Coaching 1st-2nd Graders

 

Coaching Goals

  1. Build fundamentals (dribble, pass, shoot, pivot, defense).
  2. Improve listening & teamwork (lining up, taking turns, sharing the ball).
  3. Introduce simple game concepts (spacing, moving without the ball, basic rules like traveling/double dribble).
  4. Keep it fun, positive, and encouraging.

Coaching Tips

  • Practice Length: 60 minutes max.
  • Attention Span: 5–7 minutes per drill, switch often.
  • Repetition: Lots of touches on the ball—each kid with their own ball when possible.
  • Competition: Friendly contests (relays, shooting games, dribble races).
  • Patience: Mistakes will happen often—focus on effort, not perfection.

Core Skills to Teach

  1. Dribbling – with both hands, change of speed, dribbling while looking up.
    • Games: “Red light, green light,” dribble tag, cone zig-zag.
  2. Passing & Catching – chest pass, bounce pass, partner target practice.
    • Game: Pass around the circle without dropping.
  3. Footwork – jump stops, pivots, triple-threat stance.
    • Game: “Simon Says” with pivots.
  4. Shooting – form first, close to basket (use 8-ft hoops if possible).
    • Game: “Around the world” with spots close in.
  5. Defense – stay between man and hoop, hands up, shuffle feet.
    • Game: Shadow/mirror drill.

Fun Game-Style Activities

  • Sharks & Minnows (with dribbling)
  • Relay races with the ball (dribbling, passing, layup finish).
  • Knockout (gentle version) – keep it light.

Scrimmage – very short, 3v3 or 4v4 so everyone touches the ball.

 

Coaching 3rd-4th Graders

 

Coaching Goals

  1. Strengthen Fundamentals: Dribble (with both hands, under pressure), pass (chest, bounce, overhead), shoot (form, layups, range), pivot, defense (stance, help defense).
  2. Develop Game IQ: Spacing, moving without the ball, basic offensive sets (give-and-go, pick and roll intro), defensive rotations, understanding fouls and violations.
  3. Teamwork & Communication: Calling for the ball, defensive talking (“I got ball!”), encouraging teammates.
  4. Build Confidence & Sportsmanship: Compete hard, win/lose with respect, support each other.

 Coaching Tips

  • Practice Length: 60–75 minutes.
  • Drill Duration: 7–10 minutes per drill; introduce more multi-step drills.
  • Repetition: Still lots of touches, but add more “live” (defended) reps.
  • Competition: More structured contests (1v1, 2v2, shooting ladders, timed challenges).
  • Accountability: Encourage self-correction and peer feedback.

Core Skills to Teach

  1. Dribbling: Both hands, change of speed/direction, dribbling under pressure, basic moves (crossover, hesitation, behind-the-back intro).
    1. Games: Dribble knockout, “King of the Court,” pressure dribbling relays.
  2. Passing & Catching: Chest, bounce, overhead, passing on the move, passing out of traps.
    1. Games: 3-man weave, moving target passing, “Monkey in the Middle.”
  3. Footwork: Jump stops, pivots, triple-threat, jab steps, defensive slides.
    1. Games: Footwork relays, Simon Says with advanced pivots.
  4. Shooting: Form shooting, layups (both sides), shooting off the dribble, free throws.
    1. Games: Around the World (expanded), shooting ladders, layup lines with defenders.
  5. Defense: On-ball stance, help defense, closeouts, boxing out.
    1. Games: 1v1 full court, shell drill intro, rebounding wars.

Fun Game-Style Activities

  • Sharks & Minnows (with defenders)
  • Relay races with added complexity (pass, dribble, finish)
  • Knockout (with rules for sportsmanship)

Scrimmage: 4v4 or 5v5, introduce basic plays, rotate positions.