60-Minute Beginner Youth Basketball Practice Plan
A beginner basketball practice that grows ball confidence, passing on the move, finishing near the basket, and simple team spacing.
Audience: Volunteer basketball coaches working with beginner youth players.
How to use it
A beginner basketball practice that grows ball confidence, passing on the move, finishing near the basket, and simple team spacing.
- 0–10 min: Ball-free movement, jump stops, pivots, and a dribble-on-signal warm-up.
- 10–22 min: Station circuit for dominant-hand control, crossover at a cone, and protected dribble.
- 22–34 min: Partner passing while moving to a target, then receiving into a jump stop.
- 34–46 min: Finishing from both sides with a close-range target and a rebound-and-out rule.
- 46–55 min: 3v3 half-court game with one spacing cue and no full-court pressure.
- 55–60 min: Free-throw routine, stretch, and team recap.
Setup notes
Use one ball per player when possible. Set a clear shooting line and a separate rebound path before players enter the basket area.
Coach cues
- Jump stop before pivot.
- Pass to a player's hands, not a general direction.
- Teach spacing with floor spots instead of a long diagram.
Equipment
- Basketballs
- Cones
- Floor spots
- Pinnies
- Water access
Watch for
- Starting with a full 5v5 game
- Letting rebounds cross the shooting line
- Correcting every dribble at once
Download and print
The approved file formats remain available from the resource page.