Coaching Basketball at Greenvale Grizzlies
A successful junior basketball coach embodies a combination of essential qualities to foster the development of young players both on and off the court. One crucial aspect is recognizing and adapting to the diverse learning styles of each individual
player. Understanding that every kid learns differently is paramount to effective
coaching. A good junior basketball coach takes the time to observe and assess the learning preferences of each player, whether it be through visual demonstrations, hands-on activities, or verbal instructions. By tailoring coaching strategies to accommodate these differences, coaches can optimize their impact and ensure that every player grasps the fundamentals of the game.
The emphasis on fun and enjoyment plays a pivotal role in creating a positive and
engaging learning environment. Junior basketball should be more than just a series of drills and practices—it should be a memorable and enjoyable experience for the players. Incorporating elements of playfulness into every aspect of coaching, from warm-ups to skill development drills, not only enhances motivation but also contributes to a more cohesive and spirited team dynamic.
Coaches who infuse enthusiasm and joy into their sessions foster a love for the sport that extends beyond the court, encouraging players to stay committed and motivated throughout their basketball journey.
In addition to tailoring coaching methods and prioritizing fun, a good junior basketball coach emphasizes the importance of building character and sportsmanship. Instilling values such as teamwork, respect, and perseverance goes hand in hand with developing athletic skills. These lessons become integral parts of a player’s overall growth, contributing to their success not just in basketball but in life. Ultimately, a great junior basketball coach serves as a mentor, guiding young athletes through a positive, enjoyable, and personalized learning experience that transcends the confines of the basketball court.
On the following pages you will find a guide to the main skills that should be focused on at each level from the Novice player through to Expert. Use these as a guide and utilise other resources such as YouTube, FIBA basketball and Basketball Victoria to supplement the information provided.
Novice Coach
Drills for the beginner basketball team (U8 and U10)
As we embark on the exciting journey with our novice basketball team, it’s essential to set the stage for a season filled with growth, camaraderie, and, most importantly, FUN! This introduction to coaching resource is designed to provide you with valuable insights and tools to create a positive and engaging environment for our budding athletes.
DRIBBLING
Main teaching points for dribbling:
Emphasize proper hand placement – encourage them to use their fingertips for
control, do not slap the ball with their palm
Head up and not glued to the ball – this promotes awareness of the court and their
teammates
Emphasize balance and body positioning – they should have their knees bent with an
athletic stance
Start with stationary dribbling drills and progress to controlled movement
Reinforce the concept of using the non-dribbling hand as a shield to protect the ball
Dribble knockout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnzaBf7aQGs
Cone dribbling drill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Sp_dQorGvA
Dribble relay drill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzpOzJEJdPc
PASSING
Good passing is a cornerstone of successful basketball gameplay, facilitating efficient ball
movement, team coordination, and scoring opportunities.
Main teaching points for passing:
Step forward into the pass
Thumbs should be pointing down when we pass
Aim for the receiving player’s chest
Incorporate various passing drills to enhance both chest passes and bounce passes,
fostering versatility in their sill set.
Jump stop, pivot, pass drill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgqdv9ySjYM
Pass and follow drill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxN-i7WnOGs
Stationary passing drill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL6KBD31-zQ
SHOOTING
Young players will struggle to shoot the ball one handed, so the aim at this stage is to
develop their strength to get the ball to the basket. Try and discourage the “bucket” shot and
instead encourage your players to persist with shooting the correct way at home to develop
their strength.
Main teaching points for shooting:
Balance – ensure a stable foundation with both feet pointing towards the basket
Teach players to square their shoulders to the basket
Encourage them to use their legs for power, bending at the knees and pushing off the
ground to generate force
Practice repetition is crucial to developing muscle memory for accurate shooting
Basic mechanics of shooting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7ciq_x4138
Hi 5 layup drill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hI0aUdwBAqw
Shooting games for beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOOV9ffZJPc
Intermediate Coach
Drills for the intermediate basketball team (U12 and U14)
As a basketball player transitions from a novice to an intermediate level, skill evolution
becomes a pivotal aspect of their development. While foundational skills like dribbling,
passing, and shooting remain essential and should be incorporated into every training
session, an intermediate player should focus on refining and expanding their capabilities.
This includes enhancing agility, developing a wider range of offensive and defensive moves,
and improving overall court awareness. Intermediate players should strive to become more
adaptable to different game scenarios, mastering techniques such as effective screening,
off-ball movement, and strategic decision-making.
EVOLVING THE BASICS
We should be working on the basics of passing, shooting and dribbling every session but
now the drills will involve to include more than one of these basics as well as court
awareness and game situation scenarios.
Passing and pivoting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eacbv3pcaw
A range of intermediate drills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAEXV9CO9y8
V-Cut layup drill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSzapEqhOaE
3 on 1 Rapid Passing Drill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r9PhsH_raE
OFFENSIVE DRILLS
At this intermediate level we need to incorporate drills that work on movement off the ball
and teaching our players to make the right decision when faced with scenarios on court. In
offence we promote getting to the paint when we have the ball and then reading the defence
to make a great decision. Encourage taking on players in a one on one situation but passing
it out if there’s more than one defender on the ball.
1 on 1 to the rim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1zoEwbzSmA
Moving without the ball drills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2nUcJ6BL-g
Drive and kick drill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_XRpEjzLNE
DEFENSIVE DRILLS
At this level in defence we promote “see your player and see the ball” and working hard to
get in front of the player dribbling the ball to slow them down and make them turn. When it
comes to team defence we promote:
One pass away from the ball we are denying our player the ball
More than one pass away we are in “help” position under the ring
When we are guarding the ball we are right up close to our player and trying to make
them go away from the ring
Fundamentals of a defensive stance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4A6KqSJX8Ek
Shell drill for beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TZ_KE2LmyE
Team defence drills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ2AOVpiUJs
Expert Coach
Drills for the expert basketball team (U16 and U19)
As a basketball player progresses to an expert level and matures, the evolution of skills ecomes even more intricate and nuanced. Beyond the mastery of fundamental techniques, an expert player must develop an advanced understanding of game strategy, demonstrating the ability to read opponents, anticipate plays, and make split-second decisions. Adept ball-handling, shooting accuracy from various positions, and defensive prowess are refined to near-perfection. Expert players often specialize in specific aspects of the game, whether it be three-point shooting, post moves, or playmaking, contributing uniquely to their team.
EVOLVING THE BASICS
Working off the ball in both offence and defence is very important at this level. This includes
boxing out and rebounding.
Boxing out drill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiwfyUgomJE
Expert defensive drills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTkNmMqfTWs&t=242s
DECISION MAKING
An important part of the game at this level is being able to make the right decision quickly
and under pressure.
Quick decision offence drill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AH6A5NbaUiU
2v2 stay or go drill:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2od9CkxBmk&list=PLYgXggnApjzA3oSVhC0pgPi0aB3
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POST MOVES
You will want your tall players in the key and making moves to the basket from there. Here
are some drills to develop and extend these skills.
Fundamentals of the post up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cvl980x11Jk
9 best moves to teach your post: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR5px_BYd4I
Introduction to post moves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1LZcyXVTRU
SCREEN AND ROLL
Screening becomes a huge part of the game at this level. It’s very important that you teach
your players how to correctly screen and then have the screener rolling/moving to the
basket.
How to set a screen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffjo8ReDzhA
Screen and roll drills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wQsF_7lzow
DEFENDING THE SCREEN AND ROLL
Now we need to teach our players how to defend the screen and roll! This mainly involves
the person defending the screener stepping back to leave a “gap” that his teammate who is
guarding the ball can slip through. Another option is to “switch” which offensive player you
are guarding.
Defending the screen and roll: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEwYGeUvGG0
