When I'm working with kids, the goal is to make everything fun and engaging while still focusing on the basics. Here’s how I approach it:
Keep it fun: I turn drills into games and challenges to keep them excited. Things like "Dribble Tag" or “Knockout” make dribbling and shooting more enjoyable. I also mix up activities regularly to keep their attention.
Focus on the basics: At this stage, we stick to the core skills: dribbling, passing, shooting, and basic defense. I keep instructions simple and use games to reinforce these skills, like dribbling around cones or shooting from close-range.
Positive reinforcement: I always praise effort, not just success. Even if they miss a shot, I’ll highlight their good form, their hard work, and their progress.
Adapt drills: I adjust drills based on their skill level. I’ll simplify them or add challenges as needed. For example, I’ll have kids dribble in zig-zags or in a fun race, rather than just dribbling in a straight line. And if possible, we use smaller basketballs and lower hoops to help them succeed.
Encourage teamwork: I make sure they’re not just working on individual skills but also learning how to pass, communicate, and play together. We’ll do 2v2 or 3v3 scrimmages where they have to move the ball and help each other out.
Keep it short: Kids can’t focus for too long, so we keep the sessions around 45–60 minutes, with plenty of movement and variety. I try to avoid long lines or too much standing around.
Build confidence: I always make sure there are opportunities for success, whether it’s a passing challenge or a quick 1v1 game. I celebrate their wins and make sure they know what they did well.
Leadership and communication: As they get more comfortable, I’ll have them lead drills or call out plays. It helps them grow in confidence and teaches them how to be a good teammate.
At the end of each session, we cool down with some light stretching, and I remind them of the progress they’ve made. The key is to make everything enjoyable so they keep coming back and wanting to get better!
When I’m working with teenagers (13–19), my approach shifts a bit. I focus more on developing advanced skills, basketball IQ, and creating a more competitive environment, while still keeping it engaging. Here’s how I’d break it down:
Make it competitive: Teens thrive in competitive environments, so I set up drills and scrimmages where they can challenge each other. For example, I’ll have them compete in 1v1 or 2v2 games with real-time scoring. This keeps them motivated and focused.
Introduce more advanced skills: At this age, I focus on refining skills like ball handling under pressure, shooting off the dribble, pick-and-rolls, and advanced defense techniques. I break down each skill into parts, and then put them into game scenarios.
Basketball IQ: I start teaching more about court awareness, decision-making, and reading defenses. This might include teaching them how to recognize defensive schemes or when to pass vs. shoot. I encourage them to think the game through, not just react.
Shorter, more focused drills: While I still keep the drills short, I make them more intense. I push them to go at full speed, and I make sure each drill has a purpose—whether it’s improving ball control or learning how to create space on offense.
More freedom in scrimmages: I allow more freedom for them to experiment and make mistakes during scrimmages, as long as they’re learning from it. I’ll stop the play to point out key mistakes or great decisions, which helps them improve during live action.
Encourage leadership: At this age, I want them to take on leadership roles. Whether it’s calling out plays, being vocal in defense, or leading warm-ups, I encourage them to be more vocal and take charge on the court.
Fitness and conditioning: Teens need to be in good shape, so I incorporate agility drills and conditioning into every session. Quickness, stamina, and footwork are key, and I make sure they know how important these are for improving their game.
Feedback and development: I give specific, actionable feedback during and after sessions. I’ll focus on what they’re doing well and areas for improvement, and I make sure to give them a plan to work on before the next session.
In short, when working with teens, I balance skill development, basketball IQ, and competition, while also giving them the space to take ownership of their game. It’s all about pushing them to the next level, but still keeping it fun and competitive.