Fifth grade boys tend to have short attention spans, particularly if stuck in a long, boring basketball practice. When coaching fifth graders, it's important to make practice drills fun so the players stay interested and engaged. But you can't sacrifice teaching for mere entertainment. Each drill still needs to convey a valuable coaching point to help the young players improve their fundamental basketball skills.
Bumper Cars
In this full team drill, each player dribbles a ball on the same half of the court. Players must maintain their dribble at all times while also attempting to knock the ball away from teammates. Encourage players to use various dribbling techniques, from speed dribbles to crossovers and between-the-leg maneuvers. Stepping across half court or losing possession eliminates the player. The drill teaches players to keep their eyes up, looking at defenders and not the ball. They'll also learn how to use their bodies to protect the ball from defenders.
Tag
A variation of the bumper car theme, tag also requires each member of the team to dribble on one half of the court. However, this time the youngsters play a basic game of tag, with one player being "it" and attempting to tag someone else. Players must maintain their dribble throughout the game. If a player is tagged, crosses center court, loses possession, double-dribbles or travels, he becomes "it." Unlike bumper cars, which stresses protecting the ball, tag forces the ball handler to make quick changes of direction and mad dashes for safety while maintaining a dribble.
Two-Ball Shooting Drill
This shooting drill requires three players: a shooter, a rebounder and a passer. The rebounder and passer each start the drill holding a ball, while the shooter runs to a spot. The passer fires a pass to the shooter, who catches and shoots. The rebounder relays his ball to the passer and then rebounds the shot. The same pattern repeats, with the passer feeding the shooter and the rebounder chasing down all made or missed shots and feeding the passer. Using two balls allows for a greater number of shots a smaller length of time, making it more fun for the participants.
Kentucky Layup Drill
Divide the team into two groups, positioning one group under each basket. Each group also needs to have one coach standing around the foul line. On the whistle, the first player in each group passes the ball to the coach and then streaks up court, taking a return pass from the coach at about the three-point line and then continuing on toward the opposite basket for a layup. Ideally, the two players will cross each other at mid-court. If the player makes the layup, his teammates shout out the number of the made shot. The next player in each group rebounds the successful or missed layup and repeats the entire process. The drill, which typically lasts three minutes, teaches dribbling and layup skills, while also improving endurance and mental focus.
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