This updated guide presents short, effective drills parents and coaches can use to teach children fundamental basketball skills: dribbling with head up and fingertips, chest and bounce passing with proper footwork, and rebounding with boxing out and two-handed securing. It emphasizes short practice blocks, progression to game situations, and using age-appropriate equipment. A verification note flags confirming specific youth ball-size recommendations.

Growing up with basketball often means the basics stick with you. For parents or coaches teaching young players today, the same core drills still work - but with shorter reps, clearer cues, and an emphasis on age-appropriate equipment and safety.

Dribbling: Head Up, Fingertips, Protect the Ball

Set a cone about 15-20 feet away (use a shorter distance for younger children). Have the player dribble with their right hand toward the cone, keeping their head up and using their fingertips rather than the palm. When they round the cone, have them switch to the left hand and dribble back.

Key points: low athletic stance, soft knees, eyes up to read the court, and a protective off-hand to shield defenders. Repetition builds comfort; keep drills short and frequent so kids stay engaged.

Passing: Chest Pass Fundamentals and Progressions

Work in pairs about 8-10 feet apart. Teach the chest pass first: hands on the sides of the ball, step toward the partner, push with the thumbs finishing down and fingers pointing at the receiver's chest. Aim for chest-high catches to make receiving easier.

Progress to bounce passes when defenders are in the lane. Emphasize two-handed catches, soft hands, and stepping into the pass for power and accuracy.

Rebounding: Box Out, Track, Secure

Rebounding combines positioning, timing, and effort. Teach kids to get inside position (box out) before a shot goes up, keep their eyes on the ball, and then turn toward the rim to track the flight.

Practice by standing under the basket while an adult shoots. After the shot, the child locates the ball, jumps or reaches, and secures it with two hands, then pivots or passes to start the break. Repetition plus small-sided games helps transfer the skill to real play.

Practice Tips and Progressions

  • Keep drills short (5-10 minutes per skill) and age-appropriate.
  • Use positive, specific feedback: "Head up," "Fingertips," "Step and push."
  • Combine drills with scrimmages so kids apply skills under pressure.
  • Use an age-appropriate ball for better control (youth sizes are common; verify the best size for your player).
Basketball teaches teamwork, discipline, and coordination. With consistent, focused practice on these fundamentals - dribbling, passing, and rebounding - young players build the habits that let them learn the game and enjoy it for years.
  1. Confirm recommended youth basketball ball size by age (size 4/5/6 mapping) and include specific guidance if needed.

FAQs about Basketball Drills

How long should each drill session be for young players?
Keep drills short and focused: about 5-10 minutes per skill. Younger kids benefit from shorter, more frequent practice to maintain attention and prevent fatigue.
What is the most important cue for teaching dribbling?
The top cue is "head up." Pair that with fingertip control and a low stance so players can protect the ball and see the court while dribbling.
When should I teach bounce passes?
Introduce bounce passes after a player is comfortable with the chest pass. Use them to teach passing around defenders and into the lane during small-sided drills.
How do I teach a child to rebound safely?
Start with positioning: teach boxing out before the shot, then tracking the ball, jumping or reaching with two hands, and securing the ball. Use controlled drills and progress to competitive rebounding in scrimmages.

News about Basketball Drills

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