Coaching a fifth-grade basketball team can present numerous challenges. It's likely that you'll have players of varying ability levels and be charged with helping all of them improve their individual skills while molding a competitive team at the same time. You'll need to teach the fundamentals to the beginners and build on the foundation already established by the more advanced players. A variety of drills can help you achieve this objective.
Around the World
Have your fifth-graders play Around the World to practice short- and medium-range shots. Send two players to each basket with a ball to compete against each other. The first player starts on either block and shoots the ball. If she makes the shot, she moves back to the next lane space and shoots again. If she misses the first shot at any space, she gets a second chance before her opponent gets a turn. She can also elect to forgo the second shot at any space and start from there during her next turn.
The players continue like this around the perimeter of the lane, shooting from each lane space, the elbows and the free throw line. The first player to go around the lane and back wins the game.
Defensive Slide Drill
The defensive slide drill teaches players to stay low and shuffle their feet quickly when playing defense. Mark the four outside corners of the court with numbered cones. Have your players form a line at the first cone and show them how to assume a defensive stance. Direct the players to shuffle one at a time from cone to cone.
Passing Drill
The passing drill is a simple but effective activity that teaches your players the various types of passes they can use during a game. Have them pass the ball against a wall or back and forth with a partner. Direct them to practice the two-handed chest pass, the one- and two-handed bounce pass and the two-handed overhead pass, each for 1 minute at a time. Once they've mastered the technique, tell them to practice as if they're being guarded by a defender.
Screen Door
The screen door drill teaches your players to set screens properly, which is essential for developing a cohesive offense. Direct a player to stand at the top of the key with a ball and two offensive players to stand on opposite sides of the lane, each guarded by a defensive player.
The ball handler dribbles to the left or right, signaling the offensive player on the same side to move across the lane and set a screen for her teammate, who then comes off the screen and moves toward the basket. The ball handler passes the ball to the cutter, who continues on to shoot a layup. Have each player rotate to each position multiple times.
References
- "Coaching Youth Basketball"; American Sports Education Program; 2001
- "Survival Guide for Coaching Youth Basketball"; Keith Miniscalco and Greg Kot; 2009
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