DRILLS AND PLAYS

Hey Coach!

Really work the fundamentals with this age group. On offense, teach ball handling, passing, proper spacing, correct shooting form, offensive rebounding, setting screens and moving without the ball.

On defense, teach correct defensive positioning, how to slide and move your feet, how to box out and rebound, how to help out and cut off the passing lanes. I think kids this age must learn to play man-to-man defense, and that should be your primary defense. But have a 2-1-2 or 2-3 zone defense in your pocket too, as a simple zone can really confuse the offense at this age, and may force them to shoot from outside. Sometimes a press works too.

On offense, for this age, I like a simple set offense like a 1-3-1, or 1-2-2 if you have a good point guard. If you are strong inside, you might want to go with a 2-3. The main thing is spacing, sharp, crisp passing, screens and cuts, and crashing the offensive boards. A "first open shot" mentality is not bad for this age group... that is, the first player with an open shot, takes it, and 4 players hit the boards for those 2nd and 3rd chances (one stays back on defense). I find that over-passing at this age often results in turnovers and lost chances for shots. Usually the team who takes the most shots wins. Also, "first open shot" takes the pressure off some kids. Some kids are actually shy about shooting at this age. If you let them know that you expect them shoot when open, they will look to score and not feel bad about taking a shot.

Feel free to use any of the material (tips, plays, drills) on my website. There are links to other coaching sites as well.

Good luck... have fun!
Coach Gels