How to Prep: First Basketball Practice

Whether you’re coaching for the first time or you’re a seasoned volunteer, the first youth basketball practice sets the tone for the entire season. It’s your chance to make a positive first impression, build trust, and establish the foundation for team development. Here’s how to make sure you’re ready to hit the court with confidence.

1. Get to Know Your Players

Before practice even begins, try to get a sense of:

Skill levels: Did most kids play before, or are they brand new?
Ages and attention spans: A 7-year-old needs a very different style of practice than a 12-year-old.
Personalities: Some kids are quiet observers. Others are bouncing off the walls. Expect both.

If possible, send a short welcome email or text to parents asking about any previous experience or special considerations.

2. Basketball Practice Plan (but keep it flexible)

Your first practice should have structure, but be ready to adjust based on energy, skill, and attention span. A good rule of thumb for a 60-minute practice:

0–10 minutes: Warm-up & fun icebreaker
10–20 minutes: Basic drills (dribbling, passing, layups)
20–40 minutes: Skill stations or small group activities
40–55 minutes: Controlled scrimmage or team games
55–60 minutes: Wrap-up, team chat, and goals for next time

Avoid lines and long lectures. Keep everyone moving and involved.

3. Bring the Right Gear

Double-check your bag before heading to the gym. Make sure you are bringing the following items so you are prepared to focus on the kids, and not what you didn’t bring:

Balls (proper size for the age group)
Cones or markers
Whistle
Clipboard or printed practice plan
First-aid kit
Extra water/snacks just in case

Having a clipboard with your practice outline visible can make you look prepared and keep things flowing.

4. Set Expectations Early

Kids (and parents) respond well to clear structure. Use the first practice to lay out your philosophy:

Effort matters more than winning
We’ll work hard and have fun
Everyone will get a chance to improve

Keep rules simple. One coach’s classic: “Be a great teammate, be coachable, and bring your best attitude.”

5. Make Basketball Practice Fun

This cannot be overstated. Fun builds buy-in. If the first practice is just drills, kids lose interest fast. Try:

Relay races with dribbling
Sharks and minnows (basketball style)
3-on-3 with fun rules (e.g., must pass twice before shooting)

The goal isn’t to create mini pros—it’s to create kids who want to come back.

6. Connect with Parents at Basketball Practice

End practice with a quick parent huddle (or follow up by email) to:

Thank them for coming
Share the focus of the season
Let them know how they can support (water, rides, encouragement)

This sets the tone for partnership—not just between coach and team, but coach and family.

Final Tip: Keep It Simple

You don’t need to run the perfect practice. You just need to create an environment where kids feel included, active, and motivated to come back next week.

With a little prep and a lot of energy, you’ll set the stage for a great season