First Youth Basketball Practice Plan

A first basketball practice for names, movement, ball control, passing, and a small game that does not require a child to already know the rules.

Audience: A volunteer basketball coach meeting a beginner team for the first time.

How to use it

A first basketball practice for names, movement, ball control, passing, and a small game that does not require a child to already know the rules.

  1. 0–8 min: Welcome, court boundaries, jump stops, and a movement game.
  2. 8–18 min: One-ball-per-player exploration with dribble, stop, protect, and change direction.
  3. 18–28 min: Partner passing to a target, then moving to a new open spot.
  4. 28–38 min: Close-range finishing and rebound-to-the-outside habit.
  5. 38–52 min: 3v3 half-court with a spacing or passing goal rather than a score focus.
  6. 52–60 min: Ball count, player reflection, and next-practice preview.

Setup notes

Walk the court before practice and set a clear ball-return spot. If balls are limited, pair players and keep the waiting job active.

Coach cues

  • Teach where to stand before teaching a play.
  • Use names in every passing activity.
  • Keep corrections short enough to preserve the rhythm.

Equipment

  • Basketballs
  • Cones or floor spots
  • Pinnies
  • Whistle

Watch for

  • Opening with a full 5v5 game
  • Using lines longer than the teaching time
  • Assuming players know court boundaries

Download and print

The approved file formats remain available from the resource page.