Basketball practice plan
60-Minute Youth Basketball Practice Plan
A one-hour practice that keeps every player dribbling and shooting, mixing fundamentals with fun games so kids stay engaged.
60 minutes8U to 12UFocus: Ball handling, passing and layupsSkill work with games
Warm-upSkillWater breakDrillCompetitionCool-down
Equipment
1 ball per player if possible · Cones · Pinnies · Two basketsThe plan, block by block
1. Warm-up
Dynamic warm-up
7 min0:00 - 7:00
- Baseline to half court: jog, high knees, defensive slides
- Ball around the waist and legs
Coaching points
- Stay low and light on the feet
2. Skill
Ball-handling stations
12 min7:00 - 19:00
Every player with a ball, spread out on the court.
- Stationary: pound dribbles, crossovers, between the legs
- On the move: right hand down, left hand back
Coaching points
- Fingertips, not palms
- Eyes up, call out the coach's fingers
Make it harder: Add a second ball for advanced players.
3. Skill
Layup lines
10 min19:00 - 29:00
Two lines at the elbows.
- Right-side layups: right-left-up
- Left-side layups: left-right-up
- Rebound and pass to the next shooter
Coaching points
- Jump off the opposite foot
- Use the backboard
4. Water break
Water break
2 min29:00 - 31:00
5. Drill
Partner passing
8 min31:00 - 39:00
Partners 10 feet apart.
- Chest passes, bounce passes, overhead passes
- Step into every pass
Coaching points
- Thumbs down on the follow-through
- Target the chest
6. Competition
Dribble knockout
8 min39:00 - 47:00
Everyone dribbling inside the three-point line.
- Keep your ball alive while knocking others out
- Knocked out? Do 5 ball slaps and come back in
Coaching points
- Protect the ball with your body
7. Competition
3v3 half-court games
10 min47:00 - 57:00
Two half courts, rotate teams on each make.
- Must make 2 passes before a shot
Coaching points
- Move after you pass
- Spacing: don't crowd the ball
8. Cool-down
Free throws and huddle
3 min57:00 - 60:00
- Each player shoots 2 free throws
- Quick shout-out for effort
Coach's notes
Lower the baskets to 8 feet for players under 10 if you can. Kids learn better shooting form when they don't have to heave it.How to adapt this plan
- Running short on balls? Pair players and alternate turns.
- For bigger groups, use all side baskets during the layup block.