7 basic skills

When we talk about running an offence in basketball we often miss the point that players need to have all the basic skills before they are taught how to run any offensive plays. To learn how to play offence is crucial before coaches start pouring offensive set plays and complex movements into young player's minds, especially at junior or primary school level.

​

Here are 7 basic basketball skills every player should have before they embark on set offensive strategies to win games. Without all of these 7 skills being taught first you are likely to be frustrated as a coach when trying to teach young boys and girls how to run your offence. Remember that kids want to have fun first and once they can master the basics, the game will be more fun than ever...

​

​

THE 7 BASIC OFFENSIVE SKILLS IN BASKETBALL

​

1. Players must be able to PASS & learn not to over possess the ball

2. Players must be able to CATCH and confidently retain possession

3. Players must be able to DRIBBLE not pick up the ball too early (hold their triple threat)

4. Players must be able to CUT & PIVOT understanding movement without travel is the key

5. Players must be able to SHOOT from any position using correct & simple technique

6. Players must be able to LAY-UP left and right handed

7. Players must be able to SCREEN so they can learn a 'pick & roll' early on

 

Of course there is a defensive side to the game and similar to the offence, coaches love to teach set defensive plays and systems to kids in an effort to stop the other team scoring or to pressure the ball to a point where a turnover or steal eventuates.

​

The same goes for defence as it does for offence. If you try to put the cart before the horse you will only become frustrated and appear to get angry at your players. Be the clever coach and show the kids how to play defence before you try to show them your structured defensive strategies and you will be rewarded with players who know how to play defence and will enjoy your coaching that much more.

​

​

​

THE 7 BASIC DEFENSIVE SKILLS OF BASKETBALL

​

1. Players must be able play in a correct STANCE as footwork & balance are key skills

2. Players must be able to COMMUNICATE to help team mates on defence & be confident

3. Players must be able to see the BALL and their OPPONENT at the same time

4. Players must be able to BOX OUT rebound & prevent opponents from rebounding

5. Players must be able to CLOSE DOWN their opponent without over-playing it

6. Players must be able to RUN WITH their OPPONENT & pressure the ball without fouling

7. Players must be able to BLOCK shots without fouling

 

So, there you have it, 7 basic skills for both offence and defence considered by many to be essential to teach any young boy or girl before we aspire to greater teachings. Of course there is lots more to teach before an array of systems and complex strategies are implemented.

Some would ask, 'why implement them at all'. The simplest and most basic of plays often work the best and confusion only leads to frustration, hesitation & less enjoyment.

 

All players should be taught how to pivot correctly inside and outside from either foot, they will need to know how to use screens properly and how to shoot correctly, especially to make their free throws. Be patient, these skills take time to teach and perfect.

If you have the right ATTITUDE, put in the EFFORT, show a DESIRE to work hard your SKILLS will improve!

​

Keep it simple, work hard and enjoy the game...!