Mastering the Basics Basketball Fundamentals for Children

Basketball is one of the most popular sports for kids in schools and communities across the country. While many children are drawn to the fast-paced, high-scoring nature of the game, truly excelling at basketball requires mastering the fundamentals. Focusing on the essential skills and techniques provides a strong foundation for young players.

Learning the Basics

There are five main skill areas for basketball fundamentals:

• Dribbling – controlling the ball with one hand at a time while moving around the court
• Passing & catching – delivering accurate passes to teammates and securely receiving passes
• Shooting – developing proper shooting form and technique for layups, mid-range jumpers, and 3-pointers
• Defense – moving feet and hands actively to stay between the opponent and the basket
• Rebounding – boxing out and capturing missed shots off the glass

Taking time to build competence in each of these basic abilities will pay dividends as a player progresses. Having sound fundamentals establishes a base to add more advanced skills.

Drills for Development

Incorporating focused drills into practices and workouts accelerates development of basketball skills. Here are some key drills to help engrain proper fundamentals:

Dribbling

• Cone dribbling – weaving in and out of cones set up in a line to improve ball control
• Figure 8s – circling around two cones in a figure 8 pattern to work on changing direction

Passing & Catching

• Partner passing – making various kinds of passes back and forth to a teammate
• Triangle passing – passing quickly between a triangle set up of players

Shooting

• Form shooting – practicing the shooting motion and follow through without a ball to groove mechanics
• Mikan drill – shooting repetitive layups focusing on footwork and touch off the backboard

Defense

• Slides – shuffling feet quickly side-to-side and front-to-back to develop lateral movement
• Mirroring – moving to directly match the movements of an offensive player

Rebounding

• Box out drill – holding box out position against a partner trying to grab a rebound
• Rebounding tip drill – timing jumps to tip missed shots back up towards the hoop

Finding fun and engaging ways to integrate fundamental skill development will keep kids motivated to put in the work necessary to improve.

Play Games Focusing on Fundamentals

Another great way to sharpen basketball basics is to play games and competitions that emphasize mastering core skills. Here are some fun options:

• Dribbling relays – races dribbling through a marked course focusing on ball control
• Knockout – shooting competition testing players’ shooting form under pressure
• Defensive positioning – small-sided games focused on proper defensive stances and footwork
• Passing contests – challenges to make a target number of passes or connect on outlet passes
• Rebound challenge – battling to capture missed shots and outlet passes after makes

Creativity is key for coaches and parents to keep things fresh and exciting. Kids will be eager to play while honing their basketball IQ.

With the basics down, young players will have developed key life lessons in discipline, teamwork and overcoming challenges that apply far beyond the basketball court. Mastering the fundamentals provides a sturdy foundation for excelling at the sport.

 

What age should kids start learning basketball fundamentals?

Kids can start learning basic basketball skills as young as 5 or 6 years old. At this age, the focus should be on fun activities and games to develop coordination and get comfortable with the ball. More structured drills and training can start around 8-9 years old.

How much time should be spent on fundamentals versus scrimmaging?

For younger kids under 10, the recommendation is at least 70% of practice time spent on skill development and 30% or less on scrimmage games. As kids advance, that ratio will shift closer to 50/50 around middle school.

What equipment is needed to work on basketball fundamentals?

To work on core skills at home, the basics needed are a basketball, basketball hoop or alternative like a laundry basket to shoot at, and some cones or objects to dribble around. For rebounding, tennis balls and volleyball can help.