Coaching basketball drills for young players can be a challenging task for all basketball coaches. Young players are often filled with enthusiasm for the game, but their skill and coordination level may not be as overflowing as their fire and passion. Coaches must give young players drills that they are capable of handling. All drills should involve building the skill level that the players have so that they can function and play better during games.
Step 1
Set up a series of five cones past midcourt. The cones should be approximately 4 feet back from each other. Have the player dribble past midcourt and dribble to the right of the first cone, the left of the second cone and the right of the third cone. Continue on in that manner, while switching hands as you dribble. When you get to the last cone, speed dribble back to the starting point and hand the ball to the next player in line. This will help players get more familiar with dribbling and more confident in their game.
Step 2
Set up an around-the-world shooting drill. While many coaches will downplay scoring in basketball, there's no way a team can win the game if it doesn't score enough points. Have each player start off at the right baseline about 12 feet away from the basket and take five shots. Then have him move to the right elbow--the foul line extended to the right--and shoot from there. Then the free-throw line, the left elbow and the left baseline. Record how each player has done and do this drill in practice every day to encourage good shooting.
Step 3
Teach players to pass the ball correctly. Passing is often one of the most overlooked areas of the game of basketball. It is relatively simple, but players must extend their arms to the target and push outward with their thumbs to pass accurately. Have your players pair off and stand about 10 feet apart. Have them throw a chest pass, a bounce pass and an overhand pass to each other. Then have them move back 2 feet. Continue with the drill in this manner until the players are 20 feet apart.
Step 4
Teach players to move their feet quickly during the defensive shuffle drill. In this drill, the players will move from side-to-side on the coach's direction. The key is to not cross your feet when playing defense because this can cause you to lose your balance or trip. When the coach points his arm to the left, the players shuffle in that direction. When he points to the right, they shuffle in that direction. The same holds true when he points forward or backward. This will help players move more efficiently on the basketball court.
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