I believe the goal of the first lesson is to introduce the basics, build confidence, and make the game fun while emphasizing fundamental skills.
Usually I start with a brief introduction as well as setting expectations like listening, working hard, and having fun! (5-10 mins)
We then proceed to warm up with some light movement drills. (Light jog, dynamic stretches, and basic footwork drills) [Jump stops, Triple threat position, Defensive slides, etc.] (10-15 mins)
Followed by more drills that will help identify the athlete’s strengths and weaknesses. (Ball handling 15-20mins, passing 10-15mins, shooting 15-20mins, defense 10 mins, scrimmage 10-15 mins)
We end our first session with a 5-10 minute cool down that helps us review what we learned, how to apply our skills in game, all while stretching to help avoid cramping/injury.
Once players have a solid foundation in dribbling, passing, shooting, defense, and basic game concepts, lessons will shift toward refining skills, increasing basketball IQ, and applying techniques in real-game situations. Here’s what they can expect moving forward:
1. Advanced Ball Handling & Playmaking
Using combo moves effectively (crossover-to-hesitation, in-and-out dribbles).
Handling defensive pressure and traps.
Learning how to read defenders to make smart passing or scoring decisions.
2. Shooting Under Game Pressure
Catch-and-shoot situations vs. off-the-dribble shots.
Shooting with defenders closing out.
Learning proper shot selection and creating space for shots.
3. Off-Ball Movement & Team Play
Cutting and screening to get open.
Moving without the ball to improve spacing.
Learning how to set and use screens correctly.
4. Defensive IQ & Strategies
Defending without fouling.
Understanding help defense and rotations.
Learning how to anticipate passes and force turnovers.
5. Transition & Fast-Break Execution
Improving speed and decision-making in fast-break scenarios.
Learning how to finish layups under pressure.
Defensive transition drills to stop fast breaks.
6. Game Situations & Basketball IQ
Running basic offensive plays.
Reading defenses (man-to-man vs. zone).
Understanding spacing, ball movement, and game tempo.
7. Competitive Play & Scrimmages
More structured 3v3, 4v4, and 5v5 games.
Emphasizing applying skills in live game situations.
Coaching on real-time decision-making and adjustments.
8. Developing Confidence & Leadership
Encouraging communication on the court.
Building mental toughness in high-pressure situations.
Teaching players how to be effective teammates and leaders.
At this stage, players should feel more comfortable handling the ball, making smart plays, and playing competitively.
Now that the foundation is set, these lessons will focus on improving consistency, building confidence, and applying skills in game situations. Each session will reinforce previous skills while introducing new challenges.
Lesson 4: Dribbling & Defensive Footwork
1. Warm-Up (10-15 mins)
Dynamic stretching, jogging, and defensive slides.
Dribbling warm-up (stationary and on the move).
Ball control challenge (keep dribbling while reacting to coach’s commands).
2. Dribbling Under Pressure (20 mins)
Dribble relays with speed variations.
1-on-1 dribbling vs. a light defender.
Shielding the ball (protecting dribble from defenders).
3. Defensive Techniques (20 mins)
Stance and slide refresh.
Closeout drills (closing the gap on a shooter).
1-on-1 full-court defense drill.
4. Small-Sided Game Play (15 mins)
2v2 or 3v3 emphasizing ball-handling and defense.
5. Cool Down & Recap (5-10 mins)
Stretching and Q&A.
Assign homework (dribbling under pressure at home).
Lesson 5: Passing & Off-Ball Movement
1. Warm-Up (10-15 mins)
Footwork review (pivoting, triple threat).
Quick dribbling drills to activate hands.
2. Passing with Purpose (20 mins)
Partner passing with movement.
Pass and cut drill (teaching spacing).
Decision-making passing (reading the defense).
3. Off-Ball Movement & Spacing (20 mins)
Give-and-go drill.
Backdoor cuts vs. defensive pressure.
3-on-0 motion offense (learning where to move).
4. Scrimmage (15 mins)
3v3 with passing and movement focus.
5. Cool Down & Review (5-10 mins)
Homework: wall passing, cutting drills.
Lesson 6: Shooting Mechanics & Finishing Moves
1. Warm-Up (10-15 mins)
Form shooting and layup warm-up.
2. Shooting Mechanics Under Pressure (25 mins)
Catch-and-shoot drills.
Shooting off the dribble.
Spot shooting (learning shot selection).
3. Finishing at the Rim (20 mins)
Layups with a defender.
Reverse layups and euro step introduction.
Finishing through contact (pad drill).
4. Competitive Shooting Drills (15 mins)
Timed shooting challenge.
1v1 finishing contest.
5. Cool Down & Homework
Extra shooting reps at home.
Lesson 7: Fast Break & Transition Play
1. Warm-Up (10-15 mins)
Defensive slides, quick first-step drills.
2. Fast Break Offense (20 mins)
3-man weave drill.
Outlet pass & transition layups.
Full-court fast break drill (reading defenders).
3. Transition Defense (20 mins)
Sprint-back drills.
2-on-1 fast break defense.
4. 4v4 Controlled Scrimmage (15 mins)
Focus on transition play.
5. Cool Down & Homework
Sprinting with the ball at home.
Lesson 8: 1-on-1 Moves & Shot Creation
1. Warm-Up (10-15 mins)
Dynamic dribbling warm-up.
Quick shooting reps.
2. Isolation Moves (20 mins)
Jab step & rip-through.
Crossovers & hesitation moves.
Reading defenders and reacting.
3. Shooting Off the Dribble (20 mins)
Pull-up jumpers.
Step-back shots.
Fadeaways for spacing.
4. 1v1 Competition (15 mins)
1v1 full-court and half-court games.
5. Cool Down & Homework
Work on shot creation drills at home.
Lesson 9: Game IQ & Decision-Making
1. Warm-Up (10-15 mins)
Reaction drills.
Passing & cutting.
2. Reading the Defense (20 mins)
Recognizing double teams.
Making the right pass under pressure.
When to drive vs. shoot.
3. Game Situations (20 mins)
2v2 decision-making drills.
Playing against a zone vs. man defense.
4. Full-Court Scrimmage (15 mins)
Players apply what they’ve learned.
5. Cool Down & Homework
Watch a game and analyze plays.
Lesson 10: Full Game Application & Confidence Boosting
1. Warm-Up (10-15 mins)
Favorite drills from previous lessons.
2. Skill Refresher (20 mins)
Quick drills for dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense.
3. Game Strategy & Execution (20 mins)
Fast break execution.
Half-court offensive and defensive setups.
4. Full Scrimmage (20-25 mins)
Players are encouraged to apply everything they’ve learned.
5. Cool Down and Review- (5-10mins)
Now that the players have been introduced to the basics, I believe the next few lessons should focus on reinforcing fundamentals, improving confidence, and introducing game-like situations.
Most lessons are formatted similarly with the exception of many different drills and points of emphasis being added over time.
Warm up- 10-15 mins
Dribbling Progression- 15-20mins
Passing with Movement- 15mins
Shooting Fundamentals and Layups- 20mins
Defense- 15-20mins
Cool down and Review- 5-10mins