At the third- and fourth-grade level, teams range from beginning recreation-level squads to fairly advanced select teams that travel to tournaments. Coaches should tailor practice drills and team schemes to the relative skill level of the group. But overriding coaching principles apply to every team -- boys and girls, inexperienced and experienced -- in this age group.
Step 1
Assess the general skill and conditioning level of each player. Assess individuals on their attentiveness and their ability to take instruction. Do this during the tryout process, if there is one, or during the first few practices.
Step 2
Use that assessment to project the competitive level of the team and set general goals for the season. Challenge the team without overwhelming it. Use tournaments to provide competitive variety. Play up to give players a challenge and play down to boost their confidence.
Step 3
Build your practice plans from the player assessments. Select a few basic offenses and defenses that fit the group. Teach the team to play within a system. But stress skill development over Xs and Os. Help every player develop each skill. Bigger and stronger kids playing center or power forward at this age might become point guards by high school.
Step 4
Run a variety of ball-handling drills to build primary skill. Speed drills, head-up drills, hand-switch drills, obstacle course drills, two-ball drills -- use many exercises with variations to keep practices fresh.
Step 5
Practice fast-break drills to teach players to pass, catch and shoot on the move. Run no-dribble drills to emphasize passing. Use weaves to improve body control. Use defenders to instill decision-making and add a competitive element.
Step 6
Work on the fundamentals of shooting at every session. Stress the basics at the free-throw line: shooting elbow pointing at the basket, off-hand stabilizing the ball, finger pads of the shooting hand releasing the ball. Use the Mikan drill to improve touch around the basket. Players shoot a right-handed layup on the right side of the basket, gather the made shot or rebound, move to the left side, shoot a left-handed layup, gather the ball, move to the right side, shoot right-handed and so forth for a set period of time.
Step 7
Use evenly matched two-on-two and three-on-three half-court drills to develop individual skills. Offensive players shoot off the dribble, shoot off the catch, dribble drive to the basket, pass, move away from the ball, set and use picks and execute give-and-go plays. Defensive players learn to play man defense, staying between their man and the basket. Defensive players learn to box out for rebounds and offensive players attack the rim for put-backs. Players learn while competing.
Tips and Warnings
- Issue detailed team rules to players and parents. Make players and parents sign contracts agreeing to abide by the rules. Establish team discipline on Day 1 and never let it slip. Use your whistle to maintain order -- but don't overuse it. Use laps and wind sprints to enforce discipline. Use practice plans to keep each session organized. Shorter practices with quick tempos accomplish more than long, ponderous sessions. Make games out of the drills to keep the youngsters engaged. Maintain a constructive coaching tone at all times. Schedule fun activities away from the court for team building.
- Don't scream at players. Don't scream at officials. Don't let parents scream at players or officials.
Things You'll Need
- Whistles for coaches
- Reversible pinnie tops
- Cones
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