember, always keep it fun and positive by providing plenty of praise for improvement no matter how small it may be!
Shooting
Shooting is one of the first fundamental skills to teach in the game of basketball. Not only does it make up the largest part of scoring, but it requires discipline and consistent practice. By perfecting their shooting technique, they'll also improve their overall game as they learn to control their body and increase their accuracy.
5 - 8 years old
Begin by showing your child how to hold the ball correctly, with their fingers spread comfortably apart. Also, try to implement shooting drills that focus on developing proper technique in a fun and engaging way. This could include games like ‘Around the World’ or ‘Horse.’
9 - 11 years old
As children get older, shooting drills can become more advanced by introducing footwork and shot fakes, as well as increasing the difficulty of shots taken. It's also important to emphasize the importance of practice and repetition at this age.
12 - 16 years old
Finally, for high school-aged kids, it’s time for them to put more focus on footwork and balance by having them practise shooting from a stationary position before gradually incorporating movement. Shooting drills at this stage can become even more complex by incorporating game-like situations such as shooting off screens or from various spots on the court.
Two-Ball Dribbling Routine
One great way to improve your child’s dribbling and ball-handling skills is by incorporating a two-ball dribbling routine into their practice sessions. This involves having them dribble two basketballs simultaneously, which not only improves their coordination and ball handling but also allows them to work on different types of dribbles with each hand.
Start simple, like having them perform basic crossovers or behind-the-back dribbles, before moving on to more advanced moves like between-the-legs dribbles or spin moves. Encouraging your child with positive reinforcement and being patient as they gradually improve their skills will help them develop confidence both on and off the court.
Defence and Strategy Skills
Basketball defence and strategy skills are essential for any player or team to succeed on the court. The aim is not just to score points but also to prevent your opponent from scoring. That being said, here are a few defence and strategy skills to get started with.
Catching and Passing
Catching and passing are two of the most important skills that a player can possess. Catching the ball requires focus and excellent hand-eye coordination while passing involves quick decision-making and accuracy. A strong defender must also be able to anticipate their opponent's moves to intercept passes and disrupt their offensive game plan.
Dribbling
One aspect of defence that takes practise and skill is dribbling. A good dribbler can control the ball effectively while moving around defenders and creating scoring opportunities for their team. This requires mastering techniques such as crossover moves, hesitation dribbles, and changing speeds to keep defenders guessing.
Lay-Up Shooting
A lay-up is a shot taken to the hoop using one hand. As a player, you need to perfect your footwork and body close positioning while taking a lay-up shot to ensure maximum efficiency and accuracy. Defence-wise, knowing how to steal or block an opponent's lay-up attempt can give your team a massive advantage. The key is watching your defender's movements and timing your defensive manoeuvres accordingly.
Rebounds
A rebound is essentially when a player grabs the ball after a missed shot by their opponent. Not only does it give your team another chance at scoring, but it also prevents your opponents from getting an easy basket on the second attempt. To be successful at rebounds, players need quick reflexes and strong positioning.
Dribbling Through Cones
One great technique for kids to learn is dribbling through cones. This involves setting up cones in a straight line and having the player dribble the ball through them while keeping control of the ball. It helps improve their footwork, speed and agility while also teaching them how to read and react to defences.
Defensive Stance
Having a good defensive stance is an absolute must for players as it allows them to be in a position to react quickly to the movements of the offensive players. The key is to start with their feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent and weight evenly distributed on both legs. Players should keep their torso low and hands ready to guard the ball closely without fouling their opponents.
Top Basketball Drills for Youth Basketball Players
As for youth basketball players, there are several highly effective drills that coaches and parents can use to efficiently develop their fundamental skills. Below are 5 effective drills that youth players can practice on a regular basis:
- Wall Passing - Helps improve passing accuracy, speed, and reaction time. Players pass the ball off a sturdy wall with one hand and catch it with the other hand. Continue passing without letting the ball touch the ground.
- Two-Ball Dribbling - A great way to improve ball-handling skills and coordination. Players dribble two basketballs simultaneously.
- Form Shooting - Focuses on the player's shooting form, which lays the foundation for developing consistent and accurate shots.
- 1-on-1 Hawk Defensive - Helps players learn how to stay in front of the offensive player, use the body to block their path, and disrupt their passing and shooting.
- Mikan Drill - Develops layups, agility and hand-eye coordination as well as reinforces good shooting at close range.
This brings us to the end of our guide. We hope that you've gained some valuable insights and tips that will help you effectively train your child on the court. Remember to focus on building a strong foundation in basic skills, encouraging teamwork and sportsmanship, and promoting a love for the game above all else!
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Suggested Read: How to Choose the Best Basketball Hoop for Your Yard
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