45-Minute Beginner Youth Basketball Practice Plan

A shorter beginner basketball session centered on ball control, passing, finishing, and a quick half-court game.

Audience: Volunteer basketball coaches with a 45-minute practice window.

How to use it

A shorter beginner basketball session centered on ball control, passing, finishing, and a quick half-court game.

1. 0–7 min: Movement, jump stops, and a freeze-on-signal dribble game.
2. 7–17 min: Ball-control loop through cones with both hands and a protected turn.
3. 17–27 min: Passing and moving to an open floor spot; add a defender only after the pattern is clear.
4. 27–37 min: Close-range finishing from both sides with a safe rebound path.
5. 37–43 min: 3v3 game with a pass-before-score challenge.
6. 43–45 min: Gather balls and name one next step.

Setup notes

Set two baskets or one basket with a clear queue. Keep the passing activity away from the shooting lane.

Coach cues

• Stop with balance.
• Show hands before receiving.
• Reward a good pass even when the shot misses.

Equipment

• Basketballs
• Cones
• Pinnies
• Floor spots

Watch for

• Using a shooting line as the whole practice
• Letting rebounders cross the shooter
• Making the game too large for the time

Download and print

The approved file formats remain available from the resource page.