Coach Jim Huber's 15 Must-Have Youth Basketball Drills

Introduction

Focus on youth basketball drills for ages 8-13.
Emphasize developing fundamental basketball skills, offensive and defensive concepts, and basketball IQ.
Access free practice plans via the link provided in the description.

Key Drills and Techniques

Drill 1: Throw, Stop, Pivot

Objective: Improve footwork and ball-handling.
Instructions: Throw the ball, stop quickly, pivot face-up.
Key Points: Stay low, maintain a wide base, avoid traveling.
Mistake Correction: Ensure you back pivot after stopping to avoid traveling.

Drill 2: Fill Cut

Objective: Enhance cutting and footwork.
Instructions: Act like making a fill cut, create separation from the defender.
Key Points: Use back pivot, position hands correctly, create space.

Drill 3: Rear Cut

Objective: Effective cutting without the ball.
Instructions: Make a direct line cut, show the inside hand.
Key Points: Avoid banana cuts, cut straight to the basket.

Drill 4: Seven Cut

Objective: Create space and scoring opportunities.
Instructions: Use a zig-zag motion, creating a "7" shape cut.
Key Points: Use top foot to plant, cut directly to the basket.

Drill 5: Offensive Face-Up

Objective: Improve offensive positioning and decision-making.
Instructions: Catch, face-up, and decide whether to shoot or pass.
Key Points: Triple threat position, balance, and readiness.

Drill 6: Defensive Close-Out

Objective: Enhance defensive positioning and reaction.
Instructions: Sprint to close out, touch, and engage.
Key Points: Chop steps, maintain balance, and contain dribbler.

Drill 7: Transition Offense

Objective: Efficient transition from defense to offense.
Instructions: Run up the floor, making quick decisions.
Key Points: Attack mode, communication, and spacing.

Drill 8: Speed Dribble

Objective: Improve dribbling speed and control.
Instructions: Push the ball forward, sprint to retrieve.
Key Points: Keep head up, maintain control, and adjust speed.

Drill 9: Duke Speed Dribble

Objective: Enhance speed dribble with hand switching.
Instructions: Switch hands every dribble, protect the ball.
Key Points: Prevent back tips, understand purpose of drills.

Drill 10: Ball Pressure

Objective: Apply defensive pressure effectively.
Instructions: Maintain stance, use footwork to control opponent.
Key Points: Communicate, anticipate passes, and contain dribbler.

Strategies and Tips

Cutting Techniques

Show Hand: Inside hand shows when cutting in, outside when cutting out.
Change Pace: Vary speed and direction to confuse defenders.

Offensive Strategies

Triple Threat: Always be a threat to shoot, pass, or dribble.
Space and Movement: Use off-ball movement to create scoring opportunities.

Defensive Strategies

Positioning: Know your distance from the ball, man, and maintain stance.
Communication: Constantly talk with teammates to cover gaps and switches.

Closing Remarks

Implementing these drills will improve team performance.
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These notes summarize Coach Jim Huber's basketball drills aimed at enhancing youth players' skills in various aspects of the game. The focus is on practical drills that improve both offensive and defensive capabilities while ensuring players understand the game's strategic components.

Essential Youth Basketball Drills Guide