INTRAMURAL: 3RD GRADE BOYS

Information about HHoops Intramural 3rd Grade Boys basketball can be found here, including resources related to: Objectives, Practice Sessions, Game Format and Rules, and Game Guidelines for Coaches. Expand each section below to learn more.

Objectives

The objectives of 3rd grade basketball are to build a solid foundation of fundamental skills and team concepts while encouraging teamwork, competitiveness and sportsmanship. In addition, 3rd grade basketball is focused on:

To build a solid foundation of fundamental basketball skills and team concepts while encouraging teamwork, competitiveness and sportsmanship.
To build on 2nd grade experience and continue knowledge and growth in the sport.
To introduce scoring at an appropriate point in the season.
Prepare for 4th grade basketball.
Have fun!

Practice Sessions

Ideally, 3-4 one hour practice sessions will be scheduled before any games against other teams begin. The Jr. NBA Instructional Curriculum is a helpful resource for practice planning.

Skills sets to emphasize:

Footwork (stance, pivot foot, triple threat position, squaring to the basket)
Dribbling (both hands, head up)
Passing (chest, bounce, overhead)
Shooting form
Short to mid range Shooting
Lay Ups from both sides of basket
Rebounding (positioning of hand and feet, boxing out, protecting ball)
Teamwork (offense and defense)
Defensive stance and Defensive sliding
2 Defensive Fundamentals - 1- “Deny your man the ball when he is one pass away. If he can't get it, he can't score" 2- Basic off ball positioning- “Stay between opponent and basket, always see your man and the ball".
Free throws - logistics - lining up, shooting them - we can only have free throws after they all understand how the process works. Please address this in one of your earlier sessions. The sooner they understand, the sooner we have them.

Passing:

There are 2 different schools of thought on passing: 1) 3 passes before a shot. The more they pass, the better they’ll be as a team, and 2) "First shot mentality" - in other words, the player with the first open shot within his/her shooting range, should take the shot.
- This has several advantages. If they do too much passing at this age, they will eventually throw the ball away or commit a turnover, and you don't get a shot. So shoot early, and crash the offensive boards for second and third chances. It's a little like ice hockey at this age... the team with the most "shots on goal" usually wins.
- "First shot mentality" also takes the pressure off the kids (some kids are afraid to shoot, afraid to miss). If you teach the kids that you expect them to shoot when they are open, and that you don't expect them to make all their shots (even Michael Jordan only makes half of them) they will play more relaxed and better.
- Let them know that you don't expect them to make every shot, but that you do expect them to shoot when they are open, and everybody rebounds (maybe one guard back).
- Teach them that part of being a good "team" player is taking good shots. So nothing fancy on offense... just a simple set, spacing, cutting, an early shot and crash the boards for more shots. If they are quick, fast break for easy lay-ups too.
- The kids should understand the value in both and that “good” shots should always be emphasized. You’re the coach, you decide.

Game Format and Rules

Game Setup:

Games should be 5v5 with a man-to-man defensive format.
Coaches need to create reasonable match ups for the players to have some success.
- The most skilled child shouldn’t be matched with the least skilled child.

Playing Time:

If you have all ten players, all players must play two full quarters. They must play one quarter in each half.
If less than 10 players, each player must play at least two full quarters and sit for one full quarter.

Scoring:

No score is kept until referees and coaches feel the group is ready.
We will play a limited number of unscored games to evaluate and determine their overall knowledge and progress.

Screening/Picks:

Picks should be carefully explained in the first few weeks of practice and closely monitored in games.
They need to know how to set a pick/screen, how to use it and just as importantly, how to defend it.
Offensive and defensive uses of screens need to be explained and understood.

Defense:

No back-court pressing.
Double teaming only on defense in the paint.
Defense should be picked up behind the three-point line.
Defensive switching is allowed as seen fit.
“5” second violations in the lane (not 3).
Stealing
- No steals between the foul lines.
- Once a team brings the ball into the other teams zone the ball can be stolen. If this occurs too often, stop the game briefly, and reinforce how to protect the ball.
- This is a big part of the game and kids needs to learn to pass and/or protect the ball.
- Be strict on stealing cleanly.

Defensive Boundaries:

Defense does not pick up player until top of the key extended
If offensive player is farther out, defender must stay off of him - this will allow perimeter passing.
If the ball is played back into the “neutral zone” after an initial offensive attempt the player has 10 seconds to pass the ball.

Fouls/Game Stoppages:

Unlimited per player.
Two shots (12 ft.) awarded when fouled in act of shooting.
All other fouls stop play and ball is checked by referee (coach) above blue line and must be passed into play. Balls knocked out of bounds should be inbounded at same spot.
Games will be called closely, focusing on contact. Children need to learn what constitutes a foul.
- Hopefully this will promote a more productive learning environment.
- No free throws unless clearly shooting - if a non-shooting foul is called, the team that was fouled will get the ball and inbound it.
Free throws may not be included in early sessions to allow coaches to work with players on execution, form and understanding in practices.
- This will be determined by coaches and referees based on overall group skill level.

Fast Breaks:

Fast breaking permitted.
- However, the rebounder must pass the ball to a teammate prior to crossing the half court line.
- If not, that team inbounds the ball at half court.

Sportsmanship:

Before each game the coaches should meet to discuss the match-up of players.
- This is intended to allow the better players to play against each other and the weaker players to do the same.
At the conclusion of each game, all players and coaches will shake hands.
Post-game meetings should be held off the court; we are on a tight schedule and want the next game to get started on time.
Please remember we are an intramural program charged with teaching our boys the fundamentals of basketball, while encouraging teamwork and sportsmanship.
All parental and coaches thoughts and idea's (good and bad) should be sent to the age group director.

Game Guidelines for Coaches

One (1) “instructional” referee will be supplied for all games.
Time - we will run (8) 4 minute time periods to allow equal playing time and easier match up scenarios.
Equal playing time for all players. Try to match players as equally as possible.
Games start promptly after 10 minutes of warm-up. Our time is limited. Please be considerate of next groups time.
Five minute half-time.
Nine foot baskets will be used by all 3rd grade players.

In-Game Teaching:

Referees will interact and help players understand rules and infractions during play.
- When time permits coaches should explain to a player what he has done wrong after an infraction.
- The referees will use their judgment and give some latitude to less gifted players as far as enforcing certain violations.
- We don’t want the play to be continually interrupted.
Have other players ready to come on court quickly.
All infractions will be enforced to the extent deemed adequate to skill level of players. Lesser skilled player should be warned and spoken to before there is a turnover.

Positions:

3rd grade should be an introduction to proper positioning.
2nd grade had point, post and wings. 3rd grade needs to have guards (point/off), forwards (wings) and center (post).
Give them a basic understanding of what the responsibilities of those positions and make sure they get an opportunity to try a few different ones.
Basketball is a physical game and there will be contact. It is imperative that we give the proper instruction to the players in this regard.
- Overly aggressive or dangerous contact needs to be addressed immediately.
- Coaches - don’t be spectators - you are there to instruct. Don’t let bad, overly aggressive or rough play continue. Stop the game - briefly and correct it or sub.