Coaching Resources

To assist with practice and skill development, use the below resources provided by the Jr. NBA/WNBA and USA Basketball. At HHoops, we emphasize progressive skill development, proper technique for beginners while incorporating small-sided games to maximize player touches and learning opportunities. We want to foster an environment of positive reinforcement, safety considerations, and inclusivity where all skill levels can improve.

Rookie Level (Grades 1-2)
At the Rookie level, the game is all about fun, being active and learning basic fundamental skills. This level is for players with little to no basketball experience and it should be positive and build a love for the game. The Rookie level emphasizes small-sided games to allow for more repetitions and improved skill development. The goal of the Rookie level is to use games-based activities to form a base of motor skills.

Jr. NBA/WNBA Rookie Development List: downloadable PDF with an outline of skills to focus on at practice
Jr. NBA/WNBA Practice Plans: Rookie: 12 different practice plans including diagrams/videos to illustrate concepts
USA Basketball Skills and Drills

Starter Level (Grades 3-4)
At the Starter level, the fundamental skills begin to be honed and expanded upon. As players have now been exposed to the game, they will start to understand how to play in a team setting. It is in the Starter level that we begin introducing team offensive and team defensive concepts. The goal of the Starter level is to continue having fun, develop further skills, and begin to understand team concepts.

Jr. NBA/WNBA Starter Development List (.pdf): downloadable PDF with an outline of skills to focus on at practice
Jr. NBA/WNBA Practice Plans: Starter: 12 different practice plans including diagrams/videos to illustrate concepts
USA Basketball Skills and Drills

All-Star Level (Grades 5-12)
At the All-Star level, Jr. NBA players will begin to gain strength, quickness and the ability to better react to game situations. Practices will shift more towards team concepts and competition, while still heavily emphasizing skill development. The goal of the All-Star level is to begin applying skills and team concepts more directly into game situations.

Jr. NBA/WNBA All-Star Development List (.pdf): downloadable PDF with an outline of skills to focus on at practice
Jr. NBA/WNBA Practice Plans: All-Star: 12 different practice plans including diagrams/videos to illustrate concepts
USA Basketball Skills and Drills