YouthPlaybook.com is your go-to resource for new youth sports coaches. Whether you’re stepping up to coach for the first time or volunteering mid-season, we’ve got you covered with beginner-friendly guides, practice plans, communication tips, and essential equipment checklists. Learn how to build confidence, manage young athletes, and create a positive, fun team environment from day one.
Teaching man-to-man defense to young athletes can feel intimidating, but at ages 6–8, the goal isn’t perfection — it’s habits, effort, and confidence. At YouthPlaybook, we believe great defense starts with simple concepts taught the right way. If you’ve resisted the urge to coach zone defense and want to set your players up for success […]
How to Teach Man-to-Man Defense to 6–8 Year Olds Read More »
Coaching youth basketball is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have, but it also comes with a balancing act. It’s not easy building a youth basketball practice plan that delivers both fun and structure, skill development, and repetition. Here’s how to design a youth basketball practice plan that build fundamentals and keep players
Youth Basketball Practice Plan: How to Keep Practice Fun and Focused Read More »
Teamwork is one of the most valuable lessons kids can learn from basketball. But real teamwork goes beyond simply passing the ball or running plays together. It’s about communication, trust, and learning how to lift each other up both on and off the court. When coaches and parents take time to teach teamwork intentionally, kids
Teaching Teamwork in Youth Basketball: Beyond Passing the Ball Read More »
Shooting a basketball is one of the most exciting skills for young players to learn—but it can also be one of the hardest to master. How do you teach kids how to shoot a basketball without hurting their confidence? Many kids develop shooting habits early that are tough to correct. The challenge for parents and
Shooting is one of the most important skills in basketball—and the great thing is, kids can practice it on their own. A lot of kids will spend their time at a basketball hoop imitating Steph Curry or Michael Jordan, without any structure to their practice. Whether it’s in the driveway, at the park, or on
Basketball Shooting Drills Kids Can Do Alone Read More »
At ages 7–10, kids are at the perfect stage to develop strong soccer ball control skills. They’re eager to learn, have improving coordination, and respond best when practice feels like play. Coaches and parents can make training both fun and effective by focusing on age-appropriate drills that build dribbling, first touch, and confidence with the
Youth Soccer Ball Control Drills for Ages 7–10 Read More »
Zone vs. Man-to-Man for Youth Basketball Defense: What Coaches and Parents Need to Know When it comes to youth basketball defense, coaches have a big decision to make early on: should they teach zone defense or man-to-man defense? Each approach shapes how players learn the game, develop teamwork, and understand positioning on the court. While
Youth Basketball Defense: Zone vs. Man-to-Man Read More »
Every August, the baseball world turns its eyes to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where the Little League World Series transforms young athletes into global stars—if only for a few days. The games are competitive, the stakes feel sky-high, and the spotlight is intense. Some of the most unforgettable LLWS moments have come not from the batter’s box
Winning with Heart: Coaching Lessons from the Little League World Series Read More »
Youth sports are a $40 billion industry, according to The New York Times. With that growth has come a rise in travel teams, private coaching, year-round leagues, sports-specific camps—and youth sports pressure. While these options can offer incredible opportunities, they can also bring serious pressure—for kids and parents alike. How do you keep youth sports
How to Keep Youth Sports Pressure-Free in a $40 Billion Industry Read More »
Whether you’re coaching your first T-ball team or managing a travel ball squad, showing up prepared can make or break your season. Having the right baseball equipment in your trunk isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating smoother practices, handling the unexpected, and showing your team you’re ready to lead. Here’s a comprehensive youth baseball equipment
The Complete Youth Baseball Equipment Checklist Read More »
