PRACTICE 3

GOAL: Continuation of teaching techniques for dribbling, passing and shooting. Also, begin to introduce basic defense and offensive skills.

First 5 to 8 Minutes (Introductions)

At the start of practice, maybe ask the players what they learned last week and remind them to not talk when coaches or players are talking. Also, check on things like how is school going, injuries and future practice schedules. Plus go over some new rule each practice, whether it is what a line on the court means or a certain foul, etc.

Next 5 Minutes (Stretching)

Stretch legs for two minutes and stretch arms for two minutes. Stretching prepares the muscles to prevent injury. The last minute should be used to jog around the court once.

Some more stretching examples:

Stand straight and extend the right arm behind the body. Grab the right wrist with the left hand and pull back and over toward the left side. Hold for a 10 count. Mimic with the other arm. This will stretch the front of the shoulder.
Stand straight and bend the right arm with the elbow touching the back of the head. Grab with the left hand and pull toward the left shoulder. Hold for a 10 count, then mimic with the other arm. This stretches the shoulder joint.
Stand straight and extend the arms straight out. Do trunk rotations from left to right. One to two sets of 10 will suffice. This stretches the oblique muscles.
Jumping jacks.

Next 10 Minutes (Proper Passing Mechanics)

Put the players in two lines, facing each other. Make sure to step into the pass, follow through on each style of passing with your thumbs down and aim for your teammates hand target. Anyone receiving a pass should have their hands up. Maintain eye contact between players throwing and catching. Have each player call out the name of the person they are passing to, so that everyone gets to know everyone's name very quickly. Increase speed as players become more proficient. Practice chest passes and bounce passes. Remember, same form for both passes and the ball should bounce about 2/3 the way between players.

Coaching Points

Be sure they follow through correctly.
Eye contact and hitting the target are always important.
Incorporate simple game drills so the kids can see how they rate against their peers. Simple relay type or timed games as they become more familiar with passing.

Next 15 Minutes (Dribbling)

Now we move onto ball handling. Start slowly and keep them stationary to start with. You can begin to move them with the ball but tell them to keep it low! Make sure the players use the pads of their fingers and look up as they dribble. Use both hands and alternate. Then start them moving. Have them dribble around cones, chairs, etc., and teach them how to change hands or crossover when they reach each obstacle.

Coaching Points

Controlled setting to learn basics of dribbling. Make sure the players use the pads of their fingers and look up as they dribble. Use both hands and alternate.
As you are talking to players, have them look up at you as they do the drill so they learn how to dribble without looking at the ball.
Incorporate simple game drills so the kids can see how they rate against their peers. Simple relay type or timed games as they become more familiar with passing.

Next 3 Minutes (Water Break)

Give the players time to break for water. It is extremely important for the players to remain hydrated at all times. The players must be told your expectations for returning, so make sure you tell them when time is up, hustle back to where you want them next.

Don't be afraid to tell them the pros and cons of water vs. energy drinks (Gatorade)

Next 10 Minutes (Form Shooting-No Basket)

Now begin to build the shot. Good drill with no ball. Good for warming up and don't have much court space. Have the players go slow at first to ensure proper techniques. Remember, elbow in, as you raise your arm, have it pointed towards target and have the hand flat like it is holding a tray and then extend and reach up into the cookie jar to ensure proper follow through. Then add a ball we don't want them to worry about distance, just form.

Coaching Points

Remind them that the off hand is just to be used as a guide and don't incorporate the 2nd hand into the shot until the player can handle the ball with one hand correctly.
Metaphors like 'hold it like a waiter would hold a tray' and 'cookie jar' help them remember the basics.

Next 10 Minutes (Form Shooting with Basket)

Same drill, but now move them to in front of the basket, about 3 feet back. Explain how a shot is the same from the waist up no matter the distance, and how your legs will determine how far the ball needs to go. Incorporate them bending their knees to the proper form so that the ball is released at the top of the extension of your legs and arms together. Now we can start moving back as each player is comfortable. Move back 2 feet a time and make sure they maintain form. The legs drive the shots distance, not the arms.

Coaching Points

Remind them that the off hand is just to be used as a guide and don't incorporate the 2nd hand into the shot until the player can handle the ball with one hand correctly.
Metaphors like 'hold it like a waiter would hold a tray' and 'cookie jar' help them remember the basics
Explain how you always want momentum going towards the target.

Next 3 Minutes (Water Break)

Give the players time to break for water. It is extremely important for the players to remain hydrated at all times. The players must be told your expectations for returning, so make sure you tell them when time is up, hustle back to where you want them next.

Next 15 Minutes (Shooting on the Move)

First chance to incorporate everything you have gone over into one drill. Put them into 2 teams and have them dribble to the basket and stop and take a shot. Encourage every shot that has the proper technique and correct those who are off. Reward the team who makes the first 10 shots. Switch sides.

Coaching Points

Keep reiterating the basics of dribbling, shooting and passing.
Give the drill a catchy name so they will remember it next time!

Next 15 Minutes (Basic Defense)

Finish up practice with something you want to build on each week. The first part of defense is teaching them how to guard the ball. Teach them proper footwork and stance, forcing the player to their weak hand and giving proper distance between the ball handler and the defender. As the player moves, defender slides their feet and tries to stay half a step ahead of them and tires to turn them back to the other direction.

Coaching Points

Sit in his stance, one hand up, one hand on the ball, and within one arms length of the ball.
Tell the offensive player to go slow. Remind them to work on their skills as well.
As the players get more confident, speed up the tempo of the drill.

End of Practice

End practice with line drills of some sort and having them to make foul shots when they are tired. While the players are drinking water, huddle them together for a talk. Take this time to recognize the work that was done well, but also discuss what needs improvement. Always finish the talk in an upbeat, positive way. Tell the players the next practice time and follow up with an email to their parents.

Coaching Point

It is always fun to have the players huddle and place their hands together and yell, '1, 2, 3 (with the team name)!' Do this at the end of practices and before a game.