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. It’s also your first chance to make the other parents think that you look like you know what you’re doing!

Here’s how to make sure you’re ready to hit the court with confidence.

Step 1: Reach Out to Parents

If possible, before you ever get to your first practice – send a short, upbeat welcome email or text to parents. Introduce yourself and take a moment to make sure they’re aware of: the practice and game schedule (if available), what their kids are expected to wear and bring to practice. Use ChatGPT if writing isn’t your strong suit.

An introductory email is a great way to level-set expectations for the season, emphasizing your focus on fun, learning, and teamwork. This helps build trust, reduce first-day nerves, and shows parents you’re organized and approachable.

Step 2: Start Practice By Getting to Know Your Players

Before practice even begins, get everyone together and do some introductions. Try try to get a sense of:

• Skill levels: Did most kids play before, or are they brand new?
• Ages and attention spans: A 6-year-old needs may need a different style of coaching than a 7-year-old
• Personalities: Some kids are quiet observers. Others are bouncing off the walls. Expect both.
• Relationships: Do you have groups of friends on your team? That could help or hurt, depending on how you manage it.

Step 3: Set Expectations Early

You set expectations with your parents in your introductory email. Now that you have the kids’ attention, let them know what you expect of them and what they can expect of you. 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.”

Step 4: Execute a Basketball Practice Plan

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 & introductions
• 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.

Step 5: Connect with Parents at the End of Basketball Practice

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

• Thank them for coming
• Reiterate 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.

Bonus Goal: Find a Mom or Dad to put on snack duty. They can start a Sign-up Genius and facilitate sign-ups for you!

Final Tip: Keep It Simple

You don’t need to run the perfect practice. One practice isn’t going to change the world.

Your goal for the first basketball practice of the year should simply be 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.

Looking for more tips on how to keep your youth basketball practice plan include what it takes for your players to stay fun and focused? Read more on our blog.