Get to know you and your personnel! Our first lesson will be very simple just getting the feel for what you’re specifically looking for. Teach fundamental skills, build confidence, and foster a love for the game. Light drill work, stretching, exercise, handling drills etc.
Lesson Plan 11+: Putting It Together (Mini-Game Focus)
Objective: Combine skills in a game-like setting to build confidence and decision-making.
Warm-Up (10 minutes)
- Dribble Course: Set up cones for players to dribble through (zig-zag, around cones).
- Quick Stretch: Focus on shoulders, hips, and ankles.
Skill Development (35 minutes)
1. Review Skills (10 minutes)
- Quick review of dribbling, passing, and shooting form in small groups. Rotate stations:
- Station 1: Dribbling (crossovers, hesitation moves).
- Station 2: Passing (chest and bounce passes with a partner).
- Station 3: Shooting (form shooting at close range).
2. Game Situations (15 minutes)
- Drill: 2-on-1 fast break – two offensive players pass and move to score against one defender. Focus on passing and layups.
- Progression: Add a second defender for a 2-on-2 scenario.
3. Scrimmage (10 minutes)
- Game: 3-on-3 or 4-on-4 half-court scrimmage with simplified rules (e.g., no double-dribble calls, focus on teamwork). Pause to highlight good plays or teach decision-making.
Cool-Down (10 minutes)
- Static stretching and deep breathing.
- Fun wrap-up: Each player shares their favorite moment from practice.
Lesson Plan 4: Teamwork and Basic Defense
Objective: Introduce passing in motion, teamwork, and defensive stance.
Warm-Up (10 minutes)
- Relay Dribbling: Divide into teams, dribble to a cone and back, pass to next player. Focus on speed and control.
- Stretching: Arm swings, torso twists, and side lunges.
Skill Development (35 minutes)
1. Passing in Motion (10 minutes)
- Teach moving to open space to receive a pass.
- Drill: Triangle passing – three players form a triangle, pass while moving to a new spot after each pass.
- Progression: Add a defender who applies light pressure to encourage quick decisions.
2. Defensive Stance and Movement (15 minutes)
- Teach defensive stance: knees bent, back straight, arms out, stay low.
- Drill: Mirror drill – pairs face each other; one player moves side-to-side, the other mirrors in defensive stance.
- Progression: Introduce slide steps (side-to-side movement without crossing feet).
3. Teamwork Game (10 minutes)
- Game: 3-on-3 half-court (no scoring). Focus on passing to teammates and moving without the ball. Coach stops play to point out good spacing or teamwork.
Cool-Down (10 minutes)
- Group stretch circle: Players lead one stretch each.
- Discussion: Talk about what makes a good teammate (e.g., communication, encouragement).
Lesson Plan 5-10: Shooting and Footwork
Objective: Introduce shooting form and basic footwork for balance and movement.
Warm-Up (10 minutes)
- Jog and Stretch: Lap around the court, followed by dynamic stretches (ankle rolls, hamstring stretches).
- Game: Simon Says (Basketball Edition): Coach calls out actions like "dribble right hand" or "jump stop"; players follow only if "Simon says" is included.
Skill Development (35 minutes)
1. Shooting Form (15 minutes)
- Teach BEEF method: Balance (feet shoulder-width apart), Elbow (under the ball), Eyes (on target), Follow-through (snap wrist).
- Drill: Form shooting without a ball, then with a ball at close range (3-5 feet from the hoop). Focus on form, not making shots.
- Progression: Move to free-throw line for guided shots.
2. Footwork Basics (10 minutes)
- Teach pivot foot and triple-threat position (ready to dribble, pass, or shoot).
- Drill: Triple-threat stance practice – players receive a pass, assume triple-threat, then pivot left or right on command.
- Progression: Add a step-through move to simulate driving past a defender.
3. Layup Introduction (10 minutes)
- Teach basic layup steps: right-hand layup (right-left-jump, shoot off right knee), left-hand layup (left-right-jump, shoot off left knee).
- Drill: Line layups – players take turns doing right- and left-hand layups without a defender.
Cool-Down (10 minutes)
- Static stretching (calf stretch, quad stretch).
- Fun review: Players take one "fun shot" (e.g., a trick shot or long-range attempt).
Right to work!
Lesson 2: Warm-Up (10 minutes)
- Dynamic Stretching: Arm circles, leg swings, high knees, and lunges to loosen up muscles.
- Game: Red Light, Green Light (with a ball): Players dribble when the coach says "green light" and stop on "red light" to practice ball control.
Skill Development (35 minutes)
1. Dribbling Basics (10 minutes)
- Teach proper dribbling stance
- Drill: Stationary dribbling with each hand. Focus on keeping the ball low and controlled.
2. Fun Activity (5 minutes)
- Game: Dribble Tag – Players dribble within a designated area; one player is "it" and tries to tag others while everyone maintains dribble control.
Cool-Down (10 minutes)
- Light stretching (focus on legs and arms).
- Brief discussion: Ask players what they learned and what they enjoyed.
Lesson 3:
Warm-Up (10 minutes)
- Dynamic Stretching: Arm circles, leg swings, high knees, and lunges to loosen up muscles.
- Progression: Add crossovers (switching hands) or walking while dribbling.
2. Passing Fundamentals (10 minutes)
- Teach chest and bounce passes: step toward target, snap wrists, follow through.
- Drill: Partner passing (5-10 feet apart). Start with chest passes, then bounce passes.
- Progression: Introduce movement (pass while walking in pairs).
3. Court Awareness (10 minutes)
- Explain basic court markings: free-throw line, three-point line, half-court line.
- Drill: "Follow the Leader" – Coach moves around the court (dribbling or jogging), players mimic while maintaining spacing.
4. Fun Activity (5 minutes)
- Game: Dribble Take Away – Players dribble within a designated area; everyone has to dribble around while trying to knock the ball out of another players hand while keeping their dribble alive. Last person dribbling wins!
Cool-Down (10 minutes)
- Light stretching (focus on legs and arms).
- Brief discussion: Ask players what they learned and what they enjoyed.