Basketball Training Tips for Beginners

The basketball training tips outlined in this article are specifically written for kids playing organized basketball for the first time. Many parents erroneously believe that when they sign their child up to participate in a basketball league that skill development is part of the deal. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Most Youth league coaches are not qualified to train kids.

The truth is most youth league coaches are simply volunteer parents. Many of them have some experience playing basketball at least at the high school, and level many have even played in college. But their ability to play doesn't necessarily translate into them being able to teach the game to kids who can't even perform basic basketball skills.

Add the fact that they only have a couple of weeks to teach plays, organize practices and attend league meetings and you can understand why giving kids individual attention is nearly impossible.

3 skills kids should have before tryouts and their first practice.

• The ability to dribble with both hands while moving at full speed, and then be able to stop with a 2 foot jump stop. The old red light green light game is perfect for teaching this skill.
• The ability to make the 3 basic passes: Chest pass, Bounce pass, and the Overhead pass.
• The ability to make a layup from the left side, right side and directly in front of the basket.

If they can perform these skills on the first day they will have an advantage over at least half of the other kids, which will result in more playing time.

Added Knowledge = Huge Advantage

If a child has a little bit of basic basketball IQ he will be a godsend to the coach. Give them this additional knowledge and they'll have all of the playing time they can handle.

• Know the player positions. This can be as simple as knowing the difference between the positions of guards, forwards, and center. For additional value add point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward and center.

• You could also explain the responsibilities of each player, but try not to get too carried away. If you have an idea of what position they are most likely to play simply teach them the responsibilities of that position.

• Know areas of the court. Understanding front-court and back-court, where to stand when free throws are being shot, what to do after a basket is made, how to guard their man without fouling, in addition to a general understanding of the rules of the game will give them the head-start they need to feel confident on day one. Read More