Start by learning names

Introduce yourself, explain how you will get everyone’s attention, and make sure players know where to get water. Give them something simple to do with a ball while you learn about the group.

A sample 60-minute session

This is a planning example, not a required training prescription. Adjust it for the ages, energy, space, and local requirements.

  • 8 minutes: welcome and a movement game.
  • 10 minutes: ball handling with eyes up.
  • 12 minutes: passing and moving in pairs.
  • 5 minutes: water and a quick check-in.
  • 15 minutes: a small-sided game around finding a teammate.
  • 10 minutes: a favorite activity, recap, and wrap-up.

Leave with one thing learned

Ask players to show or explain one thing they tried. Make a short note for the next practice rather than trying to solve every skill in the first session.

Use the first session to observe the group

Notice who can control a short pass, who needs more time to receive, and whether players can find an open teammate. Those observations are more useful for the next practice than assigning permanent positions on day one. Prepare transitions too: know where equipment goes, how you will gather the group, and how players move between activities. Include water and explanation time in the gym booking, and finish with one thing the players can show or explain.

Questions a coach might ask

What if I only have 45 minutes?

Keep the same small teaching focus and shorten the activity blocks. Preserve the introduction, water opportunities, and recap rather than rushing every transition.

Is this a tryout plan?

No. This is an introductory team practice, not a selection or player-ranking system. Follow your organization’s process for tryouts.

Keep learning

For official development guidance, see USA Basketball’s Youth Basketball Guidelines. For another example of movement after a pass, see the Jr. NBA Post Pass and Cut Drill. These are further-reading resources; they have not reviewed or endorsed this HoopSketch example.

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