By USA Basketball
(January 12, 2023)

While anyone can grab a whistle and call themselves a coach, effective coaching involves understanding player development, implementing progressive coaching techniques, having knowledge of skill-appropriate drills, and committing to safety standards. As the national governing body for basketball in the United States, recognized by both the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), USA Basketball is responsible for youth basketball initiatives that address player development, coach education and safety.  Therefore, USA Basketball has developed a Player Development Curriculum to help the youth coach teach essential basketball skills.

Essential Skills to Teach Players
The USA Basketball Player Development Curriculum guides players through a four-level system of basketball progress. Each level consists of skills and drills in eight basketball categories: ball handling & dribbling, footwork & body control, passing & receiving, rebounding, screening, shooting, team defensive concepts, and team offensive concepts. The eight skill categories permeate each level, with drills advancing as players improve their performance. While all skills are important to become a complete player, the three skills that you should incorporate into every training are footwork & body control, passing & receiving, and shooting.

Footwork & body control. This skill incorporates balance techniques to teach a child how to play while on the move and serves as a foundation for almost every other skill category.  As players progress in basketball, footwork & body control become highly important for the change of direction and game-speed play. Drills and games to improve footwork & body control should highlight:

• Triple-threat position
• Pivoting on the right and left foot
• Planting and cutting to the basket

Passing & receiving. This skill allows players to advance the ball legally throughout the court of play. It begins by teaching a child to be confident with the ball and advances decision-making abilities, communication, and understanding of spacing on the court. Drills and games to improve passing & receiving should highlight:

• Executing a bounce pass
• Executing a chest pass
• Passing to a moving target and while on the move

Shooting. This skill is a necessary fundamental as the objective of the game is to score baskets. When teaching shooting, the most important point to emphasize is proper form. Therefore, adapt accordingly to player strength and use appropriate ball sizes to avoid bad habits from forming. As players advance, with good technique, consistency in shooting can be emphasized. Drills and games to improve shooting should highlight:

• Shooting form
• Layups on the right and left side
• Shooting off the catch and dribble

For specific drills that teach the fundamentals of each skill level, see the basketball fundamental skills progression chart. USA Basketball’s comprehensive guidebook, with more than 300 pages of skills and drills, and the full player development curriculum are available to all USA Basketball Licensed Coaches.

Progressive coaching imparts development techniques based on a player’s mastery of basketball and movement skills as opposed to their age, grade in school, or physical attributes. As you build your curriculum, select skill-appropriate drills, and remember these key “must-do’s” for teaching youth the fundamentals of the game:

1. Make good memories
2. Have a positive attitude
3. Practice patience
4. Make classes and games fun
5. Teach age-appropriate skills and team play
6. Impart fundamentals
7. Keep drills simple
8. Use proper equipment
9. Coach them as kids first, basketball players second
10. Be consistent and use progressive teaching techniques

Grow the Game
Coaches who align with USA Basketball’s mission for proper, fun, and safe player development can earn recognition by the national governing body as a USA Basketball Licensed Coach and help promote the teaching of essential basketball skills in their community. The Coach License program provides online training to educate coaches plus ongoing resources and benefits during the certification year.  All licensed coaches must pass a criminal background screen with monthly renewals to ensure the safety of those with whom the coach may come in contact.  USA Basketball extends ongoing benefits to licensed coaches, including general liability insurance coverage, promotional offers for USA Basketball events, volunteer opportunities, and access to the USA Basketball Guidebook – a 300+ page book that shares the USA Basketball Player Development Curriculum.

This article originally appeared in PHE America on July 20, 2020